Al-Fātihah

Surah al-Fātihah was given this name because the Noble Quran opens with it. It has also been said that it was the first surah to be revealed in its entirety.

Scholars have stated that this surah encompasses, in summary, the meanings of the Quran concerning monotheism, rulings, recompense, the paths followed by humankind, and other matters. It was therefore called “the Mother of the Quran” (1), for that to which something is ultimately referred is called its “mother.”

This surah possesses distinctive merits not shared by others. Among them is that its recitation is a pillar of the prayers, which are the greatest pillar of Islam after the two testimonies of faith: there is no prayer for one who does not recite the Opening of the Book. Another is that it is a healing recitation: when it is recited over someone who is ill, he is cured by Allah’s permission. The Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—said to the man who recited it over someone who had been stung and subsequently recovered: “How did you know that it was a healing recitation?” (2)

Some people today have introduced an innovation involving this surah: they use it to conclude supplications, begin sermons with it, and recite it on certain occasions. This is wrong. For example, after offering one supplication and then another, a person may say to those around him, “Al-Fātihah,” meaning: “Recite al-Fātihah.” Some people also begin their sermons or other occasions with it. This too is wrong, because acts of worship must be founded upon revealed prescription and faithful adherence.