Is uttering "Bismillāh" before attempting to access an email – with a prior intention of possibly seeing images – considered mockery?
Uttering “Bismillah” (in the name of Allah) is prescribed when performing permissible acts and acts of worship, but it is not prescribed when performing something forbidden or disliked. This is because the purpose of saying “Bismillah” is to seek blessings in the action, and one does not desire an increase or blessings in something forbidden. Uttering “Bismillah” is forbidden for acts that are inherently prohibited (like fornication), and disliked for acts that are inherently disliked (like looking at a wife’s private parts). It is not sought for trivial matters. If a person utters “Bismillah” before performing a prohibited act, the correct view is that he commits an act of disbelief if he deems it permissible or treats it lightly; otherwise, he does not, but repentance becomes obligatory for him. Therefore, if it is highly probable that an email contains forbidden images, it is not permissible to view them or to utter “Bismillah” when opening it. However, if uttering “Bismillah” is a habit without intending to deem the forbidden act permissible, there is no sin, but one should frequently repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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