Tasmiyah (تسمية)
Definition
Tasmiyah (Arabic: تسمية) literally means “giving a name.” However, in Islamic terminology, it has specific connotations tied to the invocation of God’s name, particularly in the phrase “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah).
Etymology
Tasmiyah is derived from the Arabic root “s-m-w” (سمو), which means “to name” or “to call.” The word can be found in various contexts, ranging from everyday activities to religious practices.
- Arabic: تسمية
- Turkish: Tasmiyah or Besmele (when referring to Bismillah)
Usage and Contexts
- Qur’anic Context: Tasmiyah often refers to the phrase “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm” (In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful), which appears at the beginning of every chapter (Surah) of the Qur’an, except for the ninth chapter, Surah At-Tawbah.
- Religious Acts: Tasmiyah is recited before commencing any religious act, like Salah (prayer), Wudu (ablution), and other forms of worship.
- Daily Usage: It serves as a form of grace or blessing invoked before eating, drinking, traveling, or undertaking any significant activity. This helps Muslims to remember God’s presence in their daily lives.
Theological and Cultural Significance
Tasmiyah serves as a constant reminder of God’s omnipresence and omnipotence. It embeds the consciousness of divine presence in both mundane and spiritual activities. By invoking God’s name, Muslims seek blessings and divine intervention in various aspects of their lives.
Takeaways
- Invocation: Tasmiyah is an important invocation in Islam, binding the faithful into remembering God in all aspects of life.
- Cultural Practice: It is culturally ingrained in many Muslim communities and forms a part of Islamic etiquette and manners.
- Versatility: The usage of Tasmiyah ranges from formal religious activities to everyday tasks, reflecting a holistic integration of faith and daily life.
Conclusion
Tasmiyah (تسمية) is a multifaceted term in Islam that transcends mere naming to encompass the invocation of God’s name in a multitude of contexts—from reciting the Qur’an to daily household activities. It embodies a foundational principle in Islam: the remembrance of God in all facets of life, thereby fostering a spiritual connection that permeates through every action and decision.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam: Its Meaning and Message” - Khurshid Ahmad
- “The Qur’an: English Translation and Parallel Arabic Text” - Alan Jones
- “In the Name of God: The Evolutionary Origins of Religious Ethics and Violence” - John Teehan
- “Islamic Manners” - Al Mawardi
These resources provide broader perspectives on the practice of Tasmiyah and Islamic invocations, offering deeper insights into the spiritual and cultural dimensions of this fundamental Islamic practice.
