Surah Al-Fatiha is the opening chapter of the Quran. It holds immense spiritual value and is a required recitation in every unit of the Muslim prayer (Salah). Known as “Umm al-Kitab” (Mother of the Book), it encapsulates the essence of worship, divine praise, and supplication.
"The prayer is not valid without the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha."
Sahih Muslim
Translation of Surah Al-Fatiha (Step by Step)
- بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. - ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
All praise is for Allah Lord of all worlds. - ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
The Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. - مَـٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ
Master of the Day of Judgment. - إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. - ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ
Guide us along the Straight Path. - صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ
The path of those You have blessed not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray.
Meaning and Significance
This Surah is a divine conversation between the servant and Allah. The first few verses praise Allah and acknowledge His mercy and authority. The second half of the Surah is a direct supplication asking for guidance, reflecting a Muslim's complete submission and need for divine help.
Virtues of Surah Al-Fatiha
"By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, nothing like it has been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or the Quran."
Sunan al-Tirmidhi
Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha
- Cure and Healing: It is known as Shifa (healing). The Prophet ﷺ used it as Ruqyah.
- Protection: Offers spiritual protection and wards off evil.
- Central to Salah: Without it, the prayer is incomplete.
- Summarizes the Quran: It captures the core message of the Quran—monotheism, worship, and guidance.
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Surah Al-Fatiha in Daily Life
1. Recite it with reflection in every Salah.
2. Use it in supplications and for Ruqyah.
3. Teach it to children as their first Surah.
4. Reflect on its meanings and apply its message in life.
FAQs About Surah Al-Fatiha
What does Surah Al-Fatiha mean?
It is a prayer to Allah for guidance, mercy, and worship. It means “The Opening.”
Is Surah Al-Fatiha required in every prayer?
Yes, it is a fundamental part of every Rak’ah of Salah.
Is Surah Al-Fatiha a healing Surah?
Yes. It is considered a source of spiritual healing and has been used in Ruqyah by the Prophet ﷺ.
Why is it called Umm al-Kitab?
Because it summarizes the entire message of the Quran in a concise form.
Can Surah Al-Fatiha be recited outside Salah?
Yes, it can be recited in any dua, Ruqyah, or reflection.
Source:
www.quran.com | www.sunnah.com | Tafsir Ibn Kathir