Regardless of what level your understanding is at with these traditions, this article will guide you through the solutions. We shall respond to most of the questions in your head freely and in simple language, so unwind and read, learn, and acquire your spirituality with confidence. Let us begin.
What to Read Before Reading The Quran?
Before reading the Quran, it is Islamic tradition and recommended in Islam to read two things:
1. Seeking Refuge (Isti’adhah):
You begin by saying:
“A’ūdhu billāhi min ash-shayṭāni r-rajīm” (أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم)
I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil.”
- The Basmalah:
Then, at the beginning of a surah (except for Surah At-Tawbah), say:
“Bismillāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm” (بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”
Putting it Together:
You typically say before reading:
- “A’ūdhu billāhi min ash-shayṭāni r-rajīm
- Bismillāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm”
This is due to the Quranic command in Surah An-Nahl (16:98):
“So when you recite the Qur’an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan the accursed.”
Note: For Surah At-Tawbah, you start without “Bismillāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm.”
Do You Have to Say Something before Reading the Quran?
It is not religiously obligatory to say specific words before reading the Quran, but rather an optional practice like a Sunnah in Islam.
The purpose of reciting these opening words is to cleanse oneself spiritually and request protection from distractions or evil temptations.
It is generally believed by most scholars that it is important to begin with the invocation of protection (isti’adhah) so as to maintain concentration and respect for the divine book.
But if one forgets to recite these words and begins to recite the Quran, then his recitation is also valid. The first is to approach the Quran with humble heart, sincere heart, and thinking heart.
Can You Read the Quran without Wudu?
Yes. You are permitted. You are free to read or recite the Quran by heart without wudu (ritual ablution). But. If you wish to touch and hold the authentic Arabic mushaf (the printed Quran in Arabic), the greater part of scholars would inform you that. You need to be in the state of wudu.
Summary:
Reciting from Memory: You are free to recite without wudu.
Reading from a Physical Mushaf in Arabic: Wudu is mandatory in the opinion of most scholars.
Reading from a Translation, Digital Device, or Tafsir: Most scholars permit touching and reading translations or digital versions of the Quran without wudu, but one should preferably be pure for respect for the book.
Note: Menstruating women and women who experience postnatal bleeding are usually discouraged from handling the mushaf, although recitation at this time is in contention among scholars.
In any case, spiritual and physical cleanliness is strongly encouraged as a sign of respect to the Quran.
What Happens if You Say Bismillah 21 Times?
There is no evidence in Islam, from the Quran or the Prophet Muhammad’s Hadith (peace be upon him), that repeating “Bismillah” 21 times is rewarded, beneficial, or punished.
Sometimes you might read in books or find people on social media where someone has said that if one pronounces “Bismillah” three times, a certain action will be done, such as being safeguarded, attaining wealth, or seeing a wish come true. These types of statements are not found in authentic Islamic sources.
In Islam:
It is highly recommended to pronounce “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before performing any action, since it does bring blessings and reminds Allah.
There is no hadith sanctioned gain of repeating it 21 times as per the Prophet’s teaching.
Repeating words or phrases using predetermined numbers is meant to be done only if found backed by the Quran or sound hadith.
If you want to receive blessings, it is a sunnah to say “Bismillah” during activities such as eating, entering the house, or resuming work, but not an unsubstantiated, random number. At all times, try to act on customs based on real evidence from Islam.
What If I Forgot to Say Bismillah?
If you catch yourself forgetting to say “Bismillah” before doing something like eating, drinking, or doing a common act, then this is what you should do from an Islamic perspective:
1. If You Remember While You Are Performing the Action
For example, you eat and you remind yourself that you forgot to say “Bismillah,” you must say:
“Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu”
(بسم الله أوله وآخره)
Translation: “In the name of Allah, at its beginning and its end.”
This is narrated in an authentic hadith:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“If someone among you forgets to say the name of Allah at the start [of eating], let him say: ‘Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu.'”
(Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi)
2. If You Remember After Completing the Action
If you remember only after doing so (for example, after having eaten), just apologize and try your best to do it next time. No punishment; only a forgotten sunnah.
Short version:
- If you remember during doing it, say “Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu.”
- If you remember after you’ve done it, simply try to recall next time.
Saying “Bismillah” is advocated for every activity of daily life, but forgetting it is not a sin; you just lose the extra blessing.
What Can I Say Instead of Bismillah?
The phrases “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) are the most chosen and central words to say before performing most activities in Islam, especially prior to eating and drinking, beginning work, or reading the Quran. It is said to call upon Allah’s name in protection and blessing.
But there are occasions and incidents for which you can use different words, especially if the situation or Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) demands different words. Some of them, depending on the situation, are listed below:
1. Including Attributes:
You can use the whole phrase:
“Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm” (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful), which is recited at the start of nearly every surah (chapter) of the Quran.
2. Other Expressions for Special Actions:
For some situations, there are some other supplications which are suggested:
Before Entering the Bathroom:
“Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal khubthi wal khaba’ith”
(O Allah, I seek refuge with You from male and female devils.)
Before Leaving the House:
“Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘alallah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah”
(In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, there is no power nor might except with Allah.)
3. Other Praise of Allah Before Actions
Though nothing can be used in place of “Bismillah” for daily use, you can utter the following:
“Alhamdulillah” (All praise is to Allah), primarily after having done something.
“SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah), for thanking and remembering, but not so much to start things.
“Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness from Allah), primarily stated after committing a wrong or sinning.
4. What If You Forgot?
As stated above, if you forgot to say “Bismillah” before eating, then say:
“Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu” (In the name of Allah, at its beginning and end).
Short version:
- For everything in general, “Bismillah” is the correct invocation.
- For particular occasions, use the Prophet Muhammad’s supplications he learned for that situation.
- General dhikr (remembrance of Allah) can be performed at any moment, though not necessarily as an alternative to “Bismillah” when an action is about to be done.
Conclusion
Understanding the etiquette and the dos and don’ts in advance enables us to read Allah’s words more respectfully and attentively.
Even though there are many important customs, such as saying “Bismillah” and being clean, recalling that what is most important is our sincerity and devotion is also very important.
In case you happen to forget a saying or question a tradition, do not panic; Islam is merciful and tolerant.
Willingness to abide by the Quran and hustle to approach Allah is what matters. Keep reading, reflecting, and rereading the Quran at your own pace, and may your journey be rewarding and serene.
