Does Bismillah [invoking the name of God] before intercourse protect the child, by God's permission, from major sins?
The naming (recitation of Allah's name) before intercourse is established by the Hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "If one of you, when he comes to his wife, says: 'In the Name of Allah, O Allah, keep us away from Satan, and keep Satan away from what You bless us with (our offspring),' and if a child is destined for them from that [intercourse], Satan will never harm him."
Scholars have differed on the meaning of "(Satan) will never harm him" to several interpretations:
1. Satan will not have dominion over him due to the blessing of the naming. 2. Satan will not harm him in his body. 3. His protection from polytheism and disbelief. 4. His being kept away from major sins. 5. Satan will not harm him by participating with his father in the intercourse with his mother. This last interpretation is the closest.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/26008