The Bismillah Book
An animated song from The Bismillah Book. Before a bite of apple, donut, carrot or sandwich, always say Bismillah. For children aged 4 to 9.
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What is The Bismillah Book about?
The Bismillah Book is an Islamic animated song for children aged 4 to 9 that teaches the simple Sunnah of saying Bismillah before eating.
Each verse introduces a new food with a friendly face: "This is Mr Apple, say salam to Mr Apple." Then come Mrs Donut, Mrs Carrot and Mr Sandwich. Each time, the singer wants to take a bite, "but before I do, there's one thing I must say": Bismillah.
The pictures take children under the sea, where a big, smiling whale is the one who wants a bite, while an octopus, fish and a little boy in a diving helmet look on. Then the whale bursts up through the waves, with the foods bobbing around it, to sing the chorus: "Bismillah, Bismillah, always say Bismillah." The words appear on the screen, so children can join in.
The song lasts about 2 minutes. It follows the same pattern four times, so even the youngest children quickly learn it, and it turns a daily habit into a game they can play at every meal: say salam to the food, then say Bismillah before the first bite.
Saying Bismillah, "in the name of Allah", before eating is a Sunnah the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught to a young boy who was eating at his table, so it is a lesson made for children. The song is not music-free.
What your child will learn
- We say Bismillah, "in the name of Allah", before we eat.
- Saying Bismillah before eating is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- All our food, from fruit to sandwiches, is a gift from Allah.
Where this video comes from
- Sahih al-Bukhari 5376: The Prophet ﷺ told a boy eating with him, "Say Bismillah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you."
Talk about it afterwards
- What foods did the whale want to eat?
- What must we say before we take a bite?
- What does Bismillah mean?
- What will you eat at your next meal, and what will you say first?
Words to know
- Bismillah
- In the name of Allah.
- Salam
- Peace; the greeting Muslims give each other.
- Sunnah
- The way of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, what he said and did.
Frequently asked questions
What age is The Bismillah Book suitable for?
Children aged 4 to 9, and especially the youngest. The song repeats the same simple lines, so children learn it quickly.
Is The Bismillah Book based on a hadith?
Yes. Saying Bismillah before eating is a Sunnah the Prophet ﷺ taught, reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
How long is The Bismillah Book?
About 2 minutes.
