Surah Al-Fatiha is both a prayer and an introduction to the Holy Quran. The Surah covers the basic aspects of Islam and is named ‘Al Fatiha’ because of its content and place in the Holy Quran.
The Surah starts with praise to Al mighty God as it says “الحمد لله رب العلمين” (All praises to Allah) and“الرحمن الرحيم” (The Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent). Then it went out describing His highness “ملك يوم الدين” (The Master of the Day of Judgment). Then comes the dua portion where a man asks his God the way to success.
Basically, the Surah is divided into two halves between Him and His servant. It is described in a Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as narrated by Abu Hurairah:
Allah, the Exalted, said, `I have divided the prayer (Al-Fatihah) into two halves between Myself and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks for.’
Every ayah in this surah has a great in-depth meaning and is aligned in a magnificent way. On one end, God praises Himself as being the Lord and Merciful, while on the other end, it reminds us about the Day of Judgment.
Significance of Surah Fatiha
The importance of Al Fatiha is immense in Islam as it is the first surah of the Holy Quran. The Surah has been rewarded with many titles such as ‘Umm ul-Kitab, Umm ul-Quran, Al-asas, and many more. No prayer can be completed without the recitation of Surah Al Fatiha (as mentioned in a Hadith). On the importance of Surah Fatiha, he (PBUH) is reported to have said:
It is Al Hamdulillahi Rabbil Aalamin, it is seven oft-repeated verse and the manifest Quran which I was given.
الرحمن الرحيم (Most Merciful and Most Beneficent)
God has enlisted His attribute of being merciful and kind. According to a Hadith, Allah loves mankind many times more than his mother.
No matter how many sins you have committed in this life, Allah will forgive you the moment you beg for His forgiveness. He will continue to favor you in this life as He will forgive you again and again.
The word “الرحمن” means that He is kind to all human beings including non-Muslims and fulfills their needs. While the word “الرحيم” is solely used for the believers as Allah will be kind to His believer in this life and hereafter.
The next verse proved that Allah is merciful and fair at the same time.
ملك يوم الدين (Master of the Day of Judgment)
The Holy Quran has been very clear with its word. By this Ayah, we not only believe Allah to be the king and Lord, but also the Master on the last Day of Judgment.
He will be the king of the kings and will do fair accountability of everyone. Everyone will be answerable to Al-Mighty God and no one will get a safe hand that Day. Allah is fair in His dealings; those who spent time in remembrance of Allah and have stood firmly in the straight path will eventually be rewarded with heaven; while those who deny and ignore Allah’s message will be rewarded with a grave punishment.
In this life, we take ownership of certain things, but on that day, no one will be able to take the power of anything. Allah will lead that day and will judge His mankind according to their deeds.
The ending part of the surah contains a beautiful prayer where a man asks his God to guide him to the straight path. He also asks Him (Allah) to guide on the path of those who succeeded – These were the companions of the Holy Prophet who stood firm on the path of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH). They obeyed Allah and carried out His prophet’s (PBUH) mission.
Thus, Surah Al Fatiha is one of the best Dua we can make in this life.
