Which Surah has Two Bismillah?

Did you know that there is a Surah in the Quran that contains Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim twice? It’s Surah An-Naml! This Surah is not only unique for its repeated Bismillah but also holds deep spiritual significance and powerful lessons for believers. 

At Sabil Al-Quran, we provide you with insights into this fascinating Surah, its meanings, and the wisdom behind the double Bismillah. 

Join us as we explore the blessings and teachings of Surah An-Naml and enhance your Quranic understanding today!

Which Surah Has Two Bismillah in Quran?

The Surah has Bismillah twice (بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ) is Surah An-Naml (Chapter 27). It contains the phrase twice: once at the beginning of the Surah and once in verse 30.

First Bismillah (Verse 1):

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
This appears at the beginning of Surah An-Naml, as it does in many Surahs of the Quran.

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”

Second Bismillah (Verse 30):

إِنَّهُ مِنْ سُلَيْمَانَ وَإِنَّهُ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
This is part of the letter sent by Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman) to the Queen of Sheba, Bilqis.

“Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: ‘In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.'”

Thus, Surah An-Naml is the only Surah in the Quran that contains the phrase Bismillah twice: once at the start and once in verse 30.

What is The Reason for Having Two Bismillah in Surah Naml?

The reason for having two Bismillah (بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ) in Surah An-Naml is rooted in the unique structure of the Surah and the context of the verses.

1. The First Bismillah (Verse 1):
   This Bismillah is a part of the general opening of Surah An-Naml, as is the case with many other Surahs in the Quran. It marks the beginning of the Surah and sets the tone for the message of the Surah, invoking the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This Bismillah follows the standard practice in the Quran of starting chapters with the phrase to seek Allah’s blessings and mercy before beginning the discourse.
2. The Second Bismillah (Verse 30):
   The second Bismillah appears in the letter of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) to Queen Bilqis of Sheba, as part of his communication with her. The letter begins with Bismillah as a way to highlight the importance and the divine authority behind the message. By repeating Bismillah here, it emphasizes that the message being delivered by Sulaiman is not only from him, but is also blessed and sanctioned by Allah.

Significance of the Two Bismillah:

• Emphasizing the divine authority: The second Bismillah, included in the letter of Prophet Sulaiman, indicates that the message he is sending is divinely inspired and carries the weight of Allah’s blessing and mercy.
• A clear distinction: The first Bismillah serves as the general invocation for the Surah, while the second one marks the formal letter sent by a prophet, highlighting its sacredness.

Thus, having two Bismillah in Surah An-Naml is meant to emphasize the divine connection in both the general message of the Surah and the specific message sent by Prophet Sulaiman to the Queen of Sheba.

Why Was Surah Naml Revealed?

Surah An-Naml (Chapter 27) was revealed in Makkah, and it addresses various themes related to faith, the oneness of Allah, the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the stories of previous prophets. The Surah highlights the importance of belief in Allah’s signs and guidance, the accountability of people for their deeds, and the rejection of those who deny the truth.

Main Reasons for the Revelation of Surah An-Naml:

1. Response to the disbelievers’ challenge:
   Surah An-Naml was revealed during a time when the disbelievers of Makkah were challenging Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and refusing to accept the message of Islam. They were mocking the concept of prophethood and questioning the truth of the Quran. This Surah responds to those challenges, providing examples from the lives of previous prophets to highlight the truth of divine messages and the consequences of rejecting them.
2. Story of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon):
   A significant portion of the Surah focuses on the story of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon), his wisdom, and his kingdom. The Surah highlights his ability to communicate with animals, the wind, and jinn, as well as his leadership and justice. The story is meant to demonstrate the power and knowledge of Allah and to remind people of the importance of humility and faith in Allah. The story of Sulaiman’s letter to the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis), which contains a Bismillah, also serves to emphasize the divine authority behind messages from prophets.
3. The story of Prophet Musa (Moses):
   The Surah also includes the story of Prophet Musa (Moses), particularly his confrontation with Pharaoh. This story serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting Allah’s signs and guidance, as Pharaoh’s arrogance led to his downfall. The inclusion of this story is a powerful lesson for the disbelievers in Makkah, urging them to repent and believe in Allah.
4. The signs of Allah in creation:
   Surah An-Naml also draws attention to the signs of Allah in nature, such as the creation of the heavens, the earth, the animals, and the mountains, to encourage reflection and gratitude towards Allah’s power and mercy. This serves as a call to recognize the divine signs all around and to acknowledge Allah’s authority over all things.
5. Emphasis on the importance of faith and righteousness:
   The Surah emphasizes that success and salvation lie in faith in Allah, obedience to His commands, and righteous actions. It condemns those who reject Allah’s messages and follow their desires without considering the consequences of their actions.

Why Is It Called Surah Naml?

Surah An-Naml (سورة النمل) is named after the word “النمل” (the ants), which is mentioned in verse 18 of the Surah. The name “An-Naml” translates to “The Ants” in English, and it derives from a particular incident involving Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) and his interaction with ants, specifically in verse 18.

Reason for the Name “An-Naml”:

In verse 18, the Quran describes an incident where Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him) and his army, which included humans, jinn, and animals, were traveling through a valley. One of the ants, noticing the approaching army, warned the other ants to take shelter so they wouldn’t be trampled. The ant said:

“قَالَتْ نَمْلَةٌۭ يَٰٓاَيُّهَا النَّمْلُ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ مَسَٰكِنَكُمْ لَا يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ سُلَيْمَٰنُ وَجُنُودُهُۥ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ”

“An ant said, ‘O ants, enter your homes so that you are not crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they do not perceive.”

Significance of the Story of the Ant:

• Prophet Sulaiman’s Wisdom: This story highlights that Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him) was granted the ability to understand the speech of animals, which is a remarkable blessing from Allah. It shows the wisdom and knowledge Allah gave him, and his humility in acknowledging and appreciating these gifts.
• A Lesson in Humility: The fact that an ant, a small and seemingly insignificant creature, was able to communicate a message of caution to Prophet Sulaiman’s army demonstrates the importance of respecting all creatures, no matter how small, and recognizing the wisdom Allah has placed in His creation.
• Divine Authority: The incident emphasizes the control and authority of Allah over all beings. It serves as a reminder that Allah has given power to Prophet Sulaiman over not just humans, but also the jinn, animals, and nature itself.

What are The Benefits Of Surah An-Naml?

Surah An-Naml (The Ants) is a rich chapter of the Quran with various benefits for its readers. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Understanding Divine Wisdom:
   Surah An-Naml highlights the wisdom and power of Allah, particularly through the stories of various prophets like Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) and Prophet Musa (Moses). It emphasizes the control that Allah has over all of creation, including animals and nature, and teaches believers to recognize the signs of Allah in the world around them.
2. Lessons from the Story of Prophet Sulaiman:
   One of the most significant stories in this Surah is that of Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him), who was granted the ability to communicate with animals. The story of the ant, which warned Prophet Sulaiman’s army to avoid being trampled, serves as a reminder of humility and gratitude towards the gifts of Allah. This teaches believers the importance of recognizing Allah’s blessings and using them wisely.
3. Gratitude and Humility:
   The Surah encourages gratitude towards Allah for His blessings. When Prophet Sulaiman hears the warning from the ant, he smiles and thanks Allah for His grace. This teaches us to be humble and thankful for all the knowledge and abilities we have, no matter how small they may seem.
4. Recognizing Accountability:
   Surah An-Naml also emphasizes the accountability of all creatures before Allah. The stories of prophets and their people highlight the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. It encourages believers to follow the guidance of the prophets and adhere to the teachings of Islam to avoid the fate of those who denied the truth.
5. Encouraging Reflection on Creation:
   The Surah calls on believers to reflect on the natural world and the creatures within it, reminding them that everything in creation is a sign of Allah’s greatness. This reflection helps to increase faith and understanding of the Creator’s perfection.
6. Discover the Virtues of Surah Al-Mulk and Ar-Rahman
7. Surah Al-Mulk and Surah Ar-Rahman are among the most profound chapters in the Quran, carrying deep spiritual meanings and immense benefits for believers. Surah Al-Mulk is known as the protector from the torment of the grave and serves as an intercessor on the Day of Judgment. Meanwhile, Surah Ar-Rahman captivates with its eloquence, reminding us of Allah’s countless blessings and encouraging reflection on His greatness. Regular recitation of these Surahs brings peace and tranquility, strengthening one’s faith in Allah’s mercy and wisdom. Explore their virtues and embrace the spiritual treasures of the Quran.

Discover the unique beauty and significance of Surah An-Naml, the only Surah in the Quran that contains two Bismillah! This remarkable chapter not only offers profound lessons from the stories of Prophet Sulaiman and others, but it also highlights the divine wisdom in the repetition of Bismillah. 

Each Bismillah serves as a reminder of Allah’s mercy, grace, and the importance of seeking His blessings in all aspects of life.

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