Introduction to Tafeer of Surah Al-Fatiha
Surah Al-Fatiha, also known as Al-Fatihah, is the opening chapter of the Holy Quran. It consists of 7 verses and is a concise summary of the entire Quran. Surah Al-Fatiha Tafseer highlights the fundamental concepts of Islam and serves as a prayer for guidance, mercy, and assistance from Allah.
The surah is recited in every unit of prayer as it encapsulates the essence of Islam. The title Al-Fatiha means “The Opener” referring to the fact that this surah opens the Book of Allah. It is also known as Umm Al-Kitab or “The Mother of the Book” as it forms the preface of the Quran.
Revelation and Purpose
Surah Al-Fatiha is universally agreed upon by scholars to be a Meccan surah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the early days of prophethood. Allah revealed this surah to the Prophet to teach him and, through him, the rest of mankind how to supplicate and beseech for His favors.
The main themes covered in this surah are Tawheed (Oneness of Allah), servitude to Him, seeking guidance, and asking for provision. Reciting and reflecting upon this surah allows believers to strengthen their connection with Allah and recognize His blessings.
Virtues and Benefits
Numerous hadith highlight the excellence and virtues of Surah Al-Fatiha. The Prophet (PBUH) said that it cures physical and spiritual ailments and brings immense blessings when recited regularly. Understanding the tafseer of this surah leads to increased faith, God-consciousness, and righteousness. The Prophet (PBUH) also said that Surah Al-Fatiha is the greatest surah of the Quran.
Tafseer of Each Verse
Here is a detailed tafseer or exegesis of each verse in Surah Al-Fatiha:
Verse 1
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Transliteration:
Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm
Translation:
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
This verse begins with the phrase “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” which means “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” This verse precedes every surah of the Quran except Surah At-Tawbah.
Starting with the name of Allah signifies that the reciter is invoking His assistance and seeking blessings. It also indicates that the Quran is revealed by Allah. The two names of Allah used here Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem denote His endless mercy, love, and care for His creation.
Verse 2
Arabic:
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
Transliteration:
Al-Ḥamdu Lillāhi Rabbi l-ʿĀlamīna
Translation:
All praise and thanks are for Allah—Lord of all worlds.
This verse expresses gratitude to Allah who is Al-Hamid (The Praiseworthy) and Ar-Rab (The Lord) of everything in the heavens and earth. As our Creator, Sustainer, and Master, Allah deserves all praise and thanks from mankind. He alone nurtures us, provides for us, and looks after all our needs.
Verse 3
Arabic:
ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Transliteration:
Ar-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīmi
Translation:
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
These words reaffirm that Allah is Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem. He is the source of all mercy, blessings, and bounties. No matter how much we thank Him and obey Him, we can never fully repay Him for His endless grace upon us. This verse inspires hope in Allah’s mercy.
Verse 4
Arabic:
مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ
Transliteration:
Māliki yawmi d-Dīni
Translation:
Master of the Day of Judgment.
Allah alone is Malik or Master of the Day of Judgment. He has complete dominion over the Day when all souls will be resurrected and judged based on their deeds. This verse reminds us that we are accountable to Allah for our actions in this world and we should live righteously.
Verse 5
Arabic:
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
Transliteration:
Iyyāka naʿbudu wa iyyāka nastaʿīnu
Translation:
You alone we worship, and from You alone we seek help.
This verse clarifies the purpose of our existence – to worship Allah alone and seek His aid. We should not worship or depend on anyone besides Him. Sincere worship requires complete reliance on Allah and seeking only His assistance.
Verse 6
Arabic:
ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ
Transliteration:
Ihdinaṣ-ṣirāṭa l-mustaqīma
Translation:
Guide us along the Straight Path.
After affirming that Allah alone is worthy of worship, this verse is a supplication to Him for guidance to the Straight Path which leads to salvation and Paradise. The Straight Path refers to the religion of truth and righteousness based on the Quran and Sunnah.
Verse 7
Arabic:
صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ
Transliteration:
Ṣirāṭa l-laðīna anʿamta ʿalayhim ġayri l-maġḍūbi ʿalayhim walāḍ-ḍāllīna
Translation:
The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your grace, not of those who have earned Your anger, nor of those who are astray.
This final verse clarifies which Straight Path we ask Allah to guide us to. We seek the path of those blessed by Allah such as the Prophets, righteous martyrs, and truthful saints. And we seek protection from going astray or incurring Allah’s wrath due to sin and disbelief.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Fatiha
In summary, some of the key lessons derived from this Tafseer of Surah Al-Fatiha are:
- Allah alone deserves all praise and gratitude as the Creator and Sustainer of all worlds.
- He is the Most Loving, Caring, and Merciful towards His creation.
- We should worship Him alone without any partners or intermediaries.
- Righteousness comes from following His guidance and commandments.
- The Day of Judgment will bring accountability for our earthly deeds.
- Seeking Allah’s protection and grace is essential for salvation.
- The Quran guides us to live a virtuous life that earns Paradise.
Regularly reflecting on Surah Al-Fatiha truly centers us in the worship of Allah and helps us achieve closeness to Him through its beautiful teachings.
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