Narrated Saeed lbn Al-Mualiaa: “Prophet SAW said to me: “I will teach you a Surah, which is the greatest Surah in the Quran before you leave the masjid,” and he took hold of my hand. Then, when he was about to leave I said to him: “Didn’t you say to me: “I will teach you a Surah which is the greatest Surah in the Quran.” He said: “Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil Aalameen’ – Surah Al ­Fatiha, which is the Seven Often repeated Verses, and the Glorious Quran which has been given to me.” [Sahih Bukhari]

It is all praising Allah SWT, glorifying Him, showing us the right path. It is how the Quran starts, our prayers’ integral part, called the Mother of the Book, the most frequently recited verses, a curative Dua, known by 33 names, the greatest Surah of the Quran, Surah Al Fatiha.

This comprehensive Surah indulges the whole meaning of the purpose of Quran. Digging deep into the meaning of Surah Fatiha every word holds its significance. Starting with ‘Bismillah’ and exalting Allah SWT to a superlative level using words of Rahmaan and Raheem, the Surah begins with further praise of the Supreme Creator in the first three verses.

Significance of the Words Used

Alhamdulillah is generally how most of us know as the verse to use when we are expressing thanks to Allah, relief, happiness, consolation and while doing Tasbeeh after prayers. For the Creator of the world and universe and whatever is in between, these are the best words to thank Him for His blessings and to praise Him for his unmatched superiority.

While all praise is for Him, Allah SWT also shows how forgiving and merciful He is with Ar-Rahmaan Ar Raheem. Merciful and forgiving not only in this life but also in the hereafter. Maaliki Yaoumideen is where Allah SWT is telling that on that day when the largest court will be held He will be the true Judge, the King and the Owner of all the rules and regulations for the day of Judgment.

The next verses are the actual Dua that a slave of Allah SWT makes to Him. It is about worshipping Him and only Him, seeking Him when help is required, asking for guidance to the right path which has been bestowed upon those granted with blessings and not those who are cursed or have gone astray.

3 Things To Note

Three things are specifically highlighted in Surah Fatiha:

–          First is the greatness and unmatched power of Allah SWT and that all worship and admiration is only for Him.

–          Second is the factor that this Surah portrays our requirement for guidance. In every aspect of life we are helpless without our Creator’s guidance towards the right path. By joining the company of people who are favored by Allah’s blessing we can ultimately move towards righteousness.

–          Third is the purpose of life shown to be following the principles laid down by Allah SWT and the importance of following them in order to succeed.

In Surah Fatiha Allah SWT shows us two types of people that are misguided. One are those who have knowingly rejected the truth and second are those who are ignorant about any right or wrong. The choice is given to us to choose between becoming one of these types or becoming one Allah SWT blesses his mercy upon.

The specific dua in the end of the Surah holds significance because it is directly asking Allah SWT for guidance. That is why Surah Fatiha is to be used in every Rakaah of the prayer, in times of trouble and even for healing purposes. It is given the significance of beginning the Quran with. A lot of ahadith shows the importance of Surah Fatiha and how our Prophet SAW regarded it as the greatest Surah of Quran.

“I have divided the prayer between Myself and my servant equally. Therefore when the servant says “Al-Hamdu Lillaahi Rabbil Aalameen,” ‘all praises and thanks are due to Allah, the Lord of the universe,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me…’ [Sahih Muslim]

Sadaf Siddique
Sadaf Siddique holds a degree in Computers and a Masters in Business Administration. She is the mother of a 2-year-old boy, a part-time writer and a full-time homemaker.