The power of Bismillah

A preacher was once giving a sermon to a large audience in the mosque.
In the course of it he said: "O People! I tell you the truth. If only you knew the power of the sentance 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' (In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful), you would say it before every action of yours. Whoever says these words before beginning any act will see wonders. One will even be able to walk on water."
A poor villager, who was sitting close to the pulpit, listened to this sermon attentively. He was a regular visitor to the mosque although his journey from his home was a very difficult one because he had to cross a large river on the way. The man did not have a boat and often had to wait until someone appeared who could transport him across. The route around the river was extremely long. However, when the man heard this sermon, he realized that he had found the solution to his problem.
When he reached the river on his way back, he did not hesitate, but recited 'Bismillah...' and stepped onto the water. By the grace of Allah he was able to walk on the water and soon reached the other side. This became a regular practice for the man, until one day, as he was crossing the river, it occured to him he had not thanked the preacher who had given him the solution to his problem. He decided to invite him to his house for a meal as a way of showing gratitude to him.
The preacher accepted the invitation and both of them began walking back to the mans house. On reaching the river, the man recited 'Bismillah...' and stepped out onto the water, as was his normal routine. He expected the preacher to do the same. But when he looked behind, he found that the preacher was still standing on the bank looking at him in bewilderment.
The man told him to recite 'Bismillah...' just as he had preached. “My dear man, I lack the faith that you have," replied the preacher.
We must inculcate the habit of reciting 'Bismillah.' before everything that we say or do in this life. Imam Ja'ffar ibn Mohammed al-Sadiq (a.s) has said, "Do not forsake Bismillah even if you write one line of poem." (Payaam-e-Qur'an)

Allaho Akbar (Allah is great).’

Five times in 24 hours the call comes from the minarets of the mosques: Allaho Akbar. It is adhan, meant to announce the time of prayer. Right at the call of adhan, Muslims are expected to gather in the mosques. It is a matter of pride that we are called by God to his audience. It shows his love towards His creatures that He has provided us with an opportunity to communicate with Him. He has opened His house for us, let us not be late or absent from His presence.

Adhan begins with the phrase - Allaho Akbar (Allah is great); it ends with the phrase - La Ilaha illallah (None is to be worshipped but Allah). It begins with the name of Allah; it ends in the name of Allah. We are reminded that Allah is the beginning and Allah is the end. Between these two phrases the Muadhdhim bears witness to the unity of God; and to the apostle ship of Mohammed (s.a.w.), the Holy Prophet. Then he exhorts the believers: Come for prayer; Come for prosperity (in this world and in the life hereafter; and thus it goes on till the end.

Adhan is not just a symbol. It is a sermon in clear words. It not only calls a man for prayers; it also explains why he should pray, and to whom should he pray. It reminds the hearers about God; and about man's obligation towards Him. And after these explanations, it exhorts the believers to offer their humble prayers, with full knowledge and understanding, in the presence of God.

Allah is Great! Nothing else matters. Allah is calling you. Leave aside your worldly affair. Forget your business arrangements. Do not miss this golden opportunity. Go and pray in the presence of God. He is great! Our problem, our worries, our difficulties - all will be solved in the best way, if we ask our loving Allah to solve them for us. Not only that. Our joy, our achievement, our success - nothing actually matters. Allah only is great. Let us communicate with him. Only his benevolent love and care can bring us to prosperity in this world and in the life hereafter.

Fulfilment of Dua

Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (a.s) has narrated that on Fridays there are two auspicious timings when our dua is accepted and fulfilled. These are:

1. After the recitation of 2nd khutba and before the commencement of friday prayers.

2. Friday evening, minutes before sunset.

Inshallah Dua will be accepted and fulfilled. Our holy Prophet (saw) also recommeded these two timings.

Ref: Tohfatul Awaam