al-Hasan, and was told: ‘We received this address from our father, who received it from his father, as many people recite it: “Praise be to Allah; we praise Him, seek His help, seek His guidance, and seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from our evil deeds.”’”

The words “we praise Him and seek His help” occur in the hadith of Dimād, while “we seek His help and His forgiveness” occur in the hadith of Ibn Mas‘ūd. As for “we seek His guidance,” this is found in the Opening of the Book: half of it belongs to the Lord and consists of praise, while half belongs to the servant and consists of seeking help and guidance. It contains no request for forgiveness, since that arises only in connection with sin. This surah is the foundation of faith, and al-Fātihah is the gateway to happiness that protects against sins. As Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, prayer restrains one from shameful and wrongful deeds.”

“Ibn ‘Abbās reported that Dimād came to Mecca. He belonged to Azd Shanū’ah and used to perform healing recitations for this affliction. He heard some foolish people in Mecca saying, ‘Muhammad is mad.’ He said, ‘If only I could see this man, perhaps Allah would heal him through me.’

He met him and said, ‘O Muhammad, I perform healing recitations for this affliction, and Allah heals through me whomever He wills. Would you like me to do so?’

The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘All praise be to Allah; we praise Him and seek His help. Whoever Allah guides, none can lead astray, and whoever He leads astray, none can guide. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, without partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. To proceed.’

Dimād said, ‘Repeat these words of yours to me.’ The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, repeated them to him three times. Then Dimād said: