This translates to guide us to the straight course.
Beginning of our half in Surah Al-Fatihah:
Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) said that he has divided Surah Al-Fatihah into two equal halves and whatever we ask in our half will be granted. This verse is where we get to our half.
It’s amazing that Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), who has the knowledge and the wisdom of everything and is also extremely loving and caring has made it easier by also saying what we need the most and how we should ask him. He has made it so simple that all we have to do is just ask. We don’t have to think and decide on what we need the most and come up with a dua. All we have to do is ask sincerely and we can be optimistic that it will be accepted.
Etiquettes of Dua:
Note that we get to Dua only in the fifth verse. Hence Surah Al-Fatihah should explain to us the manners and etiquettes of Dua. We should start with praising Allah and use appropriate names (related to our Dua) for referring to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). If we cannot find a name, use the most comprehensive name, Rabb. The next thing to do is confess our weakness and seek help.
Just like the previous verse, even this one is in plural. It’s not ihdini i.e. seeking hidaya for myself, but ihdina which is seeking hidaya for us. This is again to reinforce the connection with the ummah and to tell a Muslim that he isn’t alone. Also, it’s a reminder that a Muslim shouldn’t be selfish but should care about all Muslims.