Meaning & Virtues of the Basmalah — Insights from Iʿānah at-Ṭālibīn

We often hear the call, “Don’t forget to say Bismillah!” every time we are about to start something. This phrase is so familiar — uttered dozens of times a day as a routine opener to our activities.. But have you ever stopped for a moment and asked: what spiritual power is actually contained in the phrase “Bismillah”?

Within the treasure trove of classical Islamic texts, particularly the book I’anah at-Talibin by Sheikh Abu Bakar Syatha, classical sources describe this phrase as possessing profound spiritual significance — a key to blessings in the heavens and the earth..

Before we delve deeper into its spiritual secrets, let’s first satisfy the most basic curiosity: What is the actual definition and origin of the word “Basmalah” itself?

What Is the Basmalah? Definition & Etymology

We often hear the term “reading the Basmala”, but do you know where this word comes from? Referring to the Arabic dictionary Al-Maʿānī, we find the following definition.

Linguistically, basmalah (بَسْمَلَة) is an ism (noun) that functions as a maṣdar (verbal noun) derived from the verb basmala (بَسْمَلَ).

قَرَأَ الْبَسْمَلَةَ : أَيْ قَرَأَ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ وَالْكَلِمَةُ اخْتِزَالٌ وَنَحْتٌ لِمُجْمَلِ الْجُمْلَةِ

“Reciting the Basmalah: i.e., reciting Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm. The word is an abbreviation (ikhtiṣāl) and a morphological contraction (naḥt) of the full phrase.”

In Arabic grammar this process is called naḥt (نحت) — a morphological contraction analogous (in function) to an acronym: shortening a larger phrase for lexical use.

In terms of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), the Basmalah is defined as:

حكاية قول ((بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم)) ( على سبيل النحت )¹

“Mentioning the phrase ‘Bismillahirrahmanirrahim’ (by abbreviation/naht).”

So, when our scholars or teachers tell us to “say Bismillah,” it is a shorthand code for reciting the complete sacred phrase: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Having understood the definition, let us delve into the great secret hidden behind this sentence according to I’anah at-Talibin.

History of the Heavens: The First Sentence Written of Destiny

Have you ever wondered, what was the first writing in this universe? According to the narrations mentioned in I’anah at-Talibin, the Basmalah is the earliest phrase inscribed by the Qalam (Pen of Destiny).

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

أول ما كتب القلم بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم, فإذا كتبتم كتابا فاكتبوها أوله, وهي مفتاح كل كتاب أنزل

“The first thing written by the Pen is Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Therefore, when you write a text, write the Basmala at the beginning, for it is the key to every revealed book.”

The greatness of this verse is also evident from the reaction of the universe when it first descended to earth. Sheikh Abu Bakar Syatha described the atmosphere as so epic: clouds shifted to the east, the wind stopped blowing until the atmosphere became silent, the seas raged, and animals perked up their ears attentively.

Indeed, Allah swears by His majesty that whoever mentions His name (through Basmalah) upon the sick, He will grant healing. And nothing is mentioned with His name except that blessings will descend upon it.

The Secret of the Number 19 and the Shield from Hell

One unique fact often discussed by scholars is the number of letters in the writing of Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. If you count them carefully according to the rules of Arabic writing (rasm), there are 19 letters.

It turns out, this number is not a coincidence. It is closely related to the angels guarding Hellfire, who also number 19, as Allah says in Surah Al-Muddatstsir: “Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians).”

In the book, it is explained:

عدد حروف البسملة الرسمية تسعة عشر حرفا, وعدد خزنة النار تسعة عشر خازنا

“The number of letters in the Basmala (In the name of Allah) in its writing is nineteen, and the number of guardians of Hell is nineteen.”

Protection from the Angels of Punishment (Zabaniyah)

Ibn Mas’ud gave an extraordinary spiritual tip for anyone who wants to be safe from the severity of the Zabaniyah Angels. He advised us to routinely recite the Basmala. Allah makes each letter of the Basmala a shield to face one of the angels guarding hell.

This is a beautiful form of spiritual mathematics: 19 letters to face 19 guardians. The power of the angels, according to narrations, originates from this sentence. Therefore, making Basmalah a daily dhikr is a wise step for salvation in the afterlife.

Do Not Curse the Devil, But Say Bismillah

We often hear people cursing when they stumble or experience bad luck by blaming the devil. “Damn the devil!” or other curses. It turns out, the Prophet ﷺ forbade this.

In I’anah at-Talibin, a narration is mentioned of when a man said “Woe to the devil” in the presence of the Prophet.

لا تقل ذلك فإنه يتعاظم عنده… ولكن قل بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم, فإنه يصغر حتى يصير أقل من ذبابة

“Do not say that, for it (the devil) will become arrogant… But say ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’, for indeed it will shrink until it becomes smaller than a fly.”

Cursing actually gives a stage to the devil. He feels important and great. Conversely, by mentioning the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful, we place the devil in his true position: a small, powerless creature in the face of God’s power. This is the most powerful and elegant way to repel the devil’s interference.

The Pinnacle of Meaning: The Letter Bā’ and the Dot beneath it

This section may sound a little heavy, but this is the essence of Sufi wisdom in understanding the meaning of Bismillah. Scholars explain the remarkable concept of “condensation of meaning.”

It is narrated that Allah revealed 104 scriptures to earth (including to the Prophets Shīth, Ibrāhīm, Mūsā, and ʿĪsā).

1. All the meanings in those 104 books are gathered in the Quran.
2. All the meanings of the Quran are encompassed in Surah Al-Fatihah.
3. All the meanings of Al-Fatihah are encompassed in the Basmalah.
4. And at its peak, all the meanings of Basmalah are gathered in the letter Ba’ (ب).

More specifically, some scholars argue that the meaning lies in the dot below the letter Ba’.

ومعانيها مجموعة في بائها, ومعناها: بي كان ما كان, وبي يكون ما يكون

“And its meaning is encompassed in its Ba’, and its meaning is: With Me (Allah) is what has been, and with Me will occur what will be.”

The letter Ba’ has the meaning of Ilshaq or attachment/connection. This reminds us that the purpose of all knowledge and worship is the “connection” of a servant to his Lord. Without this connection, all our activities become empty and meaningless.

Why the Letter Ba’, Not Alif?

There’s an interesting philosophy as to why Allah chose the letter Ba’ as the opener, not Alif. Even though Alif is the first letter in the alphabet.

The answer lies in the “attitude” of the letter. Alif stands upright, implying arrogance and loftiness. Whereas Ba’ is shaped flat and has a dot below (kasrah/broken). This symbolizes humility (tawadhu) and a broken heart due to fear of Allah.

أنا عند المنكسرة قلوبهم

“Indeed, I am with those whose hearts are broken/humble (for My sake).”

To reach Allah, we cannot come with a puffed-up chest like the letter Alif. We must come with humility like the letter Ba’. This is the greatest character lesson from Basmalah.

Etiquette for Honoring the Written Basmalah

Besides its philosophical meaning, this book also teaches proper etiquette towards the physical writing itself. Never underestimate a piece of paper with the name of Allah on it that falls to the ground.

A narration from Ali bin Abi Talib r.a. mentions:

فمن رفع كتابا من الأرض فيه البسملة رفع الله اسمه في أعلى عليين²

“Whoever picks up a paper from the ground containing the Basmala, Allah will elevate his name to the highest place (Illiyyin).”

The simple act of picking up a piece of paper with Bismillahirrahmanirrahim written on it and placing it in a proper place can be a reason for the forgiveness of our sins and the sins of our parents. This teaches us to be sensitive and respect religious symbols, no matter how small.

Make Basmalah the Key to Your Life

The explanation from I’anah at-Talibin and the linguistic definition above open our eyes to the fact that Basmalah is not merely a term or a verbal ritual. It is a Naht (engraving) of a great phrase that is a prayer, a protection, a philosophy of life, and a direct connection of the servant with the Creator.

Starting today, let us change the way we recite the Basmalah. Recite it with full awareness that we are holding the “key” to the universe, seeking refuge from the fires of hell, and humbling our hearts before the Almighty.

God willing, actions begun in the Name of Allah are more likely to be blessed and completed.