"In the name of God the most gracious and the most merciful", or just "bismillah"


A non-Muslim friend of mine asked me about this, so I thought I might share it here as well, in my simple understanding. I see some people get scared and say things like "stop it~ you're so pious~" when we say phrases we've been taught to say in Arabic like alhamdulillah, insya Allah, and so on.

It's actually just a phrase to remind us to be a better student, child, teacher, and most of all, a better person in His' eyes (which is our main goal!). So don't get scared.. I'm forgetful, that's why I need to remind myself with these phrases.. Hehehe

By beginning any words, works, (basically anything in our life that we do "specifically") with the quote, it's like we setting up our mind to do that work sincerely and will do it the best that we can, without any bad intentions, because when we say His name, we know He is always there to observe whatever we do (in our belief).

For example, in class, if we recite the quote before the lecturer begin the lesson, it reminds us to respect the lecturer especially, and also the rest of the classmates by not to bother others' focus, and to always learn as it's our responsibility for now.

Or maybe before we go out and have fun with friends, so that we won't act overboard and always obey the guidelines He has provided, for example the relationship between different genders, our attires, and also the kind of entertainment we choose.

And not to forget, by finishing any opinion with Wallahua'lam : Only He knows best

Because we're just a human, we make mistake and always be open for any rectification.