Bohemian Rhapsody bu Queen

[ClinkatyClank]

Why do they say "bismillah" in the song ?

Any ideas ?

[hc4361]

Because that is what Freddie Mercury wrote.
In the same song there is Galileo (Italian astronomer and philosphist), Scaramouch (Italian clown), Beelzebub (Jewish and Christian devil), fandango (Spanish dance).

Freddie's real name Farrokh Bulsara, he was born in Zanzibar to Indian parents and grew up in India. He was very well educated and had an interest in many religions and cultures.

[sunny-dave]

"Beelzebub has a devil for a sideboard" ... I think

[sandyRoe]

It means: In the name of God.

[sandyRoe]

Beelzebub has a sideboard set aside for me, surely?

[hc4361]

More accurately bismillah means 'in the name of Allah'.

[Sir Alec]

Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me.........

[ClinkatyClank]

Was Freddie Muslim if he said bismillah since it means 'in the name of Allah' ? Wonder what made him include this in the lyrics ?

[factor-fiction]

I used to think they were singing about Mitch Miller

[ABerrant]

"More accurately bismillah means 'in the name of Allah'"

If you choose to not fully translate the Arabic phrase... but then it becomes less accurate, somewhat on a par with 'bismi God'.

'Allah' is an Arabic term for 'God' that predates the Islamic use as the true name of God. Arabic speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christians and Jews, use the word 'Allah' to mean 'God'. 'Allah' also appears in Sikh scriptures, Hindi and Punjabi amongst many other eastern languages.

'Bismillah' is a ritual invocation spanning a number of eastern religions including Zoroastrianism, the religion in which Farrokh Bulsara (a Parsi) was raised.

[hc4361]

ClinkatyClank - I KNEW you were angling for the Muslim theme.

No, Freddie wasn't Muslim. Neither was he Italian, a clown, a devil, a Spanish dancer nor a philosopher.

Second thoughts - maybe he was a philosopher.

[Toes]

Yep, he was a philosipher, and a pretty decent musician.

[hc4361]

The greatest showman on earth.

[jomifl]

With a sad affliction of his right leg.

[bibblebub]

i don't have a sideboard or a devil put aside for anyone

[Nibble]

His favourite bakery ????

http://www.bismillahbakery.co.uk/