What to say on the food?
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Salaam bro,
Regarding the words -bismiLlah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem- one can understand from the Koran that these words are a seal to mark the words that are Godly inspired - as the beginning of a chapter of the Koran or as the beginning of the letter of the prophet Solomon, verse 2730.
The words -bismiLlah- mark the words inspired by the Creator, they are not the private words of the prophet or the messenger.
So any other believer who is not Godly inspired should avoid the use of words that suggest that one is Godly inspired - by saying in the name of God.
Some believers even write -bismiLlah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem above letters, or say these holy words when they enter a house and so on.
The literal translation of the wording -bismiLlah- implies if used by an ordinary believer that one suggests to act or speak in the name of God, this seems not to be appropiate.I don't agree with your understand about BismiAllah AlRahmaan AlRaheeem
After going through the aayaats I understand that "Allah" is not the name but it is simple "Al + Ilaha" that means "The + God", and also "AlRahmaan" is not the name.
113 suras starts with "BismiAllah AlRahmaan AlRaheem", lets break it up and see...
Bi with
Ism name
Allah Allah
AlRahmaan AlRahmaan
AlRaheem AlRaheemThe word "Ism" is singular, so "AlRahmaan" and "AlRaheem" both cannot be the names. Furthermore...
17110
17110 Say Call upon Allah or call upon AlRahmaan; to whomever you call, to Him are the best names. And do not be too loud in making your contact prayer, nor too quiet; but seek a path in between.17110 makes it more clear that AlRahmaan is also not the name. So, in "BismiAllah AlRahmaan AlRaheem", only "AlRaheem" might be the name of Allah. Or "Allah", "AlRahmaan" and "AlRaheem" all might be the attributes NOT THE NAMES. You may be thinking then why it is said "BismiAllah" in the beginning, to understand it better, please take a look at 1141
1141
1141 And he said Ride in it, in the name of Allah shall be its running and its anchorage. My Lord is Forgiving, Merciful.He said "BismiAllah" with out taking any name of Allah .
BismiAllah is used similar to BismiRabbika in 961
961
961 Read with the name of your Lord who has created.As "Rabb" is not the name but it means "Lord", similarly "Allah" is not the name but it means "The God". At the moment, this is how I understand.
So, finally I was looking for the names of Allah, what are they?
5924
5924 He is Allah; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Noble, the Wise.I found only three names that is in 5924 i.e., "AlQaaliq", "AlBaariy" and "AlMusawwir" and all are unique, and it has to be unique because...
1965
1965 Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them. So serve Him and be patient in His service. Do you know anyone who has Name similar to Him?Names of Allah are unique and beautiful.
This is my current understanding about Allah and His names.
May Allah forgive us if we are mistaken and increase us in knowledge and guide us all to His true path pr
Mohammed M. Khan -
I think there is no special "statement" required to say before eating food,the way i understand it is that we should choose good,wholesome,natural foods,and if we eat meat,we should choose the animals that have been slaughtered in the most merciful way.
I think meal time is a spiritual time,a time when we are in a state of humbleness and gratitude for these provisions that sustain us and help us perform our duties.
If there was a special "statement" to utter,we would have known from the Quran, and to my knowledge,there is none.Peace to you all
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And thus,I agree totally with Paradox, that God is life, and that it is natural to mention his name and attributes,and to be in gratitude for his provisions that sustain us.
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Yes. Adding the attributes is further acknowledging the real God. Which btw there was an interesting discussion on, about whether it meant compassionte or almighty. There can be only one almighy God, that is logical. So if there is a submeaning or meaning of almighty, that further strengthens the monotheistic perspective.
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Salaam brother
I don't agree with your understand about BismiAllah AlRahmaan AlRaheeem
After going through the aayaats I understand that "Allah" is not the name but it is simple "Al + Ilaha" that means "The + God", and also "AlRahmaan" is not the name.
113 suras starts with "BismiAllah AlRahmaan AlRaheem", lets break it up and see...
Bi with
Ism name
Allah Allah
AlRahmaan AlRahmaan
AlRaheem AlRaheem
The word "Ism" is singular, so "AlRahmaan" and "AlRaheem" both cannot be the names. Furthermore...It seems that -in the name- of God as in -bismiLlah- refers to the word Allah and not to the two names or attributes.
The prophet or messenger speaks or acts -in the name of God- because this person has been inspired by the Creator.
There is a difference between to speak or act -in the name of God- (the Gracious, the Compassionate) and to mention the name of God on the food or on the to be slaughtered (or may be to be milked) animal.17110
17110 Say Call upon Allah or call upon AlRahmaan; to whomever you call, to Him are the best names. And do not be too loud in making your contact prayer, nor too quiet; but seek a path in between.17110 makes it more clear that AlRahmaan is also not the name. So, in "BismiAllah AlRahmaan AlRaheem", only "AlRaheem" might be the name of Allah. Or "Allah", "AlRahmaan" and "AlRaheem" all might be the attributes NOT THE NAMES. You may be thinking then why it is said "BismiAllah" in the beginning, to understand it better, please take a look at 1141
In this verse the word -ar-Rahman- can be seen as an example of the names or attributes of Allah.
For now I see no difference between a name or attribute of Allah.
In the Koran more than 100 names are mentioned, they also can be regarded as attributes.1141
1141 And he said Ride in it, in the name of Allah shall be its running and its anchorage. My Lord is Forgiving, Merciful.He said "BismiAllah" with out taking any name of Allah .
The fact that according to verse 1141 the messenger-prophet Noah spoke these words further support that only the inspired prophets and messengers where allowed to speak these holy words, in conveying a text or related to an action.
As is the case with the beginning of the letter of the prophet Solomon, verse 2730.
With the permission of God the prophets and messengers where allowed to speak the words in the name of God.
Ordinary believers are advised to only recite these words from the Koran and not to use them privately, for instance when entering a house.Peace,
TruthseekerDisclaimer the study of the Koran is work in progress, every information in any posting on this forum should be controlled by the believers themselves in the best way - verse 1736.
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I think there is no special "statement" required to say before eating food,the way i understand it is that we should choose good,wholesome,natural foods,and if we eat meat,we should choose the animals that have been slaughtered in the most merciful way.
I think meal time is a spiritual time,a time when we are in a state of humbleness and gratitude for these provisions that sustain us and help us perform our duties.
If there was a special "statement" to utter,we would have known from the Quran, and to my knowledge,there is none.Salaam Sa'adah
53 - Forbidden to you is what is already dead, and the blood, the meat of pig, and animals sacrificed to other than God ... -
6145 - Say, I do not find in what is inspired to me forbidden except that it be already dead, or blood poured forth, or the meat of pig, for it is foul; or what is corruptly dedicated to other than God ... -
These verses show that the polytheists dedicated food and animals to the idols.
From this we may get the understanding of next verses6118 - So eat from that on which God's name has been mentioned, if you indeed acknowledge His signs. -
6121 - Do not eat from what God's name has not been mentioned, for it is vile ? -
2234 - For every nation We have made a rite that they may mention God's name over what He has provided for them of the animal livestock ... -
These verses inform the believers that they have to mention the name of God on the food and on the to be slaughtered (may be also on the to be milked) animals. These verses seem to be very clear, there seems not to be a reason to read these verses in a symbolical way.
Especially verse 6121 is very compelling to read it literal, the verse forbids to eat from any food on which the name of God has not been mentioned.The quality of the food is dealt with in other verses
588 - Eat from what God has provided for you, good and lawful; and be aware of God in whom you acknowledge. -
2168 - O people, eat of what is in the earth as good and lawful, and do not follow the steps of the devil; he is to you a clear enemy. -
Peace,
TruthseekerDisclaimer the study of the Koran is work in progress, every information in any posting on this forum should be controlled by the believers themselves in the best way - verse 1736.
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Salaam,
I think there is no special "statement" required to say before eating food,the way i understand it is that we should choose good,wholesome,natural foods,and if we eat meat,we should choose the animals that have been slaughtered in the most merciful way.
I think meal time is a spiritual time,a time when we are in a state of humbleness and gratitude for these provisions that sustain us and help us perform our duties.
If there was a special "statement" to utter,we would have known from the Quran, and to my knowledge,there is none.Yes, correct, but it is said
6118
6118 So eat from that on which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if you indeed believe in His revelations.6121
6121 And do not eat from that which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for it is wickedness. And the devils they inspire their supporters to argue with you; and if you obey them, then you are polytheists.It is not for you, the Name has to be taken by the one who slaughters and it is compulsory as per 6121.
May Allah guide us all to His true path pr
Mohammed M. Khan -
Salaam brother
Yes, correct, but it is said
6118
6118 So eat from that on which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if you indeed believe in His revelations.6121
6121 And do not eat from that which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for it is wickedness. And the devils they inspire their supporters to argue with you; and if you obey them, then you are polytheists.It is not for you, the Name has to be taken by the one who slaughters and it is compulsory as per 6121.
There seem to be two rulings
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The one who slaughters (or may be milks) the animal should mention the name of God over the living animal - verse 2234.
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The one who eats any food (meat, fish, bread, fruit, vegetables etc.) should mention the name of God over the food - verse 6118, 6121.
In verses 6118 and 6121 eating in general is mentioned not only the eating of meat.
Preferable to be safe than sorry.Peace,
TruthseekerDisclaimer the study of the Koran is work in progress, every information in any posting on this forum should be controlled by the believers themselves in the best way - verse 1736.
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These are rulings from the Koran - it seems to be inappropriate to decide for oneself if it is important enough or not, to try to fulfil these orders from the Koran in the best way, in the way that the Koran prescribes.
It is adviced not to be sarcastic about verses of the Koran.First I see no problems to be sarcastic / critical on anything... including the Quran.
Second I'm being sarcastic on your 'interpretation' of the verse.
Third Trying to debate / finding out the exact saying or uttered words on food is something which is menial / unimportant and meaningless, let's do a test.. what should happen with a mute person? He/she shouldn't ate any food?
Fourth Historically and culturally.. this verse might relates to the context of 'eating food dedicated / blessed to/with the idols' within arab paganism society. There are verses in torah and bible which forbid eating things sacrificed to the idols. Furthermore the bible also forbid eating meat from mis-treated animals, such as killed through strangulation or other painful death. The concept is All lives are holy, killing an animal for purpose of eating are allowable given you must seek a 'blessing' (and pardon) from those who created the life and you must ensure the process shall cause minimum pain to the animal. Tortured animal's meat and meat sacrificed to idols are forbidden to eat. (non-kosher)
Salam / Peace
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Third Trying to debate / finding out the exact saying or uttered words on food is something which is menial / unimportant and meaningless, let's do a test.. what should happen with a mute person? He/she shouldn't ate any food?
This could go anywhere
With this way of reasoning one could try to say that -salat- is unimportant because some persons are not able to do this because they are hindered mentally or physically.The relevant verses of the Koran tell the believers clearly that the name of God has to be spoken on the food and on the to be slaughtered (and may be to be milked) animal. It is not up to the believers to decide which rulings of the Koran are important or not.
6118 - So eat from that on which God's name has been mentioned, if you indeed acknowledge His signs. -
6121 - Do not eat from what God's name has not been mentioned, for it is vile ? -
2234 - For every nation We have made a rite that they may mention God's name over what He has provided for them of the animal livestock ... -
The strong wording of verse 6121 indicates the importance of the ruling - it is a vile to eat from what the name of God has not been mentioned on.
For people who can not speak, other people who eat together with them could mention the name of God on the food.
For instance when a mute person eats alone, then following rule of verse 6145 is relevant- ... Whoever is forced without seeking disobedience or transgression, then your Lord is Forgiving, Compassionate. -
Peace,
TruthseekerDisclaimer the study of the Koran is work in progress, every information in any posting on this forum should be controlled by the believers themselves in the best way - verse 1736.
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...If you really see a difference between "mentioning the name of God" and uttering "in the name of God".. ...
Peace everyone. Paradox Uncreated it does seem quite picky. I hope it's ok to say Bismillah as even my children do it. It's also something I enjoy because it means a lot to me to think of God before eating.
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Peace everyone. Paradox Uncreated it does seem quite picky. I hope it's ok to say Bismillah as even my children do it. It's also something I enjoy because it means a lot to me to think of God before eating.
Well, God created you to worship him. To do that one needs to eat. So yes, it is in the name/cause of God.
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This could go anywhere
With this way of reasoning one could try to say that -salat- is unimportant because some persons are not able to do this because they are hindered mentally or physically.Indeed... 'salat' is is NOT about the 'ritual bowing, kneeling and prostrating'.. it's meaningless
Salat is about 'commandment' or 'binding/attachment to the God's commandment'..
That's why the technicality of 'salat' is unexplained in the quran... (what to say, what's the move etc..)
All people with their limitation should be able to abide toward's God's commandment...The rites itself are not important.. the COMMANDMENT IS!
Uphold the commandment.. uphold the commandment... uphold the commandment..
That's the consistent and common theme starting from Torah up to Quran... which again people had tendency to pay more details towards the menial and unimportant technicalities..In the bible there are many more verbose statement such as..
I DESIRE COMPASSION NOT ANIMAL SACRIFICE (Hebrew Korban)
I DESIRE JUSTICE NOT BURNT OFFERINGSAnd yet people continue to debate / discuss the technical details on how to offer sacrifice or burnt offerings.. which I say it again and again are menial and not important..
Salam / Peace
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Indeed... 'salat' is is NOT about the 'ritual bowing, kneeling and prostrating'.. it's meaningless
Salat is about 'commandment' or 'binding/attachment to the God's commandment'..
That's why the technicality of 'salat' is unexplained in the quran... (what to say, what's the move etc..)
All people with their limitation should be able to abide toward's God's commandment...The rites itself are not important.. the COMMANDMENT IS!
Uphold the commandment.. uphold the commandment... uphold the commandment..
That's the consistent and common theme starting from Torah up to Quran... which again people had tendency to pay more details towards the menial and unimportant technicalities..In the bible there are many more verbose statement such as..
I DESIRE COMPASSION NOT ANIMAL SACRIFICE (Hebrew Korban)
I DESIRE JUSTICE NOT BURNT OFFERINGSAnd yet people continue to debate / discuss the technical details on how to offer sacrifice or burnt offerings.. which I say it again and again are menial and not important..
There is no need to choose between rituals or being just.
The Koran commands both one has to be a just monotheist and one has to perform some rituals, for instance the ritual washing before the prayer and the fasting of -shahr ramadan-.One can show that one accepts the commandment from God if one takes the commandments of the Koran as serious as possible.
The Creator tells the believers that there are rites for the nations to uphold, as in verse 2234.It depends on the context if -salat- means the bond with monotheism, or means the daily prayers connected to the prayertimes.
-Salat- is described in detail in the Koran - even how to - in case of danger.
The postures are there, if one does not take literal words only symbolical.
The text should be to remember God - that is a framework, here the believers have several ways to remember God in any language, as long as these ways are compatible with monotheism, with the Koran.The commandment of the Koran is to follow the commandments of the Koran in detail when given, or act within the framework when it is given.
You may wonder why the ritual washing is given in detail in verse 443 and 56.Following the Koran is not just a mind-set, we have to fill in this principle in detail when our Creator gives the details.
So it can be worthwhile to study verses in detail and try to act and live according to them - it seems not to be very hard.Why you think following verses are in the Koran?
Just to discard them as unimportant?6118 - So eat from that on which God's name has been mentioned, if you indeed acknowledge His signs. -
6121 - Do not eat from what God's name has not been mentioned, for it is vile ? -
2234 - For every nation We have made a rite that they may mention God's name over what He has provided for them of the animal livestock ... -The clear command is to mention the name of God over the food and the relevant animal.
This is also a framework - there are many names of the God in many languages - so believers of different cultures can do this in their own way by expressing thanks to God while mentioning His name.
The important thing is within the framework of upholding monotheism is to follow the clear commands of the Koran - verse 6118 is one of them, the verse says - if you indeed acknowledge His signs. -Peace,
TruthseekerDisclaimer the study of the Koran is work in progress, every information in any posting on this forum should be controlled by the believers themselves in the best way - verse 1736.
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Peace everyone. Paradox Uncreated it does seem quite picky. I hope it's ok to say Bismillah as even my children do it. It's also something I enjoy because it means a lot to me to think of God before eating.
The believers who intend to follow the Koran alone have a change to check if the traditions that have emerged during the years are correct or not.
The usage of saying -bismiLlah- without being directly inspirated by our Creator seems not to be based on the Koran, it literally means that one speaks or acts -in the name of God-It is very easy to say a name of God on the food according to verse 6118, while saying grace to God before the meal.
Peace,
TruthseekerDisclaimer the study of the Koran is work in progress, every information in any posting on this forum should be controlled by the believers themselves in the best way - verse 1736.
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The believers who intend to follow the Koran alone have a change to check if the traditions that have emerged during the years are correct or not.
The usage of saying -bismiLlah- without being directly inspirated by our Creator seems not to be based on the Koran, it literally means that one speaks or acts -in the name of God-It is very easy to say a name of God on the food according to verse 6118, while saying grace to God before the meal.
Peace,
TruthseekerDisclaimer the study of the Koran is work in progress, every information in any posting on this forum should be controlled by the believers themselves in the best way - verse 1736.
Salaam Truthseeker. Couldn't I argue though that to say "in the name of God" is simply a way of saying Gods name on the food. I don't take it to mean that I am acting for God. Or am I missing a point. ???
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Salaam Truthseeker. Couldn't I argue though that to say "in the name of God" is simply a way of saying Gods name on the food. I don't take it to mean that I am acting for God. Or am I missing a point. ???
Salaam Rana
Verse 6118 tells the believers to mention the name of Allah on the food, according to this verse we have to choose one of the names of God.
Following verse shows that there is a difference between the word Allah and the name of Allah.208 - Allah, there is no god but He, to Him are the beautiful names. -
We can say for instance ar-Rahman ? the Gracious, ar-Razzaq ? the Provider on the food while saying grace to God for the food.
According to the Koran the prophets and messengers said or wrote -bismiLlah- as can be seen in verses 1141 and 2730.
The chapters of the Koran are marked by -bismiLlah-.
So it seems that these words mean that one acts, speaks or writes in the name of God - it is the seal of Godly inspiration, as a contrast to the private words or acts.
The common practice to say -in the name of God- for instance when one enters a house is not found in the Koran and seems not to be the appropriate way to remember God, since it literally means to act in the name of God - that could only be by Godly inspiration.Probably this habit of saying -in the name of- was taken over from the christian religion, in which it is common to ask God in the name of Jesus.
Peace,
TruthseekerDisclaimer the study of the Koran is work in progress, every information in any posting on this forum should be controlled by the believers themselves in the best way - verse 1736.