It is possible to study Surah Al Fatihah endlessly. Surah Al Fatihah is recited over 17 times a day in our prayers because of its tremendous importance in Islam, as evidenced by the fact that it is a requirement of every prayer. Whether it is a compulsory or optional prayer, no prayer is recognized without the recitation of this Surah.
The preceding Ayah demonstrates that God, the Exalted, holds this Surah in such high respect that it is included alongside the rest of the Quranic revelations. The phrase “seven of the frequently repeated verses” also emphasizes the chapter’s prominence.
In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. [All] praise is [due] to Allah , Lord of the worlds. The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path .The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.
It is the Holy Quran’s Makki Surah, which implies it was discovered on God’s Apostle while He was in Makkah, prior to his journey to Madinah. It was supposed to be the fifth chapter to be revealed, but after Furqan e Hameed was put together, it was moved to the first. Al-Fatiha literally means “The Beginning,” as this chapter appears directly at the beginning of the Holy Book and acts as a portal to further reading of Quran Majeed. Furthermore, it acts as the start of Salah. It also holds the distinction of being the first Surah to be totally revealed. Although it only has seven Ayats, it illustrates the Almighty’s Veneration in great detail and also serves as a powerful form of supplication, imploring Allah to keep one on the correct path.
Surah Al-Fatiha has several different names.
This surah’s names are filled with greatness and dignity. Many names of Surat al-Fatiha were mentioned by the academics, and their number exceeded twenty names, with the following names among them:
1. Umm ul-Quran/Kitab (Mother of the Quran/Book): Abu Hurairah (R.A) related what Allah’s Messenger said:
“The Mother of the Quran, the Mother of the Book, the Seven Oft Repeated Verses, and the Great Quran is the chapter that begins with “All praises and thanks are due to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.” (Tirmidhi)
As a result, it is the Mother of the Quran, as Rasulullah has given it that name. Furthermore, the Arabs called anything that summarizes something well or contains the most important aspect of an issue Umm or Mother.
2. Sab’ul-Mathani (The Seven Frequently Said Verses): It is also known as Sab’ul-Mathani because its seven verses are recited at the beginning of each rakaah of the prayer.
3. Al-Hamd (Praise to Allah): It is also known as Al-Hamd, the Commendation, because it contains the Almighty Lord’s Adoration.
4. As-Salah (The Prayer): It is known as the Entreaty because it is required to be read in order for daily prayers to be valid.
5. Ash-Shifa (The Cure): According to Abu Sa’id, Allah’s Messenger said:
“Every poison can be cured by opening the book.” (Ad-Darimi)
6. Ar-Ruqyah (the Spiritual Cure): Abu Sa’id claimed that after reciting it to heal a person bitten by a scorpion, the Apostle of God questioned him,
“…And how did you figure out it was a ruqya?” (Bukhari)
Reciting Surah Fatiha and for the sick is therefore highly recommended.
Surah Fatiha, also known as Asas al-Quran (the Foundation of the Quran), contains the most fundamental principles of Islam, namely, admiration of One Allah SWT.
Surah Al-Fatiha Verse-by-Verse Explanation
Surah Al-Fatiha is a distillation of the Quran’s main message: Allah’s oneness and submission to Him. Let’s look at each ayah of Surah Al-Fatiha one by one to better understand the meaning of this important Quran verse.
1. In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Almost every surah in the Quran begins with this verse. It highlights Allah’s boundless kindness, compassion, and goodness. The Quran also mentions Allah’s wrath and fury, yet His mercy much outweighs His desire to punish. “Verily, My mercy surpasses My anger,” Allah wrote in His Book upon establishing the worlds, according to the Prophet. (Bukhari)
2. All praise is due to Allah, the Creator of the Universe.
This ayah speaks about Allah’s rule and power. None can match His power and dominion. Others may also be complimented and thanked, but the ultimate praise and thanks is due to Him.
3. The Most Merciful and Compassionate.
This ayah emphasizes Allah’s benevolence and compassion, which were emphasized earlier.
4. The Day of Judgment’s Master.
In the hereafter, people will be held accountable for their actions. Allah’s authority will be manifested on the Day of Judgement, and He will command the proceedings.
5. We worship and seek assistance from You alone.
Following an examination of divine characteristics, it is now clear that Allah alone should be worshipped and implored for assistance. Invoking any deceased person for help or intercession – whether a prophet, companion, or “saint” – is thus severely prohibited, and obviously contradicts what a Muslim states when reading Surah Al-Fatiha.
6. Lead us down the Straight Road.
We humans are prone to succumbing to our cravings and temptations, readily deviating from the path leading to salvation. As a result, we pray to Allah to keep us steadfast in the paths He has shown us, despite our inability to guide ourselves.
7. Those You have blessed, not those You disapprove of or those who have gone astray.
Many individuals live righteously and get Allah’s blessings, while others ignore or lose their way, incurring Allah’s wrath. We pray to Allah for inclusion in the first group, as well as for peace and wealth in this world and the next.
In daily prayers, recite Surah Al-Fatiha
It is the only Chapter of the Holy Quran that has earned the distinction of being an essential component of Namaz, which must be repeated on a regular basis in each Rakah of Salah.
Allah’s Messenger, according to Ubadah bin As-Samit, said: “Whoever prays without reciting Surat Al-Fatihah, his prayer is void.” (Bukhari)
It indicates that if one does not read Surat Al-Fatihah, one’s prayer is regarded null and invalid.
Virtues of Surah Al-Fatihah
This chapter of Furqan e Hameed contains some of the greatest qualities:
1- Being the most important Surah of the Holy Quran.
It is the most influential chapter of God Almighty’s Hallowed Volume, as it contains virtually the entire substance of the Islamic faith, namely, believing in and admiring the Exalted One, and asking Him solely for guidance in life.
According to Abu Sa’ad ibn Al-Mu’alla, Allah’s Apostle said:
“…Before you leave the Masjid, I will teach you a Surah that is the finest Surah in the Quran.” Then he took my hand in his and, as he was about to depart [the Masjid], I questioned him, “Didn’t you say you’d teach me a Surah that is the best Surah in the Qur’an?” ‘Yes,’ he responded. It is [the Surah that begins with] “All praise and thanks be to Allah.” The Great Qur’an and the Seven Oft-Repeated Verses have been delivered to me.’ (Ahmad)
According to the Hadith, the Holy Prophet ﷺ referred to this Surah as the Utmost section of the Holy Quran.
2- How Allah Responds to the Recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.
Surah Al-Fatiha is a powerful prayer to Allah, the Almighty. Some recitations, such as sending Durood e Pak on Rasulullah, result in immediate acceptance of entreaty. Umm ul-Quran is another such tale that brings to Allah SWT’s attention while praying to Him:
Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet ﷺ once said: “Allah, the Glorious and Exalted, said, ‘I have divided the prayer between Myself and my servant equally, and My servant shall be granted what he asked for.’ Therefore, when the servant says, ‘All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds.’, Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me.’ When he says, ‘The Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has extolled Me.’ When he says, ‘Master of the Day of Judgment,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified Me.’ When he says, ‘You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help,’ Allah says, ‘This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall have what he requested.’ When he says, ‘Guide us along the Straight Path, the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray,’ Allah says, ‘This is for My servant, and My servant shall have what he asked for.’” (Muslim)
It signifies that Surah Al-Fatiha is a unique kind of prayer to the Merciful God, who responds to His servant at every stage of the recital.
3- Being One of the Two Lights Bestowed on the Holy Prophet.
Ibn Abbas (R.A) related what Allah’s Messenger said:
“While seated with Jibril, the Messenger of Allah heard a creaking sound above him. “This is [the sound of] a gate that has never been opened in heaven before,” Jibril exclaimed, looking skyward. Then an Angel descended through it and approached the Prophet, saying, ‘Rejoice in the good news of two lights that have been given to you like none other Prophet before you.’ Surah Al-Fatihah and the final [two] verses of Surah Al-Baqarah are the two. You will never recite a single word from them without receiving the blessings contained inside.’
It demonstrates that Surah Al-Fatiha, one of the last two Ayats of Surah Baqarah, is the greatest source of illumination that Allah SWT has exclusively provided to the Ummah (Followers) of Rasulullah, and that it has the greatest influence in obtaining Allah’s graces.
4- Being the Most Noble Chapter of the Quran.
According to Anas (R.A), the Holy Prophet said:
“Should I not tell you about the noblest and best part of the Quran?” “All praise and thanks are due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds,” he said. (An Nisai)
It signifies that Surah Al-Fatihah is the most notable piece of Furqan e Hameed, because it includes the
most condensed form of Islamic teachings.
Conclusion:
To summarize, Surah Al Fatiha is a powerful prayer in which we call our Lord’s most beautiful names, witness to His sovereignty, seek His help and direction, and beg Him to bless us.
So, the next time you recite this Surah, remember that Allah is replying to you right now with every verse you pronounce.
