Bismillah ceremony
Bismillah ceremony, also known as Bismillahkhani,[1] is a cultural ceremony celebrated mostly by Muslims from the subcontinent in countries such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It marks the start for a child in learning to recite the Qur'an in its Arabic script. It is not a religiously prescribed milestone. The ceremony marks how a child should read the Qur’an and say prayers properly.[2] The ceremony is named after the bismillah ("In the name of God"), the beginning words in the Qur'an. This is a cultural celebration and is not a religious mandate. Proceed carefully and ensure to stay away from innovation.
The ceremony
[edit]It is held for both boys and girls between the age 4 and 5, sometimes when the child turns four years, four months and four days. The child is dressed in a traditional dress and jewelry and is made to recite the opening phrase of the Qur'ran, Bism illāh ir-raḥmān ir-raḥīm (In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful) (786).[3]
It is traditionally a grand evening affair with family and friends. Lavish food is served for dinner and guests exchange hugs and gifts.
See also
[edit]- Religious initiation rites
- Islam in South Asia
- Islam in Bangladesh
- Bengali Muslims
- Bishwa Ijtema
- Haal Khata
- Pohela Boishakh
- Shakrain
- Nouka Baich
- Mezban
- Furir Bari Iftari
- Jari gan
- Lathi Khela
- Sholakia
- Gor-E-Shahid Eidgah Maidan
- Dhanmondi Shahi Eidgah
References
[edit]- ^ Rafiq, Rafiqul Islam (2012). "Bismillahkhani". In Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Bilquis Jehan Khan. "A Song of Hyderabad". thefridaytimes.com. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "Life & Death". Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.