Bismillah and Alhamdulillah
Islamic Studies · Early Years · The School
Two little words, all day long
BISMILLAH means "in the name of Allah". We say it when we start. We say it before we eat. We say it before we go out. We say it before we open a book. ALHAMDULILLAH means "all praise is for Allah". We say it after. We say it after we eat. We say it after a drink of water. We say it when something goes well. Two words turn ordinary moments into talking to Allah.
Try it today
Try it today. Before your next meal, say Bismillah out loud. When you finish, say Alhamdulillah. A grown-up can say it with you the first few times. Doing it is how it sticks. Being told about it is not enough.
Why we say them
Why do we say them? Bismillah helps us remember something. Everything good comes from Allah. Even a plate of food. Even a sunny day. It is a small thank-you. Small thank-yous, said often, make a grateful heart. That is why we start young.
Here is Yusuf's Saturday. Follow him through the day and count with him. He wakes up. He says Bismillah before he gets dressed. That is one. At breakfast, he says Bismillah before his toast. That is two. He finishes his toast. It tasted good, so he says Alhamdulillah. That is one. Before the car ride to Grandma's house, he says Bismillah again. That is three. The car arrives safely. He says Alhamdulillah. That is two. At the park he tumbles off the swing. He is not hurt, so he says Alhamdulillah again. That is three. Before his bath, Bismillah. That is four. After his warm bath, Alhamdulillah. That is four. By bedtime, Yusuf has said Bismillah four times and Alhamdulillah four times. Eight little words, all through one ordinary Saturday. He was not trying to count. He was just noticing Allah, again and again.