It necessarily follows that the theme of every chapter is...

It necessarily follows that the theme of every chapter is different from the other; every chapter is revealed with a certain aim in view, and when that aim is achieved the chapter comes to its end. Therefore, the verse, "In the name of Allâh, the Beneficent, the Merciful" coming at the beginning of every chapter, refers to the particular theme of that chapter. Accordingly, this verse, at the beginning of this chapter of "The Opening", refers also to the theme of this chapter.

It appears from its semantic flow that its purpose is to praise Allâh and to pledge the believer's servitude (declaring that he worships only Allâh and seeks help from Him only) and then to pray for divine guidance. This speech has been uttered by Allâh, on be­half of His servant, so that the servant may learn how, by repeat­ing these words, he may show his gratitude to, and servitude before, Allâh.

This pledging of servitude is the important work which the servant of Allâh intends to do; and which he begins in the name of Allâh, the Beneficent, the Merciful. In this context, this verse would mean: In Thy name, I pledge my servitude to Thee. In this first verse of this chapter, therefore, the preposition, "in", is related to the implied verb, "I begin"; and the aim is to perfect the sincere servitude by addressing the pledge to Allâh Himself.

Some people have said that the implied verb is "I seek help" (by); although this view is not objectionable, but "I begin" is more appropriate - the chapter explicitly seeks divine help, "and Thee do we beseech for help"; therefore, it is not necessary in the beginning. "al-Ism" ( = name) is the word that points to the named thing or person. It is derived from as-simah ( = sign, identifying mark) or as-sumuww ( = height, eminence).

In any case, it is the word by which an individual thing or person is spoken of or spoken to. Naturally, it is other than, and separate from, the named thing. The following is a sample of the academic exercises so much loved by the ancients: There is a name that means "the person himself seen in the light of an attribute"; such a name is not separate from the named person; it is the person himself.

The word al-?lim ( = The Knower), one of the divine names, points to the Person of Allâh as seen in the light of His attribute of Knowledge. At the same time, it refers to Allâh Who cannot be known except by one or the other of His attributes.