Surah Al-Fatiha: Chapter of Praise, Supplication to Allah

The first part of the Surah is about praising God and in the second part, the needs of the worshipper are mentioned.

The Surah, which was revealed in Mecca, has seven verses. Here are some of the features of Surah Al-Fatiha:

1- It is clearly different from other chapters in terms of tone and rhythm. In this Surah, God teaches us how to pray to Him and talk to Him. The Surah begins with praising God and then expressing faith in God and the Resurrection. It ends with requests from God and talking about the needs of God’s servants.

2- Surah Al-Fatiha is the foundation of the Quran. According to a Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told one of his companions, Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari: “Do you want me to teach the best Surah that God has revealed in His book?” The Prophet (PBUH) then taught him Surah Al-Fatiha, which is also known as Umm al-Kitab, and said this chapter is the healing to every pain except death.

Umm means root and basis. Maybe that is why Ibn Abbas, the renowned Quran interpreter, says: Everything has a basis and foundation and the foundation of the Quran is Surah Al-Fatiha.

3- In verses of the Quran, Surah Al-Fatiha is introduced as a great gift to the Holy Prophet (PBUH):

“(Muhammad), We have given you the seven most repeated (verses) and the great Quran.” (Verse 87 of Surah Hijr)

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From one aspect, the Surah is divided into two parts with the first part being about praising God while in the second part, the needs of the worshipper are mentioned.

According to a Hadith from the Holy Prophet (PBUH), God said: “I have divided Surah Al-Fatiha between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.”

“The reward of any Muslim who recites Surah Al-Fatiha is like that of a person who has recited two thirds of the Quran, and so much reward would he receive as if he has given every believing Muslim, man or woman, a free will offering “