Surah Al-Fatiha is ‘the Opener/the Key’ or the first chapter (Surah) of the Holy Quran. ‘Fatihah’ comes from the root letters f-t-ḥ, (ف ت ح). These denote the meaning ‘to disclose, to open, explain, and conquer.’ It consists of 7 verses or ayahs and contains praise for Allah. It is a prayer for His mercy and guidance and one that is used in salah. It has just one Ruku and is in the first Juz or book of the Quran. Surah Al-Fatiha is a Makki (Meccan) Surah, though some believe it was revealed in Mecca and Medina. Surah Al-Fatiha is among the al-Sab’ al-Mathani or “the Seven Oft-repeated” surahs of the Quran. Surah Al-Fatiha is called the Mother of the Book or Ummul Kitab. From these names, we may derive the importance of this surah. Other names of the surah are:
The Praise (Al-Hamd)
The Healer (Al-Shafiyah)
The Foundation (Al-Asas)
The Sufficient (Al-Kafiyyah)
١ - ٱلْفَاتِحَة
1 - Al-Fatiha
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
5
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
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There is no specific incident or event associated with the revelation of Surah Al-Fatiha. It is a sort of preface to the Quran. That's why it is placed at the start of the Quran. Scholars are of the view that the content of this Surah explains what this Book (the Quran) is about. The word Fatihah translates to "the Opener"; hence, the placement of this surah is important in the context that it opens the text of the Quran. It is referred to as the "seven oft-repeated” in the 87th verse of Surah Al-Hijr. The majority of scholars also believe that it was the first complete surah revealed to the Prophet, whereas some of the verses of other surahs, such as Al-Alaq, Al-Muzammil, and Al-Mudathir, were revealed in parts before it. This is the Surah that makes a compulsory part of each Rakah of every Salah. This might be another reason for giving it the name "al-Fatiha”, as it opens the Prayer. Surah Al-Fatiha is a complete supplication, seeking guidance and mercy from Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Surah Al-Fatihah is a Makki Surah. It is one of the earliest revelations, hence the consensus is that it was revealed during the Prophet Muhammad's صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ stay in Mecca.
It is the 1st Surah of the Quran and appears in Juzz (para) 1. It appears before Surah Al-Baqarah. Per the order of revelation, it is the 5th Surah, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it falls at number 1 in Juzz 1.
Surah Al-Fatiha is one of the most significant surahs of the Quran, which can be summarized as follows:
We can divide the study of Surah Al-Fatiha (ٱلۡفَاتِحَةِ) into two or more parts. First, it is an introduction to the Quran and to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It is not only the first surah in the compiled version of the Quran but also the first one we recite in every rak’at of our prayers. Muslims frequently recite this surah for protection, blessing, and as a dua for the deceased. Next, this surah is a prayer itself. After praising and glorifying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), the believer then makes a request to their Lord for guidance, blessings, and protection from going astray. According to at least one Sahih Hadith, the whole of Surah Fatihah is like a conversation between Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His servant:
Abu Hurairah narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah say, “Allah says, ‘I have divided the prayer between Me and My servant in two halves and for My servant is whatever He asks for.’ When the servant says, ‘Praise be to Allah the Lord of the worlds,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has thanked Me.’ When he says, ‘…the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me.’ When he says, ‘…Master of the Day of Judgment,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified Me.’ And He says, ‘My servant has submitted to Me.’ When he says, ‘You Alone we worship and we ask You for help,’ Allah says, ‘This is between Me and My servant and for My servant whatever he asks.’ When he says, ‘Guide us to the straight path…’ Allah says, ‘This is for My servant and for My servant whatever he asks for.’” (Sahiḥ Muslim 395)
When we read, recite, and ponder upon Surah Al-Fatiha, some of the following themes are apparent:
We may look upon Surah Al-Fatiha as a prayer while starting the Holy Quran. After this surah, the rest of the Quran is an answer to these supplications. Surah Al-Fatiha also includes various principles and concepts that Muslims should remember. To begin with, we get a reminder about all our blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). From there, we remember to keep being grateful and praise Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) several times a day.
Next, we get the reminder that worldly life is temporary. Everyone will die, and we will be raised again on the Day of Qiyamah. Since Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the Master of this Day, we have to seek His guidance and mercy. Furthermore, Surah Al-Fatiha is a way of affirming that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the One we need to address and supplicate for everything. This surah is also one of the mandatory parts of our daily prayers. Without its recitation, the prayer will be incomplete. According to a Sahih Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) stated:
Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid. (Sahih Al-Bukhari 756)
Listening to the recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-Fatiha, is very important because correct pronunciation is highly important. Even a slight deviation in reading may change the meanings. It becomes even more difficult for non-Arabic speakers to correctly pronounce some of the Quranic verses, whereas reading the Quran with Tajweed is a sensitive matter. Hence, listening to its recitation by a renowned and authentic Qari may help us in understanding the correct way of reading the Quran.
On the other hand, sometimes, one may just like to listen to the Quran, instead of reading. At MuslimandQuran, we have uploaded recitations of the Quran by different renowned reciters (Qaris). You can find and select a Qari per your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You just need to download the Mobile Application of the MuslimandQuran to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Fatiha.
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Although it is easy to read the Quran directly on the website or mobile application of MuslimandQuran, sometimes you may like to read it offline. At Muslim and Quran, we provide this facility as well. You can download Surah Al-Fatiha in PDF for reading later.
Surah Al-Fatiha can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
Al-Fatiha translates to “the Opener”. Sometimes it is also translated as “Opening.”
Surah Al-Fatiha has 7 verses.
Surah Al-Fatiha is a complete supplication, which includes the profession of faith (tawhid), seeking guidance for righteousness, and acknowledging Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Mercy. Hence, reciting repeatedly strengthens our faith and submission to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
It can be recited anytime during the day or night. No specific time is associated with its recitation. However, it is an essential part of each Rakah of every Prayer (Salah), whether Fard or Nafl. So, it is recited repeatedly in every regular prayer. Apart from that, it can also be recited often, at any time, as a supplication.
Yes, it carries huge rewards, just like recitation of any other verse or surah of the Quran. However, no specific rewards are associated with this Surah.