This week’s word of the week, Bismillah, explores a word taken from the Dictionary of Loanwords in the Cape Muslim Vernacular, written by Mogamat Alexander. It is an Arabic word that means “… in the name of Allah”.

The dictionary further states that, “Bismillah is uttered before you begin something, especially before eating and/or drinking”.

“Bismillah: implying ‘go ahead, I’ll follow’”

Example scenarios:

When a guest comes over, and you indicate for them to enter first and say, “Bismillah.”

When you’re at the dinner table and before you start eating, you say, “Bismillah.”

Those who say these words usually say them from a place of sincerity; you say it right from the heart and with meaning. 

Read more here to learn about Surah.

***

Tell us: Have you used Bismillah before?