The Meanings and Importance of Surah al-Fatiha

In English, Al-Fatiha means The Opening, an apt name for the first surah of the most important book in existence, the Holy Quran. The Prophet (PBUH) once told a companion that this surah is the greatest one in the Quran. On another occasion, as Hadiths record, he stated that no prayer is possible without the recitation of Surah al-Fatiha. A Muslim usually has to offer a minimum of 17 rakats per day. Hence, he must recite Surah al-Fatiha 17 times as well.

Surah al-Fatiha is like a prayer that commences the Quran. It is quite symbolic that this is the opening surah of the Quran. It contains deep meanings that Muslims should undeniably try to comprehend and understand. In the final verse of the Quran, we ask Allah to guide us to the straight path, then specify that it’s in reference to the path of those who Allah is pleased with, not the ones with who he is displeased.

Meanings of Surah al-Fatiha

The first part of Surah al-Fatiha contains a few words glorifying Allah, while in the second part, we ask for Allah’s help.

We begin with the bismillah, mentioning the name of Allah, the Most Merciful. Then, we praise and glorify Allah, Who is the Lord of the Worlds. Then, we once again stress upon His mercy (acting as a precursor to the latter half of the surah). We also mention that Allah is the Lord of the Day of Recompense.

In the second half of the surah, we pray to Allah and ask for His help. We beg him to guide us to the straight path. Then, in the last verse, we specify that we are referring to the paths of those whom Allah blessed instead of the ones who went astray or earned His anger.

Lessons from Surah al-Fatiha

The whole surah is complete with lessons for Muslims to keep in mind and ponder over. The start of the surah with the glorification of Allah shows how we need to keep remembering and praising Allah often. We must also acknowledge Him as the Lord of all creation and recognize His authority.

The constant focus on Allah’s mercy shows us how important it is for humans to remember this attribute. According to a Hadith, Allah divided His mercy into 100 parts and kept 99 for Himself, sending down 1 for all of creation on Earth.

We should only live by Allah’s rules and laws and turn to Him for help. We should ask Him to guide us, and we only need to seek His help. Additionally, we ask Allah to guide us to the straight path, and that is where we hope He keeps us steadfast.

Impact of Surah al-Fatiha

This surah is a pillar of the Salah, which is a pillar of Islam. Hence, it is of massive importance for all Muslims, and learning it is an absolute must.

The Prophet (PBUH) said that the ‘um’ or the substance of the Quran is the seven oft-repeated verses. That is a reference to Surah al-Fatiha.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also approved the recitation of this surah as a form of Ruqyah. Hence, we can recite it to treat illnesses, and it serves healing purposes. Therefore, it contains healing benefits, as well.