Surah Al-Fatiha, also known as the Opening, is the first chapter of the Quran. It holds a significant place in Islamic worship and is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer. The Surah comprises seven verses and encapsulates central themes of worship, guidance, and supplication. Below is an overview of Surah Al-Fatiha along with its transliteration for those who wish to learn its pronunciation.
Surah Al-Fatiha is a prayer for guidance, lordship, and mercy, and it is considered the essence of the Quran. Its importance is not only due to its recitation in daily prayers but also for its comprehensive message. Surah Al-Fatiha addresses the core components of a believer’s relationship with their Creator, encompassing praise, servitude, and the quest for guidance.
The Surah opens with the invocation of Allah’s name, establishing His sovereign authority and mercy. The initial verses express gratitude and praise, followed by a heartfelt plea for guidance on the straight path. Muslims believe that Surah Al-Fatiha serves as a direct communication between the worshipper and Allah.
The structure of the Surah can be seen as divided into two main segments. The first part highlights Allah’s attributes, emphasizing His mercy and sovereignty over all worlds. The second part shifts toward the believer’s request for assistance in following the path that leads to righteousness, steering clear of misguidance.
Here is the complete text of Surah Al-Fatiha in Arabic followed by its transliteration:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينَ
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّآلِّينَ
Transliteration:
Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil ‘aalameen
Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem
Maaliki Yawmid-Deen
Iyyaaka na’budu wa iyyaaka nasta’een
Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem
Siraatal-lazeena an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alayhim walad-daaalleen
In the first verse, “Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem,” the phrase means In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful. This opening sets the tone of humility and recognition of Allah’s infinite mercy and grace.
The second verse, “Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil ‘aalameen,” translates to All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. This acknowledges Allah’s role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, emphasizing that all forms of worship and gratitude belong solely to Him.
The third verse, “Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem,” reiterates the theme of mercy with the mention of Allah being The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful. It highlights the importance of mercy in Allah’s dealings with creation and serves as a reminder for believers to embody these traits in their lives.
In the fourth verse, “Maaliki Yawmid-Deen,” meaning Master of the Day of Judgment, the acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty over the final day brings to mind the accountability that every soul has to face. It reinforces the importance of living a righteous life and being aware of the ultimate judgment that awaits.
In the fifth verse, “Iyyaaka na’budu wa iyyaaka nasta’een,” translated as You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help, signifies the exclusive devotion of the believer towards Allah. It is a declaration of faith and reliance, indicating that all forms of worship and supplication are directed to Him alone.
The sixth verse, “Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem,” which means Guide us on the Straight Path, is a prayer for divine guidance. It embodies the longing for direction in life, seeking clarity on the righteous path that leads to success in this world and the hereafter.
The seventh verse, “Siraatal-lazeena an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alayhim walad-daaalleen,” translates to The path of those who have received Your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath upon themselves, nor of those who have gone astray. This verse differentiates between the paths people take, urging believers to seek the path of the blessed, steering clear of paths that lead to misguidance and disobedience.
The profound nature of Surah Al-Fatiha is amplified by its recitation in every Muslim prayer, reflecting its role as a unifying force in the lives of those who adhere to Islam. It is recited not only in formal prayer but is also a significant part of personal supplication and reflection.
The Surah’s themes resonate deeply within the hearts of believers, as it encapsulates the essence of human existence. Recognizing the attributes of Allah, understanding one’s position as a servant, and seeking guidance are fundamental aspects of a believer’s faith journey. Surah Al-Fatiha inspires a sense of humility and dependence on Allah, encouraging individuals to seek His mercy and guidance in all facets of life.
In conclusion, Surah Al-Fatiha is more than just a chapter in the Quran; it is a comprehensive framework for worship and a deeply introspective prayer that connects believers with their Creator. Through its verses, Muslims find solace, guidance, and an affirmation of their faith, making it a timeless treasure within the Islamic tradition. The transliteration serves as a valuable tool for those wishing to engage with the Surah in its original Arabic form, bridging gaps for those non-Arabic speakers eager to grasp the beauty and depth of this fundamental prayer in Islam. As Muslims continue to recite Al-Fatiha in their prayers, they remain committed to seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, and nurturing a profound relationship with Allah, the All-Merciful.