SURAH AL FATIHA – THE OPENING
Surah Al Fatiha is also known as The Mother of the Holy Quran. Al-Fatiha means The Opening, a perfect name for the first surah of the most beneficial book in existence, the Holy Quran. The Prophet (PBUH) once said that this surah is the greatest one in the Holy Quran. On another event, as Hadiths record, the Messenger of Alllah (SWT) PBUH stated that no prayer is possible without the recitation of Surah al-Fatiha. A Muslim has to offer atleast of 17 rakats per day. So, he must recite Surah al-Fatiha 17 times as well in every rakat.
Surah Al-Fatiha contains deep meanings that every Muslim must try to understand. In the final verse of this Surah, we ask Allah (SWT) to guide us on Siraat-al-mustakeem that is the straight path, then specify that it is in reference to the path of those who Allah is pleased with, not the ones with who he is disappointed or not pleased.
Auzubillah minash shaitan rajeem bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
- In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
- All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds,
- the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
- Master of the Day of Judgment.
- You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.
- Guide us along the Straight Path,
- the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray.
Meanings of Surah al-Fatiha
The first part of Surah al-Fatiha consists of words glorifying Allah (SWT), and in the second part, we ask for Allah’s support.
We begin with Auzubillahiminash-shaitaanirajeem, Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem mentioning the name of Allah, the Most Beneficial and Merciful. Then, we praise and glorify Allah azzawajal, Who is the Lord of the Universe and all that is in existence. Then, we once again stress upon His mercy. It is also mentioned that Allah is the Lord of the Day of Judgement in the opening surah itself.
In the second part of the surah, we pray to Allah asking for His support and help. We beg him to guide us to the straight path. Then, in the last verse, we specify that we are referring to the paths of those whom Allah has blessed instead of the ones who went astray or earned His anger.
Lessons from Surah al-Fatiha
The start of the surah with the glorification of Allah shows how we need to keep remember and praise Allah every second of our life. We should also acknowledge Him as the Lord of entire creation and recognize His authority.
The constant focus on Allah’s mercy shows us how essential it is for humans to remember that Allah (SWT) is merciful and loves his creation. We should only live by Allah’s rules and regulations and turn to Him for help. We should ask Him to guide us, and we only need to seek His help. Moreover, we ask Allah to guide us to the straight path, and we hope He keeps us steadfast.
Impact of Surah al-Fatiha
This surah is a pillar of the Salah, which is one of the pillars of Islam. Hence, it is of huge importance for all Muslims, and learning it is a must.
The Prophet (PBUH) said that the ‘um’ or the substance of the Quran is these seven verses.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also approved the recitation of this surah as a form of Ruqyah (Protection from all negativity). Hence, we can recite it to treat illnesses, and it serves healing purposes. Hence, it contains healing benefits, as well.
