“Bismillah (In the name of God)!”
Why Bismillah?
Bismillah is an Arabic word that means in the name of God. I chose this title as the name of my site because all depends on God.
When I was a young girl, I used to talk to my great aunt about all of my future projects, goals, dreams and ambitions. After each sentence she would reply “God willing”. I never paid attention to that, and I never repeated God willing after her. As I entered adulthood, I got very sick, in fact I was diagnosed as having a mild stroke at the age of 24. I don’t know how mild it was because I couldn’t speak, my mind was limited, my left side was heavy and slow, I could not use my left hand, I had slurred speech when I could manage to piece a few words together, my lips would go to the left side when I was talking, and I had limited long and short-term memory.
It took years for me to rebuild myself, I had to relearn how to do a lot of things. Recovery took a long time because even when I looked well, I felt tired and weak. I spent a lot of time in bed. Looking back, I can clearly see and understand why” If God willed it” was necessary for me to say every time my great aunt had said so. After all, without God’s permission there’s nothing we can do.
Now, I have included many words concerning God in my speech. Yes, I say “Bismillah (In the name of God”) before I do something, “Hamdoullah (Thanks to God)”, and “Inshallah (If God wills it.”) Of course, I also asked God to help and guide me and I try my best as not to take anything for granted.
When I think of all the plans that I had although I have forgotten a lot of them, I do see some of the things that I do now were in my original plans. I can only assume that God did will it and whatever I don’t remember or don’t achieve was not for me. So, I thank God for all that I have, all that I am, all that I hope to have and be.
In general, I think people take time, health, goals and plans for granted. We forget that above us there is a greater power that controls everything, and that this life is a test. I invite you to explore the possibilities of pursuing a successful life with God consciousness by putting emphasis Him and strive to achieve your purpose and life mission in a way that is pleasing to your Creator.
And never say of anything, “I shall do such and such thing tomorrow. Except (with the saying), “If Allah wills!” Surah 18 vs. 23-24
