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- Voice: Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais
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The Central Theme Of Surah Al-Fatiha
Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, encapsulates the core principles of Islamic faith and worship.
It serves as a foundational prayer and a concise summary of the Quran’s overarching message.
The Surah emphasizes the absolute oneness of God and His exclusive right to be worshiped. It invokes divine guidance and mercy, acknowledging God as the Lord of all worlds.
The chapter underscores the significance of righteous living and seeking guidance from the straight path.
Ultimately, Surah Al-Fatiha establishes a framework for a believer’s relationship with God, encompassing supplication, gratitude, and a commitment to follow His commands.
The Benefits Of Surah Al-Fatihah
The virtues of Surah Al-Fatihah are mentioned in many blessed Hadiths, which scholars have also cited under the interpretation of Surah Al-Fatihah. Some of these virtues are listed below:
Surah Al-Fatihah consists of seven verses. The first three verses are about the praise and glorification of Allah, while the last three verses contain supplications and requests from humans, which the Lord of Honor has, out of His mercy, taught humans Himself. The middle verse combines both aspects: some praise and some supplication.
It is narrated in Sahih Muslim, on the authority of Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that Allah the Exalted has stated,
“I have divided the prayer (i.e., Surah Al-Fatihah) between Myself and My servant into two halves. Half is for Me, and half is for My servant. And My servant will be given what he asks for.” Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “When the servant says, ‘All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me.’ When he says, ‘The Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified and praised Me.’ When he says, ‘Master of the Day of Judgment,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has exalted Me.’ When the servant says, ‘You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help,’ Allah says, ‘This verse is shared between Me and My servant, as it contains both praise of Allah and the servant’s supplication.’ It is also said that My servant will be given what he asks for. When the servant says, ‘Guide us on the straight path’ (to the end), Allah says, ‘All this is for My servant, and he will be given what he asks for.’” (Mazhiri, referenced in Ma’ariful Quran)
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, nothing like Surah Al-Fatihah has been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or even in the Quran itself.”
Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Surah Al-Fatihah is a cure for every disease.
Similarly, in another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “The greatest of all surahs in the Quran is ‘All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.’”
The Different Names Of Surah Al-Fatihah
Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran, is known by several names that reflect its significance and various aspects. Some of the names include:
- Al-Fatihah (The Opening): As the opening chapter of the Quran, it is often referred to simply as “The Opening.”
- Umm al-Kitab (The Mother of the Book): This name signifies its importance and central role in the Quran.
- Umm al-Quran (The Mother of the Quran): Similar to Umm al-Kitab, this name highlights its foundational status.
- Al-Hamd (The Praise): Reflecting its opening words, “Alhamdulillah,” which means “All praise is due to Allah.”
- As-Salah (The Prayer): Since it is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer (Salah).
- Al-Ruqyah (The Cure): It is believed to have healing properties and is often recited for protection and healing.
- Ash-Shifa (The Healing): Similar to Al-Ruqyah, it is considered a source of spiritual and physical healing.
- Al-Kanz (The Treasure): Indicating its immense value and the wealth of guidance it contains.
- Sab’ul-Mathani (The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses): Because its seven verses are frequently recited in prayers.
These names reflect the surah’s multifaceted significance in Islamic tradition and practice.