Stop Using 786: 786 meaning, A Practice with No Basis in Quran or Sunnah
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
786 : The number 786 holds a great importance among many Muslims around the globe and is often associated with the Islamic culture and spirituality as well as the Quranic phrase “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). There is controversy regarding the interpretations as well as uses of 786, such as its credibility, origin, and relevance in the Islam teachings.. For this purpose, this paper will conduct an in-depth exploration of 786, by referencing the Quran, Hadith, and authentic Islamic sources.
Origins of the Number 786
The number 786 is connected to “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” because of Abjad numerology, an alphanumeric code in which Arabic letters have a numerical value. Here,
•Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim is written in Arabic script, divided into letters, each of which has a numerical value.
These values add up to 786.
For example,
Ba (ب) = 2
Seen (س) = 60
Meem (م) = 40
and so on for the rest of the word.
This numeric representation is commonly used in South Asia and other Muslim-majority countries because it is short and symbolic.
View on 786 in Quran.
The Quran neither states the number 786 nor relates it to the phrase “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim.” Though all chapters except Surah At-Tawbah begin with the phrase, Islam does not command a number equivalent for its verses.
Important Quranic Teachings:
Bismillah is Divine: The phrase “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” is mentioned directly in the Quran by Surah Al-Fatihah 1:1 and holds deep sacredness.
Numerology Not Supported: In fact the Quran does not support or encourage the use of numerical substitutes for Godly words or phrases.
Important Verses:
“We have sent down to thee the Book in truth, that thou mightest judge between men, as guided by Allah: so be not (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust” (Surah An-Nisa 4:105)
This verse stresses direct dependence on revealed knowledge rather than speculative systems such as numerology.
Hadith and the Use of 786
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions never used 786 in lieu of “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim.” Authentic Hadith literature stresses the fact that Quranic verses must be recited as they are, without any alteration or substitution.
Relevant Hadith:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a reward, and the reward will be multiplied tenfold.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2910)
This refers to the spiritual benefit of literally reading Quranic verses.
There is no Hadith that proves the symbolic meaning of Quranic verses.
Views of Islamic Scholars on 786
The use of 786 has been supported by Islamic scholars in different ways:
Positive View:
Some scholars and masses see 786 as easily usable and even symbolic for “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim,” very specifically in calligraphy or in amulets when the space to write has become a concern.
Criticism view
Ibn Taymiyyah, Mufti Muhammad Shafi, and others object the use of 786: Since it violates the concept of Quran. They say the following:
Counting divine words with numbers are not supported by Quran as well as by Sunnah.
Excessive reliance on 786 triggers superstition-a thing banned in Islam.
Quran Reference Regarding Innovation: “This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Surah Al-Maidah 5:3)
The verse of Quran warns that a person must not introduce new things into the religious actions.
Cultural usage of 786
Despite academic criticism, 786 has become very much an integral part of cultural usage in South Asia, Turkey, and the Middle East. It is commonly applied to:
Commercial Shophouses: Writ on shophouses and businesses as a blessing.
Private Correspondence: Serve as a symbol of respect and piety.
Decorative Arts: Part of Islamic calligraphy and art.
Abuse and Superstition
The wide use of 786 can result in the following:
Absence of the Holy Quranic Text: If one uses 786, it could discourage others from invoking the phrase fully “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim.”
Superstition: 786 is associated with supernatural power and good luck, which contravenes the creed of Tawhid.
Neglect of the Sunnah: Excessive emphasis on 786 keeps people away from common practices that the Prophet of Allah has ordained for all.
Importance of “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim”
To appreciate and understand the value of “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” in its full, one has to look into its linguistic and theological depth.
“Bismillah” (In the Name of Allah): This is a declaration of intention and dependency on Allah for all deeds.
“Ar-Rahman” (The Most Gracious): It has put forth the fact that mercies of Allah encompass all.
“Ar-Rahim” (The Most Merciful): That is the speciality of Allah for His faithful
“Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” contains an enormous amount of spiritual benefit and itself proves submission.
Islam guides followers to be strictly in compliance with the Quran and Sunnah. Anything, even the use of 786, must be in conformance with these original scriptures. Instead of using numerology, Muslims are told to:
Read the Quran Direct: This increases one’s link with Allah and gives the benefits of spirituality.
Observe Sunnah: The sunnah is the way of life that assures authenticity in worshipping.
Avoid Bid’ah: Islamiya activities not supported or sanctioned by Islam.
FAQs About 786 in Islam
1. Does 786 exist in the Quran or Hadith?
No, there is no such number 786 in the Quran or Hadith. This has been derived from Abjad numerology, which has absolutely no connection with the teaching of Islam.
2. Can I replace “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” with 786?
Although it is socially prevalent in some places, scholars of Islam state that number substitution for divine words is unbecoming to the sacrosanct text of the Quran.
3. Do I commit shirk through the use of 786?
Not inherently but extensive dependence on 786 and giving it supernatural powers or using it for other ends may result in activities coming close to shirk
4. What can be done instead of 786?
Muslims should say “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” as stated in the Quran to retain all its spiritual and linguistic sense.
Conclusion
Though it is culturally relevant, number 786 is not based directly on Islamic scriptures. Though it is a product of Abjad numerology and has a symbolic appeal, its usage should not override the true recitation of “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim.” The Muslims are, therefore, asked to prioritize the Quranic teachings and the Sunnah above cultural practices without religious basis. In doing so, they preserve the purity and essence of Islamic faith and worship.
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