786—An Islamic perspective

 

Some persons from amongst my associates would turn to my Cistern; when I would see them and they would be presented to me, they would be detained in the way while coming to me. I would say: My Lord, they are my companions, they are my companions, and it would be said to me: You don’t know what innovations they made after you.  (Sahih Muslim: Book #030, Hadith #5706)

Although there is no evidence of the significance of the number “786” in Islam yet we see many Muslims following this trend of using this number in place of ‘Bismillah’ (In the name of Allah). This custom is not from the time of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) or his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all). This practice is a biddah (innovation) and must be given up.

Numerology is prohibited in Islam. Some people have introduced it in Islam by attaching some numbers to Arabic letters. Many innocent Muslims consider this a part of Islam but this is not true. No one can introduce any new thing in Islam. Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) has warned severely about introducing innovations into Islam.  The gravity of introducing a biddah can be realized by the following hadith:

The lives of all Muslims are equal; they are one hand against others; the lowliest of them can guarantee their protection. Beware, a Muslim must not be killed for an infidel, nor must one who has been given a covenant be killed while his covenant holds. If anyone introduces an innovation, he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in religion), he is cursed by Allah, by His angels, and by all the people.  (Sunan Abu dawood: Book #39, Hadith #4515)

Furthermore, this number “786” means “Om” according to many Vedic dharma followers, which has a connection with Kabbalah. Rafael Patai points out in his book “the Jewish mind” the similarities between Tantra and Kabbalah and that there is evidence to support the idea that there was communication between early Kabbalists and Tantrics.