Benefits of Bismillah & Alhamdullilah
Islam is not just a religion, but a way of life. The Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ have given mankind a complete charter of life. From something as little as a smile to the matters of life and death, Islam guides us on how to live a better life. Even when it comes to food, Islam teaches us basic dining etiquette and how to respect and appreciate food.
Growing up in a Muslim household, one of the first Islamic acts you learn is saying Bismillah before every meal and Alhamdulillah after finishing. Ever wondered why? Yes, it offers reward (thawab/sawab) and blessings (barakah) – but that's not all. These are precious gifts from Allah with innumerous benefits.
Today, we will shine light upon some of the amazing benefits of saying Bismillah and Alhamdulillah.
What are the benefits of Saying Bismillah?
Why say Bismillah before eating?
The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said (in meaning): "Before you eat, say: 'Bismillah.' If you forget to say it in the beginning, then say: ‘Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirah (In the Name of Allah, at the beginning and the end.)”
Saying Bismillah to seek the Blessings of Allah
Generally, we recite Bismillah before any action. By doing so, we ask for Allah’s blessings and remind ourselves that everything we do is by the will of Allah. Thus, when we recite Bismillah before starting our meal, we ask Allah to bless us with barakah in rizq.
Asking Allah for help
When you say Bismillah, you are asking for Allah’s help. Human beings need different kinds of help – when you are sick, you need someone to cure you, when you are confused, you need someone to clarify, when you are lost, you need someone to guide you. Similarly, if you are hungry, you do not need someone to protect you, you need to be fed.
Protection from Jinn
Saying Bismillah also keeps the evil jinn away from our rizq. For example, by saying Bismillah when you open or close a window it will keep the evil jinn from entering your premises.
Encourages good intentions
By consciously and deliberately saying Bismillah, you become aware of your actions. It reminds you to have good intentions in doing your task for the sake of Allah, which well then give you reward.
For example, eating food for the sake of Allah with the intention that you have energy to do good deeds, like praying. Or, having the intention to cover your ‘awrah (unlawful nakedness) for the sake of Allah, when you are getting dressed. This then makes the act rewarding in itself.
Discourages sinful acts
Making it a habit of saying bismillah before everything we do is a good moral compass and prevents you from performing wrongful actions. It will help you stay away from committing sins i.e. before you sin, remembering Allah will definitely make you twice about it!
Benefits of Saying Alhamdullilah
We are all too familiar with the phrase “Alhamdulillah” but do we actually understand the significance and power of this word? “Alhamdulillah” is the first phrase of the first surah of the Qur’an, that offers deep and strong benefits. It expresses our praise and gratitude for Allah, for many blessings.
Let’s reveal some hidden benefits of saying Alhamdulillah:
Praising Allah
The purpose of each and every Muslim on this planet is to obtain Allah’s acceptance. When we say Alhamdulillah, we praise and thank Him for everything we have and will ever have. This mere act of thankfulness is accepted by Allah so much that He says:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in favour.” (Surah Ibrahim: 7)
We need to remember that Allah is not obligated to giving us anything, therefore by giving us whatever He has given us, Allah has bestowed upon us an enormous amount of mercy. Alhamdulillah.
Encourages Gratitude
Saying Alhamdulillah is praising Allah for the good things He gave you. This reminds us that all the happiness in our life comes from Allah. It keeps us humble and grateful.
Saying Alhamdulillah reminds you to be appreciative for all the things that Allah has given you, such as food and drink, family, good friends, a home, and being Muslim. It teaches us not to take anything for granted and appreciate every little blessing.
Remembering Allah Promotes Positivity
Every time we say Alhamdulillah, it reminds us of Allah. When something good happens, it makes us acknowledge how merciful Allah is.
When things get hard, we turn to Allah for help. We cry in prayers and beg for his mercy to ease our pain and shower His blessings upon us. However, it is the hard times that truly test your Iman. Instead of worrying and stressing uncontrollably, you should remain grateful to Allah when something bad happens, and insha'Allah it reminds you to stay positive.
Strengthening your Iman
To strengthen your Iman, you should be aware of Allah’s reward, compassion, and mercy for believers. Even if you spend every second of every day in gratitude and appreciation, it will still not be enough. Saying Alhamdulillah reminds you that Allah is the creator and giver of everything. It makes us put our faith and trust in Allah and completely rely on Him. Surely Allah alone is sufficient for us – Hasbunallah wa ni’mal wakeel.
Conclusion
Saying Bismillah and Alhamdulillah allows you to express your sincerest praise to Allah. It reminds us to remember Allah in everything we do. So, recite these blessed words as much as you can and witness the benefits yourself!
