(1:1) In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate *1
*1
One of the many practices taught by
Islam is that its followers should
begin their activities in the name of
God
. This principle, if consciously and
earnestly followed, will necessarily
yield three beneficial results.
First, one will be able to restrain
oneself from many misdeed, since the
habit of pronouncing the name of God
is bound to make one wonder when about
to commit some offence how such an act
can be reconciled with the saying of
God's holy name.
Second, if a man pronounces the name
of God before starting good and
legitimate tasks, this act will ensue
that both his starting point and his
mental orientation are sound.
Third - and this is the most important benefit -
when a man begins something by
pronouncing God's name, he will enjoy
God's support and succour; God will
bless his efforts and protect him from
the machinations and temptation of
Satan. For whenever man turns to God,
God turns to him as well.
