for the term tathniya (doubling) here simply denotes repetition in general, without confining it to the number two—just as in His words: “Then turn your gaze back twice” (67:4), meaning time after time.

The Quran, then, is of two kinds:

1. Passages whose very wording is repeated for a fresh benefit; this is what is called the mutashabih (interrelated passages).
2. Passages whose topics are varied and classified without their wording being repeated; this is the mathani (oft-repeated in theme).

Allah combines both qualities in His statement: “Allah has sent down the finest discourse, a Book consistent (mutashabihan) and oft-repeated (mathani)” (39:23). He thus describes the entire Book as both mutashabih and mathani. This either points to a division into the two categories just mentioned—analogous counterparts and topical mathani—or it means that verses sharing the same meaning are reiterated in different places for ever-renewed wisdoms and benefits.

Surah al-Fatiha […] (1) counts among the mathani on both understandings, for it gathers the various kinds and classes enumerated […] (2): it mentions worship and seeking assistance, those who have incurred wrath and those who are astray; it contains analogous counterparts, and in it these pairs are reiterated.