: Revealed at Mecca, this is the most
significant and auspicious Surah known as the Opening Chapter. It is also
called Umm al-Kitaab (Mother of the Book), al-Asaas (The
Foundation) as well as al-Waafiya and al-Kaafiya. It contains the
Seven Oft repeated Verses and takes its place at the top of the Table
for no better reason than that it inaugurates the Qur'aan.
Our Prophet is quoted to have said : 'the Salaat (or prayer) of anyone who
does not recite the Surah al-Fatiha is not valid' and it is therefore
recited in each cycle (rak'a) of every prayer, especially because the
most important Muslim supplication for Divine Guidance towards the Righteous
Path is enshrined in it.
This Surah is universally considered to be the key that unlocks the doors of
erudition; it is the doorway for taking our first step towards the path of
probity that eventually leads to Paradise; it is the primary socle upon which
the edifice of Islamic faith leans; it is the 'preamble' to the rules and
regulations that govern the Islamic way of life; it is the tiniest drop into
which the ocean of the entire Qur'aan is squeezed; it is the brightest beacon
that shines through the voids of ignorance and guides to the shore those who are
lost in the doldrums of confusion; it brings healing to the afflicted; it brings
vision to the blind; it brings courage to the meek; it brings hope to the
despairing; it sets up Allah as the sole Lord of the Universe and the sole Judge
on the Day of Judgement; it is an undisputed asseveration of His kindness and
His Compassion; it is a Muslim's pledge of dedication and devotion to Him; it is
a Muslim's confession to his 'Maker' that he is at His mercy from the beginning
to the end; it is a Muslim's fear of going astray and his desire to be led
aright; it is the strongest tie that irretrievably binds the 'slave' with his
'Lord'!
1 : 1
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds!
1: 2
The Beneficent, the Merciful!
1 : 3
Owner of the Day of Judgement!
1 : 4
We worship you alone and seek only your help!
1 : 5
Lead us on to the path of righteousness.
1 : 6
The path of those whom you blessed, -
1 : 7
And not of those whom you revoked, nor of those who strayed away! (R)
An excerpt from : A 'Digest of the Best of translations'