Al-Fātiḥah (الفاتحة‎)

Al-Fātiḥah Qur'an Islamic Prayer Islamic Practices

Learn about Al-Fātiḥah, its place in the Qur'an, and its significance in Islamic practice. Understand the meanings, context, and uses of this essential chapter in Muslim worship.

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Al-Fātiḥah (الفاتحة‎) in Islam

Introduction

Al-Fātiḥah (الفاتحة‎), literally “The Opening One,” is the first chapter (sūrah) of the Qurʾān. It is also known by several other names such as Sūratu ʾl-Ḥamd (سورة الحمد) meaning “Chapter of Praise,” and Ummu ʾl-Qurʾān (أمّ القرآن), or “Mother of the Qurʾān.” One of the most revered chapters, it holds a central role in Muslim rituals and prayers.

Etymology

Arabic: الفاتحة‎ (Al-Fātiḥah)
Turkish: Fatiha
Root Word: From the root فتح (Fataḥa), meaning “to open.”

Literary Significance

Al-Fātiḥah is considered the greatest Sūrah in the Qurʾān. It is known as the Qurʾānu ʾl-ʿAz̤īm (قرآن العظيم), or the “Exalted Reading,” and the Sabʿu ʾl-Mas̤ānī (سبع المثاني), or the “Seven Recitals,” because it contains seven verses.

Structure and Content

Arabic Text

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

Transliteration

“Bismillāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm. Al-ḥamdu li-ʾllāhi Rabbi ʾl-ʿālamīn. Ar-raḥmāni r-raḥīm. Māliki yaumi ʾd-dīn. Iyyāka naʿbudu wa-iyyāka nastaʿīn. Ihdinā ṣ-ṣirāṭa l-mustaqīm. Ṣirāṭa llaẕīna anʿamta ʿalayhim ghayri l-maghḍūbi ʿalayhim walā ḍ-ḍāllīn.”

English Translation (by Rodwell)

“Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds! The Compassionate, the Merciful! King on the Day of Judgment! Thee do we worship, and to Thee do we cry for help! Guide Thou us on the right path! The path of those to whom Thou art gracious! Not of those with whom Thou art angered, nor of those who go astray.”

Uses in Islamic Practice

Al-Fātiḥah plays a vital role in the daily lives of Muslims. It is recited:

During each rakʿah of the daily prayers (ṣalāh)
Over sick persons as a form of healing.
As an intercession for the souls of the departed.
It is said that Prophet Muhammad called it the Qurʾānu ʾl-ʿAz̤īm, or “exalted reading.”

Takeaways and Conclusion

Al-Fātiḥah, known for its profound depth and simplicity, encapsulates the essence of Islamic worship and serves as a cornerstone in the religious life of Muslims worldwide.