786 Can Replace Bismillah ?

The innovation of writing '786' replacing 'Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem' has been adopted for a long time and the majority of the Ummah is still indulged in it inadvertently. Apart from the common folk, the scholars also heed no attention towards it and to avoid disrespect to the Holy Words they use it in their letters and documents. They adopt it as 'correct' and 'better' way to invite Allah's blessings and have also started replacing the Holy Words by this number on their houses, offices, buildings, etc.

Unfortunately, this tendency is gradually gaining momentum. But, do we see this number instead of the Holy Words in the Holy Qur'an? Or, can we write it there as well? Can we remove 'Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem' from the top of Surah Al-Fatihah and replace it with the number 786?

Obviously not.

If we study the Qur'an, we see it carries the holy words in a letter from Prophet Sulaiman AS to the Queen of Sheeba - Balqis - who was an infidel at that time. Even Rasulullah SAW in his letters to different heads of states and governments, used the holy words at the top. Therefore, whosoever uses 786 with the intention to obtain Allah's blessings, is misguided and any attempt to justify it, is ignorance.

Therefore, it is necessary to avoid using this number to avoid the danger of indulging in infidelity. Islam's foundation is laid on the belief in Tauhid (Oneness of Allah). If we associate anyone with Allah's exalted names orally or practically, we would be committing infidelity which is an unpardonable sin.The Qur'an warns us, one who finds a rival against Allah, Allah will never allow him to enter Paradise, and his abode is Hell.

The letters by the Prophet SAW to non-Muslim Kings and chiefs also bear the holy words 'Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem'. This was also the case of his noble Companions RA.

Did the Prophet SAW and his Companions RA respect the Holy Words less than we do?

Was the verse, "Today I completed your religion for you", revealed to the Prophet SAW or to the so-called scholars of our age who are all bent to amend the Divine principles.

Thus '786' has no significance in the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah, it is obviously an innovation and goes against the Divine doctrine of "Obey Allah and His Prophet".

Similarly, some Muslims replace Allah's name by the number '66' and the Prophet's name by '92'. But if one ask, the number '420' is used against somebody's name and he is called '420'. Can he bear such an insult?

Calling someone by a nickname is a sin. Allah Ta'ala says:

"Don't call one another by nicknames". If Allah prohibits the use of nicknames for fellow human beings, how can He allow the use of such insulting replacement number for Himself and His Prophet SAW.

'Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem' has a great significance in the Qur'an and Muslims are ordered to begin any work but in the names Allah, not in the number '786' or any other substitution.