SURAH FATIHA: THE OPENING

SURAH FATIHA: THE OPENING

Surah Fatiha is the first chapter of the Holy Quran which is the reason it is called “The Opening”. It is a short chapter consisting of 7 verses in total. It is one of the first chapters of the Quran which is memorised by Muslims since it is recited in obligatory and voluntary Muslim prayers. The surah is also given other titles because of its content and positions as a first chapter; Al-Hamd (The Praise), Umm al-Quran (Mother of the Quran), Ash-Shifa' (The Cure) and Umm al-Kitab (Mother of the Book).

Surah Fatiha essentially consists of basic principles of teachings of the Quran. It is the believers’ praise of Allah as well as the prayer to Him. Knowing Allah and His attributes besides praising Him as a sole creator is crucial in a Muslim’s life. The first 4 verses point out the attributes of Allah while praising Him. It says;

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. [Quran 1:1-4]

All things that came to life (universe, the earth, people, animals etc.) owe their existence to the only Creator who is Allah who deserves all the praise for His blessings upon humans, His mercy and compassion. The word that is used here to describe Allas as Compassionate is “Rahman” referring to His boundless and endless grace bestowed upon everyone and everything. The other word is “Raheem” meaning “the one who acts with extreme kindness, merciful.” Muslims praise His attributes as they thrust the mercy of Allah when they are in any kind of need. The believers also submit themselves to the mercy and judgement of Allah in this life as well as on the day which the Judgement of our actions will be held.

            You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help [Quran 1:5].

The meaning of this verse is the core of the Islamic belief. Muslims strictly believe that there is only one God who is the creator and sustainer of everything. This is why Muslims worship Allah and not any other false God or idol. Therefore, they only ask help from the sole Creator who is omniscience and omnipotence for their needs both in this world and the hereafter.

            Guide us along the Straight Path,

            the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with,

or those who are astray. [Qutan 1:6-7]

            Muslims recite these verses everyday in their prayers. Even though Muslims do their best to follow the path of Allah by obeying his command and avoiding bad deeds, there is always a chance that people can go astray from the straight path because of their human nature. That is why believers are always in need of guidance from Allah while doing their best in this world. It is important because even the most faithful ones need the help and guidance of Allah.