First Word Giving Receiving And Thanking Through Bismillah

Since all things say: "In the Name of Allah," and bearing Allah's bounties in Allah's name, give them to us, we too should say: "In the Name of Allah." We should give in the name of Allah and take in the name of Allah. And we should not take from heedless people who neglect to give in Allah's name.

Question: We give a price to people, who are like tray-bearers. So what price does Allah want, who is the true owner?

The Answer: Yes, the price the True Bestower of Bounties wants in return for those valuable bounties and goods is three things: one is remembrance, another is thanks, and the other is reflection. Saying, "In the Name of Allah" at the start is remembrance, and "All praise be to Allah" at the end is thanks. And perceiving and thinking of those bounties, which are priceless wonders of art, being miracles of power of the Unique and Eternally Besought One and gifts of His mercy, is reflection. However foolish it is to kiss the foot of a lowly man who conveys to you the precious gift of a king and not to recognize the gift's owner, it is a thousand times more foolish to praise and love the apparent source of bounties and forget the True Bestower of Bounties.

O my nafs! If you do not wish to be foolish in that way, give in Allah's name, take in Allah's name, begin in Allah's name, and act in Allah's name. And that should suffice you!