God says -
Bismillaa hir rahmaa nir raheem
In the name of God, the Most Graceful [rahmaan], the Most Gracious [raheem] (Q1:1)
Both the divine epithets rahmaan and raheem are derived from the noun rahmah, which signifies “mercy”, “compassion”, “loving tenderness” and more comprehensively, “grace”. From the very earliest times, Islamic scholars have endeavored to define the exact shades of meanings which differentiate the two terms. The best and simplest of these explanations is undoubtedly the one advanced by Ibn al-Qayyim (as quoted in Manar I, 48): the term rahmaan circumscribes the quality of abounding grace inherited in, and inseparable from, the concept of God’s Being, whereas raheem expresses the manifestation of that grace in, and its effect upon, His creation – in other words, an aspect of His activity.
Muslims recite this meritorious verse in the beginning of doing any activity daily. Indeed, it becomes a source of remembrance of God if recited consciously of His presence “Whatever work you may do–(remember that) We are your witness (from the moment) when you enter upon it.” Q.10:61(part)
Prophet said -
“An activity is severed (from its blessings) if not begun with the words: Bismillaa hir rahmaa nir raheem [In the name of God, the Most Graceful, the Most Gracious] “ – Hadith: Abu Daud. Narrator: Abu Hurairah.
Note: “Q” is short for Qur’an. The first number after the “Q” represents the number of the chapter (surah), the second stands for its verse. The translations and commentary are based on Muhammad Asad The Message of The Qur’an (Gibraltar: Dar Al-Andalus 1980). My own words occur in green like these notes.
Reminder:. Please use honorifics. After the name or the title of the Prophet say “Sual-lal lahu ‘Alaihi wa Sal-lam”; (peace and blessings upon him); after the name or the title of every prophet (nabi) and apostle (rasul) say “ ‘Alai his salaam” (peace be upon him/ them); and after the name of their family member, as well as, companion, say “Radi Allahu ‘Anhu” (may God be pleased with him / her).
