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Surah Al-Fatihah holds a significant place in the Quran as the opening chapter. It is a concise yet profound Surah that encompasses essential teachings of Islam. This article will explore the important points to remember about Surah Al-Fatihah, highlight relevant hadiths, and discuss its connections to other significant Surahs.
The Virtues of Surah Al-Fatihah:
Surah Al-Fatihah is known as Umm Al-Qur’an, the Opener of the Quran, and the seven repeated verses. It is considered the greatest Surah in the Quran, as stated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Reciting Al-Fatihah in every Rak’ah of the prayer is obligatory, and the prayer is incomplete without it.
The Necessity of Praising Allah:
Surah Al-Fatihah begins with praising Allah, emphasizing His perfect attributes and the need for believers to praise Him in the same manner. The prayer is not valid unless Al-Fatihah is recited, as affirmed by various hadiths. Praising Allah is an integral part of every prayer, reflecting the recognition that all affairs are under His control. The Concept of Worship and Seeking Help: Surah Al-Fatihah highlights the essence of worshiping Allah alone and seeking His help exclusively. It emphasizes the complete reliance on Allah and the recognition that all power and strength come from Him alone. This concept is central to the Islamic faith and is reiterated in various verses throughout the Quran.
The Straight Path and Guidance:
Surah Al-Fatihah directs believers to invoke Allah for guidance to the straight path, which represents the true religion. It emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah’s guidance to remain steadfast in this life and to pass over the Sirat (bridge) on the Day of Judgment. The Surah encourages performing good deeds to be in the company of the righteous on the Day of Resurrection.
Connections to Other Surahs:
Surah Al-Fatihah sets the tone for the entire Quran, encompassing its core teachings. It is closely connected to Surah Al-Baqarah, the second chapter of the Quran, which expands on the themes introduced in Al-Fatihah. Surah Al-Fatihah also shares similarities with Surah Al-Ikhlas, emphasizing the oneness of Allah and the rejection of any partners or rivals.
Surah Al-Fatihah holds immense significance in the Quran, serving as the opening chapter and encapsulating essential teachings of Islam. It emphasizes the need to praise Allah, worship Him alone, seek His guidance, and perform good deeds. Reciting Al-Fatihah in every prayer is obligatory, highlighting its importance in the life of a Muslim.
Hadith about Al-Fatihah being the Opener of the Quran:
“I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, a half for Me and a half for My servant. My servant shall have what he asked for.”
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of reciting Al-Fatihah in the prayer and states that the prayer is incomplete without it. It highlights the significance of the recitation of Al-Fatihah as a pillar of the prayer and the connection between the servant and Allah during the prayer.
Consensus among scholars on the requirement to recite Al-Fatihah in every Rak’ah of the prayer:
The Prophet SAW said, Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not recite Umm Al-Qur’an, his prayer is incomplete.
Importance of praising Allah and the necessity of reciting Al-Fatihah in prayer:
The beginning of Surah Al-Fatihah contains Allah’s praise for Himself by His most beautiful Attributes and indicates to His servants that, they too, should praise Him in the same manner. Hence, the prayer is not valid unless one recites Al-Fatihah, if he is able.
The Two Sahihs recorded that `Ubadah bin As-Samit said that the Messenger of Allah said, There is no valid prayer for whoever does not recite Al Fatihah of the Book.
Surah Al-Fatihah’s emphasis on seeking guidance and the straight path: when Zayd bin `Amr bin Nufayl went with some of his friends – before Islam – to Ash-Sham seeking the true religion, the Jews said to him, “You will not become a Jew unless you carry a share of the anger of Allah that we have earned.” He said, “I am seeking to escape Allah’s anger.” Also, the Christians said to him, “If you become one of us you will carry a share in Allah’s discontent.” He said, “I cannot bear it.”
So he remained in his pure nature and avoided worshipping the idols and the polytheistic practices. He became neither a Jew, nor Christian. As for his companions, they became Christians because they found it more pure than Judaism. Waraqah bin Nawfal was among these people until Allah guided him by the hand of His Prophet, when he was sent as Prophet, and Waraqah believed in the revelation that was sent to the Prophet may Allah be pleased with him.
May all our endeavours be to nurture a deep love for Allah, seeking His pleasure in all that we do.
With love and du’as,
Fouzia, Canada
