Question:
1. Writing 786 instead of Bismillah who started it and when?
2. Does 786 have the same effect as Bismillah?
3. Does a person get reward for writing 786 instead of Bismillah?
4. I heard that 786 is the aggregate of Lord Hari Krishna and its an innovation to write 786 instead of Bismillah, is it true?
Answer:
The custom of writing 786 in place of Bismillah is related to our noble ancestors who used to write 786 on letters to avoid the possible disrespect that can be caused to the name of Allah as letters are usually torn up and disposed of. However, it will be more appropriate to write the Bismillah in full if there is no fear of disrespect being shown to the name of Allah. (Aapke Masaail aur Unkaa Hal, Vol. 8, Page 348)
Although the number 786 can also be the aggregate of Hare Krishna’, it will fully depend on the intention with which it was written. Writing 786 will not have the same reward as writing the Bismillah in full.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Qasim bin Hashim Limbada
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
11 May 2004
20 Rabee’ul Awwal 1425