In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
Commentary on Ibn Hajar’s Introduction
He, may Allah have mercy on him, says: “All praise is due to Allah for His outward and inward blessings, past and present.”
He began the book with “All praise is due to Allah,” following the example of the Book of Allah, Exalted is He. For the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, made Surah al-Fatihah the opening of the Noble Quran; and, as you know, it begins with praise of Allah. Surah al-Fatihah was not the first part to be revealed, as is well known, but it was placed first in the arrangement of the Quranic codex by the unanimous agreement of the Companions. For this reason, the scholars after them, may Allah have mercy on them, would begin their books with, “All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds,” following the practice of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, in the Book of Allah, Exalted is He. This is one reason.
Another reason is that the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, taught his Companions the sermon for a need, which they would deliver at the beginning of every undertaking. And with what does it begin? With praise of Allah.
Thirdly, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would begin his sermons with praise and extolling Allah. Thus, the scholars, may Allah have mercy on them, began their books in this manner.
He, may Allah have mercy on him, says: “All praise is due to Allah for His outward and inward blessings.”
First, let us discuss the definite article al- in his statement, “All praise is due to Allah.” The scholars say that the definite article al- here indicates comprehensiveness. The sign of the comprehensive definite article is that kull (all), with a doubled lam, can replace it. Accordingly, the meaning of “All praise is due to Allah” is: every praise belongs to Allah.
What is praise? Praise is to ascribe perfection to the one praised, along with love and veneration. By saying “along with love and veneration,” we exclude mere commendation, for commendation is to describe the one commended as perfect, but it is not accompanied by love and veneration.
Allah, Exalted is He, is praised for the perfection of His attributes, and He is praised for the perfection of His bestowal of blessings. Allah, Most High, says:
“And say, ‘All praise is due to Allah, who has not taken a son, who has no partner in sovereignty, and who has no protector out of weakness.’”
What is this praise for? It is for Allah’s perfect attributes. Likewise, Allah, Exalted is He, is praised for His bestowal of blessings, and among