The book begins with the “Bismalah” in adherence with the way of Allaah in His Book and following the example of the
Prophet (S) who used to begin his letters with it. Given the aforementioned discussion of the meanings of the Names: Allaah, Ar-Rahmaan, and Ar-Raheem, the meaning of the Basmalah is: “I begin [in this case “to write”] seeking the help and the blessings of each and every Name of the Names of Allaah whose very great and extensive mercy is His Attribute.” [See Lam’atul I’tiqaad, p. 29.].
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): The Salaah and Salaam of Allaah be upon His Prophet Muhammad. The Salaah of Allaah upon Prophet Muhammad is His Praise of the Prophet before the angels who are close to (but below) Allaah, the Most High, who istawaa (ascended) upon His ‘Arsh (Throne), which is above the seven heavens, in a manner that suits
His Majesty. The angels also praise the Prophet (S). The Salaam is Allaah’s safeguarding of the Prophet from deficiencies and any kind of evil, and the protection of the Message with which he was entrusted.
When the Muslim says (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), he invokes Allaah to grant His Praise and Security to Prophet Muhammad and the protection of the Message of Islaam which was revealed to him. [See Ibn Qayyim’s Jalaa’ul Afhaam fee Fadlis-Salaati-wa-Salaam ‘alaa Muhammadin Khairil Anaam, [Damascus, Syria: Daar ibn Katheer, and Al-Madeenah, KSA: Daar at-Turaath, 1408/1988].
Rabb: Allaah is Ar-Rabb. He is the One Who gave all things the power to grow, to move and to change, to Whom belongs the Creation and Commandment; the Master Who has no equal in His Sovereignty, Predominance, and Highness, The One Who Provides for and Sustains all that exists.
