Explore the significance of Surah Al-Fatiha, a key to memorizing, reciting, and understanding the Quran. See how it guides daily worship and solves life’s challenges
Memorization and Recitation
Mandatory for every Muslim to memorize. One who doesn’t memorize isn’t considered Muslim. If not recited in a prayer, then the prayer is mutilated. It must be recited in every rakat.
Hadith from Sahih Muslim
Abu Huraira (radi allahu anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: He who said his prayer, but did not recite the opening chapter of al-Kitab, his prayer is incomplete. He repeated it thrice.
Hadith from Sunan Ibn Majah
It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed (radi allahu anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: ‘There is no prayer for the one who does not recite in every Rak’ah: Al-Hamd (Al-Fatihah) and a Surah whether in an obligatory prayer or another.’”
Solution to all problems
Al-Fatiha which literally translates to “the opening” comes from the root word “Fateh” which means victory. Hence, when you are surrounded by problems and don’t see a solution, Al-Fatiha will act as a savior and create solutions for all problems. It is a victory from each and every struggle.
Gist of the Quran
Surah Al-Fatiha comprises all of the meanings of the Quran.
- Starts with praising Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala),
- Commands to worship him alone (includes obeying his Shariah), and
- Tells us about the life and the hereafter.
Tawheed, Risalat and Akhirah are all included in the Fatiha. The main fundamentals of what we believe are included in the Fatiha.
Ilm and Amal
It combines internal knowledge (ilm) and external commands (amal). These two are the basis of the entire religion.
Three pillars of worship
3 pillars of worship – love, hope and fear – are mentioned. Alhamdulillah (love), Ar rahman ir rahim (hope from the one who is always extremely loving and caring), Malik yawmiddeen (owner of judgment day – fear). These 3 pillars form the basis for worship as it’s followed by Iyyaka na’budu (you alone do we worship).
Tawheed
In the first 3 ayats, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) mentions the perfection of believing in him i.e. the perfection of Tawheed. First we affirm the perfection of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) in who he is (first 2 ayats). Next we affirm the perfection of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) in his relationship with us (first 3 ayats). And finally we affirm that we will worship him and him alone (ayat #4). Hence our Tawheed is unique when compared to other monotheisms.
Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een
It is the most profound verse. It translates to you only do we worship (external action, also called ibadah) and you alone do we ask for help, our tawakkul / our heart is attached to you (internal action, also called isti’anah)
Contains 3 powerful/primary names
Allah, Ar-Rabb, Ar-Rahman – are all included in Fatiha (in addition to 2 more names)
Three categories of mankind
Three categories of mankind are mentioned (in the last 3 verses) –
- Those who have knowledge and act upon it.
- Those who have knowledge but do not act upon it.
- Those who don’t have knowledge but are trying to act without knowledge.
Greatest and the most significant Surah
According to Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), it is the greatest surah in the Quran.
Hadith from Sahih Muslim
Ibn ‘Abbas (radi allahu anhu) reported that while Gabriel (alaihissalam) was sitting with the Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) he heard a creaking sound above him. He lifted his head and said: This is a gate opened in heaven today which had never been opened before. Then when an angel descended through it, he said: This is an angel who came down to the earth who had never come down before. He greeted and said: Rejoice in two lights given to you which have not been given to any prophet before you: Fatihat al-Kitab (opening of the book) and the concluding verses of Surah al-Baqara. You will never recite a letter from them for which you will not be given (a reward).
Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari
Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Mu’alla (radi allahu anhu): While I was praying, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) called me but I did not respond to his call. Later I said, “O Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)! I was praying.” He said, “Didn’t Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) say: ‘O you who believe! Give your response to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) (by obeying Him) and to His Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) when he calls you’?” (8.24) He then said, “Shall I not teach you the most superior Surah in the Qur’an?” He said, ‘(It is), ‘Praise be to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), the Lord of the worlds. ‘ (i.e., Surat Al-Fatihah) which consists of seven repeatedly recited Verses and the Magnificent Qur’an which was given to me.”