As I embark on the exciting journey of rebranding my website, I begin with a simple but profound word: Bismillah (بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ), which translates to “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” This phrase is not just a greeting or a preface to tasks, but a powerful reminder to center every endeavor in the Divine will, seeking to align my intentions with the most important purpose—pleasing Allah. Through this, I renew my commitment to my personal and spiritual growth, all while continuing my projects in a way that reflects this new, deeper focus.

The Concept of Bismillah in Islam

The Bismillah is a declaration that acknowledges the presence, mercy, and guidance of Allah in all of our actions. It is a phrase that Muslims recite before embarking on any meaningful activity, from prayer to daily routines. The importance of Bismillah is emphasized throughout the Qur’an and Hadith, serving as a reminder that all actions—whether grand or humble—are to be initiated in Allah’s name.

In the Qur’an, Bismillah precedes every Surah (chapter) except for Surah At-Tawbah (9:1), signaling the sacredness and blessing that Allah’s name brings to all endeavors. The phrase is a constant reminder of Allah’s attributes: Al-Rahman (the Most Gracious) and Al-Rahim (the Most Merciful), ensuring that every action is infused with mercy and kindness. As Allah says in Surah Al-Fatiha (1:1–2):

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”

The Bismillah signifies the essence of humility, surrender, and seeking Allah’s blessings. When recited, it not only calls for guidance but also sets the stage for a task, ensuring that the act is directed toward goodness and truth.

Bismillah and My Journey of Renewal

As I rebrand my website, I do so with the intention of offering something meaningful, not just for personal gain but for a greater purpose: serving the Ummah (Muslim community) and supporting individuals who are also on their journey of spiritual and personal growth. Through the lens of Bismillah, I will be reorienting my work to reflect the highest intentions—learning, publishing, and creating resources to empower others in their pursuit of knowledge and productivity.

In this 90-day plan, I will be engaging in a blend of personal, professional, and spiritual growth. The work on my website—focused on Islamic studies, journals, planners, and the forthcoming newsletter—will serve as a medium to inspire others, grounded in the principles of Bismillah:

• Website Launch: Every aspect of the website, from product showcases to blog posts, will be infused with the intent to provide value, knowledge, and insight to the seekers of Ilm (knowledge). I am renewing my commitment to serve as a guide for others on this journey, through my journal/planner products and insightful blog content. By starting with Bismillah, I open myself to Allah’s mercy, asking for His blessings in these projects.

• Epistles from the Desert Newsletter: The newsletter will feature monthly reflections on Islamic knowledge, infused with my personal growth journey. This will be a space where seekers of knowledge can find not just inspiration but actionable insights for their spiritual and personal development, grounded in the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the wisdom of the Qur’an. With every draft, I will invoke Bismillah to ensure that my writing is sincere, beneficial, and in service to Allah’s message.

• Publishing Dreams: The fulfillment of my dream to publish journals and planners designed for Muslims will be done with the deep-seated knowledge that this is not just a personal accomplishment but an opportunity to help others stay organized and focused on their Deen (religion). This work will not only be about productivity but about creating a foundation for a balanced, reflective, and prayerful life. As I print my journals and launch my products, the words Bismillah will resonate, reminding me that these creations are part of a greater good.

Bismillah in Relation to Personal Growth & Seeking Knowledge

The 90-day plan is not just about completing tasks but also about seeking knowledge in an organized and meaningful way. As I pursue my Islamic studies at Seekers Academy, each module, every note reviewed, and each step toward completing the Level 1 curriculum will be done in the name of Allah. I plan to review and reflect upon my studies weekly with Zayd, aligning my work with the deeper purpose of self-improvement and spiritual growth. By integrating Bismillah into my study routine, I will ensure that each session is purposeful, grounded in the pursuit of Ilm for the sake of Allah alone.

As I move forward, Bismillah will serve as my constant reminder that no matter how big or small the task, it is ultimately Allah’s will that guides my actions. This concept of beginning with the name of Allah is central to Islamic life—it is the foundation on which every action, from seeking knowledge to producing resources, is built.

The Call to Action

I invite you, my dear readers and fellow seekers, to join me in this renewed journey. Whether it is through my website, newsletter, or products, I hope to bring you along with me as we navigate this path of self-growth, knowledge-seeking, and productivity—all under the banner of Bismillah.

May Allah guide us, bless our intentions, and grant us success in this life and the hereafter. Ameen.