His statement, “Then he recites al-Fātiḥah,” means that after the basmalah (the formula, “In the name of Allah...”), he recites al-Fātiḥah. Here, then does not denote sequence with a delay; rather, it merely indicates order, for there is no interval between the basmalah and the recitation of al-Fātiḥah. Rather, he says the basmalah and immediately begins al-Fātiḥah.

His statement, “He recites al-Fātiḥah”: it is well known, and it is the greatest surah in the Book of Allah. It was named al-Fātiḥah because the written muṣḥaf begins with it, and because the prayer is begun with its recitation. It is not, however, to be used to begin everything, as some people do today: when they wish to commence something, they recite al-Fātiḥah; or when they wish to invoke mercy for someone, they say, “Al-Fātiḥah,” meaning, “Recite al-Fātiḥah for him.” This has not been reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, nor from the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them.

Al-Fātiḥah is the Mother of the Quran, because all the objectives of the Quran are found within it. It includes tawḥīd (affirming Allah’s oneness) in its three categories, the prophetic message, the Last Day, the ways of the messengers and those who oppose them, and everything related to the foundational principles of the revealed laws. For this reason, it is called “the Mother of the Quran” (1), and it is called “the Seven Oft-Repeated Verses,” as is authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him (2). Allah has singled it out for mention in His saying:

“And We have certainly given you seven of the oft-repeated verses and the great Quran.” [al-Ḥijr]

The conjunction