The Surah in the Quran that does not begin with the Bismillah (بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ - "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful") is Surah Al-Tawbah (Surah 9).
Surah Al-Tawbah: An Exception
Surah Al-Tawbah, also known as At-Tawbah or Bara'ah (Repentance), is unique among the Surahs of the Quran because it lacks the Bismillah in its opening verse. All other Surahs (excluding Surah Al-Fatiha, which is the Bismillah) begin with this phrase, which acts as a marker of separation and a statement of divine blessing.
Reasons for the Absence of Bismillah
There are several interpretations as to why Surah Al-Tawbah is an exception:
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Continuation of the Previous Surah: Some scholars suggest that Surah Al-Tawbah is a continuation of the preceding Surah, Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War). Since they address similar themes of warfare and treaties, they might have been considered a single, extended Surah at the time of compilation.
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Declaration of War and Disavowal: A more common explanation is that Surah Al-Tawbah addresses sensitive issues of war and treaties, specifically with those who violated their agreements with the Muslims. Its tone is stern and uncompromising, serving as a declaration of disavowal and ultimatum. The Bismillah, being a symbol of mercy and grace, was considered inappropriate for such a context.
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Divine Instruction: Some traditions suggest that the omission of the Bismillah was based on divine instruction. While the exact reason remains a subject of scholarly discussion, the absence is accepted as part of the divine order of the Quran.
Conclusion
Surah Al-Tawbah stands out as the only Surah in the Quran that lacks the Bismillah at its commencement, due to its subject matter pertaining to declarations of war and disavowal of treaties, or potentially being considered a continuation of the previous Surah. The reasons behind this unique characteristic are varied and offer valuable insights into the contexts and themes present in the Quran.
