Hopeful Beginning The Sunday Guardian | June 20, 2010 | Page 14
Bismillah hir reman ir rahim is the first verse of Quran. It is repeated no less than one hundred and fourteen times. This repetition shows that, according to the Quran, this verse has great importance in the scheme of things given in the Quran.
The translation of this verse is: “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” The Prophet of Islam said that at the beginning of everything you do, you should recite this verse.
Beginning things by saying this verse is very important. It gives you great hopes. After reciting this, you can believe that you are starting your work in a world that is controlled by the God Almighty and that, if you follow the right path, you will have divine help bestowed upon you.
This particular belief, freeing you of tension and despair, gives you great psychological courage. It inculcates the sprit of positivity. The recitation of this verse is not simply lip- service: it shows your conviction about the Creation Plan of God.
Recitation of this world not only gives you courage but it also helps you to build a positive mode in your personality. This positivity helps you plan your life on a realistic base.
When you say the words, “I begin in the name of God Almighty,” you establish a relationship with the greatest power of the Universe. You feel that you are not alone in this world. God Almighty is on your side.
You feel that you are not an alien in this world, but an integral part of your surroundings.
Saying the verse Bismillah hir rehman ir rahim is not any form of ritual. It is a real part of belief.
It is not only an acknowledgement of the Creator of the Universe, but it is a solemn expression of honesty and sincerity.