Surah Al fatiha introduction

Introduction of Surah Al fatiha 

Surah al fatiha with translation in English

   (Tafseer by Mufti Taqi usmani and seyed abo ala moudoodi)

   Importance of Surah Fatiha 

1. Sayeed Abo ala moudoodi :

One of the many practices taught by Islam is that its followers should begin their activities in the name of God. This principle, if consciously and earnestly followed, will necessarily yield three beneficial results. First, one will be able to restrain oneself from many misdeed, since the habit of pronouncing the name of God is bound to make one wonder when about to commit some offence how such an act can be reconciled with the saying of God's holy name. Second, if a man pronounces the name of God before starting good and legitimate tasks, this act will ensue that both his starting point and his mental orientation are sound. Third - and this is the most important benefit - when a man begins something by pronouncing God's name, he will enjoy God's support and succour; God will bless his efforts and protect him from the machinations and temptation of Satan. For whenever man turns to God, God turns to him as well.

2. Mufti Taqi usmani:

Surah Al-Fatiha is not only the very first chapter in the present arrangement of the Qur’an, but it is also the first complete Surah that was revealed. Before this, no Surah had been revealed in its entirety; only certain verses from some Surahs had been revealed. The apparent reason for placing this Surah at the beginning of the Qur’an is that anyone who wishes to seek guidance from the Qur’an should first acknowledge the attributes of his Creator and Master, express gratitude to Him, and, like a true seeker of truth, ask Him alone for guidance. In this Surah, servants are taught the very supplication that a seeker of truth should ask from Allah — the prayer for the straight path. Thus, the entire Qur’an can be understood as an explanation of what that straight path is.

(1) According to the rules of Arabic, Rahman means the One whose mercy is vast (extensive), meaning its benefit reaches everyone. Rahim means the One whose mercy is intense (intensive), meaning whoever receives it, receives it fully. In this world, Allah’s mercy reaches all — both believers and disbelievers — as everyone benefits from sustenance and worldly blessings. In the Hereafter, however, mercy will not extend to the disbelievers, but for the believers it will be complete, in such a way that blessings will exist without the slightest trace of hardship. To highlight this difference, Rahman is translated as “Most Gracious (Merciful to all)” and Rahim as “Most Merciful (especially merciful).