سُورَةُ الفَاتِحَة

Surah Al-Fatiha

The Opening

Chapter 1
Verses 7 Ayat
Place Mecca

Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening) is the first chapter of the Holy Quran. It is one of the most essential surahs in Islam, recited in every rak'ah (unit) of the Muslim prayer (Salah). The surah summarizes the core themes of the Quran: praise of Allah, affirmation of His mercy, and guidance for the straight path.

Al-Fatiha is also known as Umm al-Kitab (Mother of the Book), Ash-Shifa (The Cure), and As-Sab'a al-Mathani (The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses). It serves as an introduction to the entire Quran and contains fundamental Islamic beliefs.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1:1
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil 'aalameen
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds
1:2
الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1:3
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
Maaliki Yawmid-Deen
Master of the Day of Judgment
1:4
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
Iyyaaka na'budu wa lyyaaka nasta'een
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help
1:5
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem
Guide us on the Straight Path
1:6
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
Siraatal-lazeena an'amta 'alayhim ghayril-maghdoobi 'alayhim wa lad-daaaalleen
The path of those who have received Your grace, not the path of those who have earned Your anger, nor of those who have gone astray

Key Themes of Surah Al-Fatiha

Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)

The surah begins with praise and establishes Allah as the Lord of all worlds, affirming His Oneness.

Rahma (Mercy)

Allah is described twice as Merciful (Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim), emphasizing His boundless compassion.

Ibadah (Worship)

Declaration that worship is for Allah alone, establishing the foundation of Islamic monotheism.

Hidayah (Guidance)

A plea for guidance to the straight path, showing the believer's dependence on Allah.

Virtues and Benefits

  • Essential for Prayer: Al-Fatiha is recited in every rak'ah of Salah - without it, prayer is incomplete.
  • Cure for Illness: Known as Ash-Shifa, it is used in ruqyah (spiritual healing) and for seeking relief.
  • Greatest Surah: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) called it "the greatest surah in the Quran."
  • Conversation with Allah: Each verse of Al-Fatiha is a response from Allah when recited in prayer.
  • Daily Protection: Regular recitation brings blessings, protection, and spiritual peace.

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