Writing the Basmala on cards

Q: The reader A. H. B. from al-Dalim sent us a question asking: Is it permissible to write the Basmala on wedding cards, given that they are thrown into the streets or trash bins afterwards?

A: It is prescribed to write the Basmala on cards and other letters; for it is narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: And because he (peace and blessings be upon him) used to begin his letters with the Basmala. It is not permissible for the one who receives a card containing the mention of Allah or a verse from the Qur'an to throw it into the garbage or trash, or to place it in a place of disdain. The same applies to newspapers and the like; it is not permissible to degrade them, throw them in the trash, use them as a tablecloth for food, or as a wrapper for necessities, because of the mention of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) contained in them. The sin is upon the one who does this, while the writer bears no sin.