The Basmallah was Sent Before the Time of the Prophet (s.a.w.)

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

According to Shaykh Muhammad Nazhim Adil al-Haqqani (q.s.), the Basmallah has only Sent Down to some of the prophets before Rasulullah (s.a.w.), and never to their nations.  The Basmallah had been Granted firstly to Adam (a.s.) during the time he was in deep repentance.  When he recited it, by the honour of “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim”, Allah (s.w.t.) Bestowed His Mercy on Adam (a.s.) and Accepted his repentance, and the Basmallah was then Taken Back up into the heavens.  A single recitation on a single occasion was enough for Adam’s (a.s.) repentance to be Accepted. 

The Basmallah was next Granted once to Nuh (a.s.), as he prepared his ark to sail off into the terrible floods: 

سُوۡرَةُ هُود

۞ وَقَالَ ٱرۡڪَبُواْ فِيہَا بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ مَجۡر۪ٮٰهَا وَمُرۡسَٮٰهَآ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى لَغَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ (٤١) 

So, he said, “Embark you on the ark in the Name of Allah, whether it move or be at rest!  For my Lord is, be sure, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful!” (Surah Hud:41) 

Again, after which, the Basmallah was then Lifted Up again to the heavens.  A single recitation of “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim” was enough to save the ark from destruction. 

The Basmallah was then Granted to Ibrahim (a.s.), as he was thrown into the inferno that Namrud had prepared to punish him.  With one recitation, the fire became cool and Ibrahim (a.s.) was saved.  The Basmallah was then Lifted Up to the heavens once again. 

Next, the Basmallah was Revealed to Sulayman (a.s.) and with it, he became king and controlled all of the people and jinn in his kingdom, and with it he convinced Balqis to come to Islam and to submit: 

سُوۡرَةُ النَّمل

إِنَّهُ ۥ مِن سُلَيۡمَـٰنَ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ (٣٠) 

“It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): ‘In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful:’” (Surah an-Naml:30) 

The Basmallah was then Lifted Up to the heavens once again. 

Then, the Basmallah was Revealed to Musa (a.s.) and with it, he cleaved the Red Sea into two, to escape the pursuing forces of Fir’awn.  The Basmallah was then Lifted Up to the heavens again. 

The next prophet to receive the Basmallah was ‘Isa (a.s.).  With it, he raised the dead, and with it, he escaped those who wanted to crucify him, and he was Raised up to the heavens in safety.  The Basmallah was then Lifted Up to the heavens again. 

Each prophet who had been Bestowed with the use of “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim” only briefly and only during life-threatening moments during their lives.  After each incident, the Basmallah was Lifted Back up to the heavens, and their umam did not receive this verse as a Gift for themselves.  We are the only ummah Granted “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim.”  We are Blessed, for we are the ummah of the Beloved of Allah (s.a.w.) and He has Given us “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim” as a Gift for the ummah of Habibullah (s.a.w.).  Only awliya’ truly acknowledge and understand the karamah of the Basmallah, and they use it to help the people of the ummah when they are approached for help.  Without the Basmallah, they too would be helpless to alleviate the sufferings of the ummah.  We must learn the benefits Granted by the recitation of “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim”.  The recitation of “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim” creates a connection with the Divine so that we may attain Help for difficulties.  Glad tidings are for those who know the value of “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim” and who recite it.  Without “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim”, we cannot succeed.  All desirable results are attained only through the recitation of “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim.”