What does Al-Basmala mean?

Islam > Glossary > Al-Basmala

Discover the meaning of the term Al-Basmala (بسملة) in Islamic vocabulary.

Updated on 11 April 2026 at 1:05 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition Al-Basmala

The saying: "Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate). An abbreviation of the phrase.
When to say it? Before every act: eating, drinking, performing ablution, reading the Quran

Al-Basmala according to Al-Qamus al-Fiqhi

Having said (bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim) or having written it.

Related terms: Al-Basmala

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إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّ ۚ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا

God and His angels shower their blessings on the Prophet. O believers, you should also send your blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting.

Al-Ahzab 33:56

Blessings on the Prophet ﷺ