Al-Fatiha (ٱلْفَاتِحَة)

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)

Themes And Subject Matter of Surah Al-Fatiha

We can divide the study of Surat 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:

• Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is merciful and loving towards His servants. 

• Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) alone has control over what happens on the Day of Judgement; it is not for us mere humans to decide.

• One major aspect of Islam is remaining thankful and grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).

• Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the Ultimate Judge and will never overlook any evil or injustice.

• Muslims should be especially careful to keep their worship and prayers directed only to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It follows that we should absolutely shun the concept of praying to anyone or anything else, including prophets, etc.

• We should always be asking Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to guide us; this need is constant as we can be in danger of straying at any time.

• One way to stay on the righteous path is to follow the example of the pious people who came before us.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Fatiha

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 the 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)