Q&A

Which surah mentions the Basmala twice?

Like most chapters of the Qur’an (except Surah At-Tawbah), Surah An-Naml begins with the Basmala:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”

This Basmala is part of the opening of the surah and is considered an independent verse in Qur’an numbering.

The Basmala appears a second time in Surah An-Naml, verse 30. This verse is part of the message that Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) sent to the Queen of Sheba and her people:

“Indeed, it is from Solomon, and in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful” (An-Naml: 30)

Here, the Basmala is part of Solomon’s statement, and the Qur’an transmits it exactly as it was in his message.

Significance of the Basmala appearing twice in Surah An-Naml:

1. Emphasizing the importance of the Basmala: Its repetition in different contexts highlights the significance of starting every important action in the name of Allah.
2. Demonstrating the universality of the message: Solomon’s message was not merely worldly, but a call to monotheism and faith in Allah. Beginning the message with the Basmala shows that mercy and monotheism are its foundation.
3. Seeking Allah’s support and blessing: Reading the Basmala at the start of the surah and in Solomon’s message symbolizes reliance on Allah and seeking His assistance.
4. Marking transitions between stories: Some scholars suggest that repeating the Basmala may act as a transition between the stories of Moses and Solomon in the surah.

Conclusion:
Surah An-Naml is unique in the Qur’an for mentioning the Basmala twice: once at the beginning of the surah and once in Prophet Solomon’s message to the Queen of Sheba. This repetition emphasizes both the importance of the Basmala and the universality of the divine message.