Surah Al-Fatiha, also known as “The Opening,” holds immense significance in the Islamic faith. It is the first chapter of the Quran and serves as the opening prayer in every unit of the Muslim prayer ritual.
The Surah consists of seven verses that encapsulate profound meanings and lessons for believers. In this article, we will explore the Tafsir (interpretation) of Surah Al-Fatiha, delving into its linguistic, historical, and spiritual dimensions to gain a deeper understanding of its timeless message.
The History of Surah Al-Fatiha
Surah Al-Fatiha is the first surah in the Quran, and it is the most frequently recited surah in prayer. It is an essential pillar of the prayer, and the prayer is not valid without it, whether the worshipper is a follower or an imam, and whether the prayer is performed aloud or silently.
It applies to both obligatory and voluntary prayers. It is narrated by Ubada bin As-Samit that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the opening chapter of the Book” [Agreed upon].
One of the important pieces of information about Surah Al-Fatiha is the reason for its revelation. According to what Ali ibn Abi Talib mentioned, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to go out, he would hear a caller calling him by saying, “O Muhammad.” When the Prophet heard it, he would run away.
Waraqah ibn Nawfal informed him to stay firm when he hears the voice and listen to what the caller says. When the caller called him again, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Here I am.” The caller then recited Surah Al-Fatiha to him. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Surah Al-Fatiha was revealed from a treasure beneath the Throne of the Most Merciful.”
As for the place of revelation of Surah Al-Fatiha, there are different opinions among scholars and interpreters. Some of them believed it was revealed in Madinah, specifically during the obligation of prayer. It is also said that it was revealed in Makkah when the Qiblah was changed. However, all narrations indicate that it was Makkan.
Those who support this view referred to Surah Al-Hijr, where Allah says, “And We have certainly given you, [O Muhammad], seven of the often repeated [verses] and the great Qur’an.” Surah Al-Hijr is a Makkan surah, and the Prophet interpreted the “seven often repeated [verses]” mentioned in Surah Al-Hijr as referring to Al-Fatiha.
On the other hand, some scholars believed that Surah Al-Fatiha was revealed twice, once in Makkah, and their evidence is also based on Surah Al-Hijr. They also believe it was revealed in Madinah based on a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas. He said, “While Gabriel was sitting with the Prophet (peace be upon him), he heard a creaking sound above him.
He raised his head and said, ‘This is a gate opened in heaven today that has never been opened before.’ An angel descended from it and said, ‘This is an angel who descended to earth today who has never descended before.’ He greeted and said, ‘Rejoice in two lights given to you that no prophet before you has been given: the opening chapter of the Book [Al-Fatiha] and the concluding verses of Surah Al-Baqarah'” [Muslim]
You can also see: Surah Al-Nasr
The Importance of Surah Al-Fatiha in Islam
Surah Al-Fatiha holds great importance in Islam. It is an essential pillar of the prayer, recited in every unit of the prayer. It represents a comprehensive supplication encompassing the core Islamic concepts of monotheism, worship, and guidance. Its significance is attributed to the following reasons:
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The Opening Surah
Al-Fatiha is the first surah in the Quran, thus it is the first recitation in prayer and in many religious occasions. It is considered the “Mother of the Book,” i.e., the opening chapter of the Quran.
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Supplication and Turning to Allah
Surah Al-Fatiha contains a supplication directed towards Allah, where we seek guidance on the straight path, mercy, and forgiveness.
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Key to Understanding the Quran
It encompasses several fundamental concepts in Islam, such as the oneness of Allah, acknowledging His power, mercy, seeking His assistance, and turning to Him in worship.
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Healing
Many believe that reciting Surah Al-Fatiha carries great benefits for healing and tranquility. It helps to calm the heart, focus the mind, feel closer to Allah, and enhances inner peace and serenity.
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Spiritual and Worship Value
Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha in prayer and other worship acts is considered one of the foundational acts of worship in Islam. It reflects humility and acknowledging Allah as the source of strength, guidance, and mercy.
You can also see: How to Memorize The Quran Fast
The Virtues of Surah Al-Fatiha
Surah Al-Fatiha has numerous virtues in Islam, including:
1- Greatest Surah in the Book
It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: “No chapter has been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or the Criterion (the Quran) that is superior to Surah Al-Fatiha” [Sahih, narrated by Abu Hurairah], indicating that Surah Al-Fatiha is the greatest surah in the Quran.
2- Healing and Blessings
Many believe that reciting Surah Al-Fatiha brings healing and blessings. Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
“We were on a military expedition, and we passed by a tribe called Banu Al-Ahmas. They entertained us, but they refused to host us. So, we camped in the open, and one of them was stung. They came to us and said, ‘Is there anyone among you who can perform Ruqyah (healing through recitation)?’ One of our men said, ‘Yes, I can perform Ruqyah.’ So, he performed Ruqyah on him with Surah Al-Fatiha, and the man recovered.
They gave us thirty sheep as a gift, and some milk as well. When we came to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, we mentioned this to him, and he said, ‘How did you know that it (Surah Al-Fatiha) is a Ruqyah? You have done the right thing. Divide them and give me a share as well'” [Sahih, narrated by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri].
3- Accepted Supplication
The supplication included in Surah Al-Fatiha is among the accepted supplications. When we invoke Allah for guidance, mercy, and forgiveness, it implies that Allah will respond to this supplication because reciting Surah Al-Fatiha carries blessings, healing, and the acceptance of supplications by the permission of Allah.
4- Great Reward
Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha is rewarded with immense reward. Al-Musannaf, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “It is obligatory to recite Al-Fatiha in every unit of prayer. It is narrated by Rifa’ah bin Rafi’ who said, ‘While the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was sitting in the mosque, a man was praying.
When he finished, he came to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and greeted him. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said to him, ‘Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.’ The man said, ‘Teach me, O Messenger of Allah!’ The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, ‘When you stand for prayer, say takbir, then recite Al-Fatiha and whatever is easy for you from the Quran, until you finish. Then, perform in every unit of prayer the same way'” [Sahih, narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
5- Enhancing Spiritual Aspects
Many believe that reciting Surah Al-Fatiha enhances spiritual elevation, grants inner peace and tranquility. It brings the believer closer to Allah and strengthens the spiritual connection. Reciting the Mother of the Book serves as a source of tranquility, removing worries, dispersing sadness, and calming the heart amidst the fluctuations of life.
You can also see: Interpretation of the Noble Quran
Tafsir of Surah Al-Fatiha
Before interpreting the greatest surah in the Quran, let us review the verses of this magnificent surah:
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim (1)
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin (2)
Ar-Rahman ir-Rahim (3)
Maliki yawm ad-Deen (4)
Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in (5)
Ihdinas-siratal mustaqeem (6)
Siratal ladhina an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril maghdubi ‘alayhim wa la ad-dallin (7)
Explanation of Surah Al-Fatiha:
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim (1)
The phrase “Bismillah” means “in the name of Allah.” It is said at the beginning of recitation or at the beginning of any task to seek refuge from Satan, to receive the blessings of the Most Merciful, and to seek His assistance in speech and action.
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin (2)
The phrase “Alhamdulillah” means “praise be to Allah.” It is a description of the One who is praiseworthy in all perfect attributes in all circumstances. “Rabbil ‘Alamin” means “Lord of all the worlds,” referring to Allah as the Creator of all the worlds, including everything other than Allah on the earth and in the heavens.
He is the Sustainer of all worlds, and His sustenance and guidance are of two types: general and specific. The general sustenance and guidance encompass all His creation, providing them with what is good and beneficial. The specific sustenance and guidance are for His special servants who are nurtured with faith and protected from evil and deviation.
Ar-Rahman ir-Rahim (3)
These two names of Allah indicate His vast mercy that encompasses all creatures. Allah has specifically favored His righteous servants with His mercy. Allah says: “And My mercy encompasses all things. That (mercy) I shall ordain for those who are righteous and give zakah and those who believe in Our verses” [Al-A’raf: 156].
Maliki yawm ad-Deen (4)
“Yawm ad-Deen” refers to the Day of Judgment, as mentioned in the noble verses of the Quran: “Indeed, the criminals are in error and madness. The Day they are dragged into the Fire on their faces (it will be said), ‘Taste the touch of Saqar!’ Indeed, all things We created with predestination.
And Our command is but one, like a glance of the eye” (Quran 54:47-50). “Malik” refers to the One who has full authority and control over everything. He has the power to forgive or punish. It is said that Allah will call out on that day, “To whom belongs the sovereignty today?” and no one will respond except Him, saying, “To Allah, the One, the Prevailing.”
Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in (5)
This verse signifies that we single out Allah alone for worship and seeking assistance. We do not worship anyone other than Him, nor do we seek help except from Him. The mention of seeking assistance after worship implies that we are in need of Allah in all acts of worship.
A servant will not attain what they desire if they do not refrain from prohibitions and fulfill the obligations. “Ibadah” (worship) is a comprehensive term that includes all actions, whether apparent or hidden, that please Allah. “Isti’anah” (seeking assistance) refers to complete reliance on Allah to repel harm and bring benefit.
Ihdinas-siratal mustaqeem (6)
This verse means “Guide us to the straight path.” It is a supplication to Allah to guide us and grant us success in following the straight path, which is a clear and unambiguous path without deviation. It is a request to be steadfast on this path until death.
The straight path is the path that Allah has blessed the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous with, excluding the path of those who have earned His anger or gone astray. Those who have earned His anger are the Jews who saw the truth but abandoned it or distorted it. The misguided are the Christians who deviated from the truth out of ignorance. Ibn Kathir mentioned in his tafsir that the “maghdubi ‘alayhim” refers to the Jews, and the “ad-dallin” refers to the Christians.
And this is the interpretation of the verse:
Siratal ladhina an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril maghdubi ‘alayhim wa la ad-dallin (7)
This verse refers to those who have recognized the truth but either abandoned it or deviated from the right path. It distinguishes the group of people who have received Allah’s blessings from those who have incurred His anger or gone astray.
You can also see: Tafsir of Surah Al-Ikhlas
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