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Al-Fatihah: What Exactly Does The Straight Path Mean?

Shariah Editor, Dr. Yasir Qadhi
10 April, 2020

{Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem (Guide us to the straight path)} is the 6th ayah of Surah Fatihah. A surah that Muslims recite at least 17 times a day.

But what exactly is this straight path that I’m asking to be guided to? Does straight mean the most-direct way to Jannah or something else? Is the path a literal path or is path used figuratively? 

? Read Also: When a Prophet Is Jailed… How Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) Coped

It’s time we start to better understand what exactly we’re asking for in our 5 daily prayers. Because when we start digging deeper into the words we are reciting from, one can’t help but fall deeper in love with Islam.

The Awesome Meaning of ِAs-siraat

I love that there is a specific and precise reason for every single word in the Quran. For instance; the word ‘siraat’ in verse 6 of al-Fatihah (Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem) has such a unique meaning. 

There are many words Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala could have used in Arabic that would mean ‘path’. In fact, He uses the other words in other areas of the Quran so why did He choose ‘siraat‘ to be used here?

Growing Towards the Straight Path

Allah Almighty blesses us every day and one of His many blessings is telling us exactly how to ask Him for what we truly want. We can find it all in Surah Al-Fatihah.

This is why it’s crucial for us to make time daily to be with the Quran. The Quran is Allah’s words. Words, that when understood, can only better us and those around us.

Take 15 minutes to watch this fascinating talk by Sheikh Yasir Qadhi about the 6th ayah of Surah Fatihah. You will get back more than you expected when you first clicked on this link, insha’Allah. 

Watch the Whole Series

  1. The 7 Oft-Recited Verses: An Introduction to Al-Fatiha
  2. Who Divided Up Quran into Surahs and Verses?
  3. All About Isti`adhah & Seeking Protection from Satan
  4. Starting with Allah’s Name… What Does Basmalah Mean?
  5. Why Glorify Allah’s Name, Not Allah Himself?
  6. What Is the Meaning of the Name of Allah?
  7. Difference Between Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim
  8. Why Surah Al-Fatihah Starts With Al-Hamd
  9. Why “Al-Hamdulillah” Is Particularly Used in Surah Al-Fatihah
  10. What Allah Says When You Recite Surah Al-Fatihah
  11. “Lord of the Worlds”… What Does That Mean?
  12. Day of Judgment & Two Recitations of One Word
  13. 3 Components of Your Relation with Allah
  14. 3 Examples of Quran Eloquence in Surah Al-Fatihah
  15. Turning Sleep Into Ibadah (Act of Worship)
  16. What Exactly Does The Straight Path Mean?
  17. Do All Paths Lead to Allah?
  18. Get Your Sins Forgiven by Saying Ameen