Bismillah Meaning
In the name of Allah: said before starting something. Here is its meaning, the Arabic and where it comes from.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
- Transliteration
- Bismillāh
- Meaning
- In the name of Allah
- Say it
- bis-MIL-laah
Quick answer
Bismillah (بِسْمِ اللَّهِ) means “in the name of Allah”. Muslims say it before eating, drinking, travelling, studying or starting any task. The full form, “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” (in the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful), opens Surah al-Fatiha (Quran 1:1) and every surah of the Quran except Surah at-Tawbah.
Bismillah means “in the name of Allah”. Muslims say it before beginning an action, such as eating, travelling, studying or starting work, to begin with Allah’s name and seek His blessing.
The full phrase: Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Bismillāhi r-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīm: “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.” This full phrase, called the Basmala, opens Surah al-Fatiha (Quran 1:1) and begins every surah of the Quran except Surah at-Tawbah (chapter 9).
When do Muslims say Bismillah?
- Before eating and drinking: the Prophet ﷺ told a young boy, “Mention the name of Allah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376, Sahih Muslim 2022).
- Before reciting the Quran.
- Before starting work, a journey or any important task.
- When entering the home and in many other daily moments.
What do Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim mean?
Both names come from the Arabic root for mercy. Ar-Raḥmān is usually explained as the One whose mercy is vast and encompasses all creation; Ar-Raḥīm as the One who is continually merciful, especially to the believers.
If you forget to say Bismillah before eating
The Prophet ﷺ taught that if you forget at the start, say when you remember: “Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu”: in the name of Allah, at its beginning and its end (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767, graded sahih).
Quran and hadith references link to quran.com and sunnah.com, where you can read the full text. Reviewed 27 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Bismillah mean?
Bismillah means “in the name of Allah”. Muslims say it before starting actions such as eating, travelling or reading the Quran.
What is the meaning of Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim?
It means “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful”. It opens Surah al-Fatiha and every surah of the Quran except Surah at-Tawbah.
Which surah does not start with Bismillah?
Surah at-Tawbah (chapter 9) is the only surah of the Quran that does not begin with Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim.
Is it enough to say only “Bismillah” before eating?
Yes. The hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (5376) and Sahih Muslim (2022) instructs mentioning Allah’s name before eating; saying “Bismillah” fulfils this.
What do you say if you forget Bismillah before eating?
Say “Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu” (in the name of Allah, at its beginning and its end) when you remember (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767).