“The greatness of the Creator is seated in their heart...

“The greatness of the Creator is seated in their heart, and so, everything else appears small in their eyes.”[^6] Surah al-Hamd In every prayer, the recital of Surah al-Hamd (or al-Fatihah ) is necessary. It is the surah {chapter} that describes God as the Creator and Nourisher of the universe, Most Beneficent and Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment, followed by a declaration of worshipping only Him, and beseeching only Him for His help and guidance in treading the straight path.

Now, we shall discuss the highlights of this surah : Bismillahi’r-rahmani’r-rahim {In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful} We begin with the name and help of the All-beneficent and All-merciful God. He is the Lord whose compassion encompasses all and whose kindness is universal and everlasting. Others have either no compassion, or their compassion is limited, or their aim is not to be compassionate.

But in the case of God, even His act of creating all beings is based on grace and kindness: ﴿ إِلاَّ مَنْ رَحِمَ رَبُّكَ وَ لِذٰلِك خَلََقَهُم ﴾ “Except those on whom your Lord has mercy—and that is why He created them.” [^7] Whoever loses the mercy of the Lord is himself responsible. Divine mercy is all-encompassing, but sometimes, people close the door of mercy for themselves through their false thinking and actions.

Bismillah {In the Name of Allah} at the beginning of every action is the secret code of love for God, reliance on Him, seeking help from Him, and depending on Him. Bismillah means holding fast and clinging to the inspiration-giving Name of God and fleeing from the insinuations of Satan.

Bismillah has been at the beginning of all heavenly scriptures,[^8] and the prophets ( ‘a ) also used to start all their work with the name of Allah.[^9] This act sets man under the protection and care of God and anyone who sincerely seeks refuge in God will be guided on the straight path: ﴿ وَمَن يَعْتَصِم بِاللّهِ فَقَدْ هُدِيَ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ ﴾ “And whoever takes recourse in Allah is certainly guided to a straight path.” [^10] Bismillah is the sign of servitude to God and dependence on Him.

It is like saying: “O Lord! I have not forgotten You. I begin every activity with Your Name. I take You as my Protecter and drive away Satan through Your assistance.” Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ) said: “ Bismillah is the crown of all surah s,”[^11] and it is the sign of security and mercy.

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