It is said that surah Al Fatihah is the ‘summary’ or the ‘key’ of the Quran. Just 7 lines (if we include ‘Bismillah’ then it would be 8), encapsulates the overall message.
Any special features about the surah you like or meaningful to you?
Peace
Last edited by Insaanah; 05-24-2013 at 02:02 PM.
Reason: Removed second sentence
I was taught the first line signifies our praise and thankfulness to Allah the creator (the Quran is full of variations of this)
The second line is about Him in His basic form for us humans, and the Quran is full of this demonstration
The third is about Him being the Master of doomsday, again repeated throughout the Quran
The fourth is Who He is to us and many examples are given
The fifth is for his guidance to the path He has ordained for us, examples given throughout the Quran
The sixth and seventh being the ones we wish to avoid like the examples given for the 'dwellers of hell fire'.
It is also a dua. What a special surah.
For a long time, Ih dinassiraatulmustaqeem was the ayah I liked a lot. It has now gravitated towards Iyyaka na'buduwa iyyaka nasta 'een. It holds special meaning to me now that I begin to understand how 'close' he is to us and how He wants us to ask of Him and worship Him, at all times. Not just about the straight path.
It also 'highlights' the fact that He wants us to ask from him, so there is no need to be 'shy' about it. I used to be too shy to ask. What more do I need or want? I am already blessed. Was it my arrogance?
I feel that we should approach this discussion in a slightly different way. As Muslims, we already acknowledge that the Qur'an is the Words of Allaah and we have the narrations regarding this surah informing us of its virtues and status. So instead of making a survey to ask if there is any significance to others, rather let us collectively study what the virtues and benefits of the surah are. It is a great topic to discuss and share what we can research and learn.
Asalamu Alaykum
-Iyya-ka na'budu wa iyya-ka nasta'in
Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) was ask for help.
-Ihdina-sirat al-mustaqim
Show us the straight path
These to ayahs hold a special meaning to me. Especially, Ihdina-sirat al-mustaqim.
Without Allahs continuous guidance we wouldn't have been allowed to experience the blessing it is to be a Muslim. Alhamdulilah.
Such a wonderful dua, and a perfect way to start out our prayer.
My study in Al fatihah is just the basic and does not go too far into the deciphering of deeper meanings, hence the 'vague' question.
The flow and the message is very clear with regards to Allah and our duties.
GhareebInshalla, -Ihdina-sirat al-mustaqim - Show us the straight path is probably one of the more popular lines, I reckon. But, we still have to seek from Him.
Last edited by Insaanah; 05-25-2013 at 04:31 PM.
Reason: Removed comment about the Surah not packing a powerful punch.
May Allaah reward you for your intention in starting this thread.
The 2nd question you posed
format_quote Originally Posted by greenhill
Salaam brothers and sisters,
Any special features about the surah you like or meaningful to you?
Or is it just like any other surah for you with no special significance with the exception that it is the surah most commonly used?
Peace
is a question that needs to be re-considered we already have been told in lectures and khutbas by major scholars or almost every sect that Surah Al Fatihah has a higher status than any other surah. It has been called "Umm ul Kitaab". It must be recited at the beginning of every surah so to ask,
Or is it just like any other surah for you with no special significance with the exception that it is the surah most commonly used?
...would not be appropriate.
However as brother Muhammad has suggested if we discuss it's virtues and benefits, that would be much better as it would serve as a reminder for us all.
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Surah Al Fatihah has many virtues. It has been said that it is a summary of the entire Qu'ran because it covers major themes like:
Tawheed Al Ruboobiyah (Oneness of Lordship) - Rabbil Aalameen (Lord of the worlds)
Tawheed Al Uluhiyah (Oneness of Worship)- Iyyaka na'budu (You alone we worship, You alone we ask for help)
Tawheed Al Asma wa Al Sifaat (Oneness of his Perfect Names and Attributes), Love, Hope, Fear - Al Hamdu lillaahi Rabbil Aalameen, Al Rahmaan Al Raheem, Maaliki Yawmi Deen
A clarification of the Straight Path - Ihdina Sirat Al Mustaqim, Sirat Al Ladhina An'amta Alayhim (Guide us to the Straight Path, The path of those whom you bestowed your grace)
A clarification of the path that is not straight - Ghayr il Maghdoobi alayhim wa la daaleen. (not (the way) of those who earned your anger (The Jews) nor of those who went astray (The Christians)
(Interpretation of the meaning taken from the Noble Qur'an - Darrusalaam)
It is a template and a model for how to make du'a for e.g. to start a du'aa by praising Allaah by praising Him using His Most perfect Names and Attributes which includes bearing witness that none is worthy of worship except Him. Then to ask for whatever it is a person needs. (P.S. Many scholars also say reciting blessings on the Prophet ( is required in order for a du'a to be complete and lifted up. There is evidence for this. We usually do this in the part of the prayer known as Al Tashahud (the sitting part of the prayer) however outside of the prayer it is also a necessity.
For me it is very soothing to listen to, regardless of what Shaykh is reciting it, whenever I listen to it, it always relaxes me.
Last edited by Mustafa2012; 05-24-2013 at 02:41 PM.
try not to think of Al Fatihah as "just a surah" that you are trying to learn. it isn't. in some ways it is THE most important surah in the entire Qur'an. it sa at the beginning for a reason. it encompasses the meaning of the ENTIRE Qur'an! i'll post a great Mufti Menk lecture that gives a little Tafsir, and a GREAT definition of Raabil Alamin. Mufti Menk is my 2nd favorite Hafz, Haroon is #1. seriously, listen to his recital. it is GLORIOUS!
Al Fatihah explains Islam. in fact, the 5th ayah and the 2nd are all you need to explain to ANYONE why you are Muslim. and that is for justification, explanation, proof or dawah.
the 5th is only 5 words and 1 of them is wa [and], so really 4 words (and 2 are the same)are all it takes to Explain Islam and Tawhid [Oneness of Allah]:
IYYAAKA [You Alone] Na'budu[do we worship] wa IYYAAKA [You Alone] Nesta'eem[do we seek help].
that's it! we worship none but Allah and pray to and seek guidance only as instructed by Allah.
so, how to you explain to someone Who Allah is? (this is why disc 4 might be my favorite cd EVER!) see ayah #2!
Alhamdulillahi Raabil Alamin!
Alhamdulillah is 3 words: liLLAH Al hamd. liLLAH means for Allah. hamd means true heartfelt thanks and praises. Al modifies hamd, making it ALL True and Heartfelt Thanks and Praises. if it was just "praise", it would have been "mudh'". hamd means much more than just praise. it means that these feelings must be real and that they must come from your heart.
we can further break down Allah to Al Ilah. an Ilah in Arabic is something that you worship, it is similar to god (with a little "g"). the Al modifies it significantly! putting them together Al Ilah means the ONLY ONE worthy of ALL worship.
so Alhamdulillah really means" ALL True heartfelt Thanks and Praise are due to The ONLY ONE worthy of ALL worship.
added to this we have Raabil Alamin. Raab means, but is not limited to: Creator, Provider, Sustainer, Cherisher, Nourisher and Healer. Alamin can be translated as ALL that has been created.
now, putting the 3 words together: Alhamdulillahi Raabil Alamin, we get:
ALL True heartfelt Thanks and Praises are due to THE ONLY ONE worthy of ALL worship, [who is] the Creator, Provider, Sustainer, Cherisher, Nourisher and Healer of ALL that has been created.
adding that to ayah #5, THAT Alone is Who we worship and THAT Alone is who we seek guidance from!
Allah used 8 words to tell us ALL that we need to know! you CAN'T do that with English!
you see, you don't "memorize" Al Fatihah; you learn it, live it, love it, teach it, preach it and rely on it for your salvation!
here's the Mufti Menk lecture:
it's a great video for a revert. i really, really like the way he defines Raab. it's simple, it's sweet AND it makes sense. on top of that, it is easy to convey to others.
his defining dua verses salaat is also cool, because you now have 2 key ideas that are very easy to understand and express to others.
i love the "i'm taking no chances" approach to our Din. "the One Who created me, the One that i will face on Judgment Day, THAT'S Who i worship!" i hear so many, many Muslims say they can't make dawah. really? dawah is explaining Islam to someone, Al Fatihah does that in spades. now you can understand why it is smack dab in the beginning of the Qur'an and why we recite it in every rakaah of salaah.
watch the vid a couple of times and listen to the 1st cd of Sh Zarabozo. you'll understand our Din a whole lot more in one giant leap. then the discs on Alhamdulillah and Bismillah will give you such a great picture that your whole mindset can change. everything is so clear.
another advantage is then being able to explain Islam to others. takes 5 minutes. they may not like it, but the WHOLE LOGIC of it simply undeniable. instead of arguing with anyone, you can just say, "hold on a sec, let me explain something to you." Al Fatihah is a mountain of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah), THAT is what you explain to people. not hijab or plygyny, or cutting someones hand for stealing. none of that makes sense until you understand WHO is the One you need to obey. IYYAKA NA'BUDU wa IYYAKA NESTA'EEM. 5 words, our Din. WHO do we worship? explain ALHAMDULILLAHI RAABIL ALAMIN. 3 more words.
8 words, 1 is wa, 2 are the same, IYYAKA. explaining those 6 words is actually pretty fun. even if someone acts like they think you are crazy, once they are left to their thoughts they'll be flummoxed. there is NOTHING they can argue with. you get to walk away with a smile on your face because: a) you did your job, b) it was easy and c) it gets easier each time.
i think back to those poor Christians that have to explain the trinity. i feel sorry for them, it isn't really possible. all i need are 6 words to explain Islam. Alhamdulillah!
dawah isn't converting people, it is just explaining the Message. if you understand the Message, it is simple. and understanding the Message clearly has even more benefit for yourself. it gives you surety and focus. and, at least 17 times a day, you get to think about it! it's brilliant really, when you think about it.
i took a few minutes to write out what is on each cd:
01 Introduction and Place of Al-Fatihah
02 In The Name of Allah
03 Allah, Full of Mercy, Ever Merciful
04 Praise Be To Allah
05 Lord of the Worlds
06 Full of Mercy, Ever Merciful
07 Master of the Day of Judgment part 1
08 Master of the Day of Judgment part 2
09 You Alone Do We Worship part 1
10 You Alone Do We Worship part 2
11 We Worship and Seek Help In
12 In You Alone Do We Seek Help
13 Trust and Reliance part 1
14 Trust and Reliance part 2
15 You Alone Do We Worship and seek Help From
16 Guide Us part 1
17 Guide Us part 2
18 The Straight Path
19 The Straight Path and The Du’aa
20 Those Blessed part 1
21 Those Blessed part 2
22 Those Blessed part 3
23 Wrath part 1
24 Wrath part 2
25 Those Astray
26 Place of Knowledge
27 Avoiding The Errant Path
28 Final Points
that helps so you can go back to whichever section you need to.
Had the non-believer known of all the Mercy which is in the Hands of Allah, he would not lose hope of entering Paradise, and had the believer known of all the punishment which is present with Allah, he would not consider himself safe from the Hell-Fire http://www.muftimenk.co.za/Downloads.html
Verse and ahadeeth pertaining to Surah al-Faatihah:
And We have certainly given you, [O Muhammad], seven of the often repeated [verses] and the great Qur'an. (15:87)
(The majority of scholars agree that this verse refers to Surah al-Faatihah)
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا غُنْدَرٌ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، عَنْ خُبَيْبِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ حَفْصِ بْنِ عَاصِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُعَلَّى، قَالَ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " أَلاَ أُعَلِّمُكَ أَعْظَمَ سُورَةٍ فِي الْقُرْآنِ قَبْلَ أَنْ أَخْرُجَ مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ " . قَالَ فَذَهَبَ النَّبِيُّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ لِيَخْرُجَ فَأَذْكَرْتُهُ فَقَالَ " { الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ} وَهِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ الَّذِي أُوتِيتُهُ "
It was narrated that Abu Sa'eed bin Mu'alla said:
"The Messenger of Allah said to me: 'Shall I not teach you the greatest Surah in the Quran before I leave the masjid?' Then the Prophet went to leave, so I reminded him, and he said: Al-hamdulillahi Rabbil-Alameen (All the praise is to Allah, the Lord of all that exists). It is the Seven Oft-Recited Verses, and it is the Grand Quran that has been given to me.'"(Sahih)
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 3785
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 130
حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي ذِئْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدٌ الْمَقْبُرِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " أُمُّ الْقُرْآنِ هِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ "
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Messenger said, "The Um (epitome/substance/basis) of the Qur'an is the seven oft-repeated verses (Al- Mathaini) and is the Great Qur'an (i.e. Surat-al-Fatiha).
Sahih al Bukhari
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 227
Arabic reference : Book 65, Hadith 4751
Abu Huraira reported:
The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: If anyone observes prayer in which he does not recite Umm al-Qur'an, It is deficient [he said this three times] and not complete. It was said to Abu Huraira: At times we are behind the Imam. He said: Recite it inwardly, for he had heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) declare that Allah the Exalted had said: I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. And when he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified Me. and sometimes He would say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. And when he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Sufyan said: 'Ala b. 'Abd al-Rahman b. Ya'qub narrated it to me when I went to him and he was confined to his home on account of illness, and I asked him about it.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 395 a
In-book reference : Book 4, Hadith 41
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 775
وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال: بينما جبريل عليه السلام قاعد عند النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم سمع نقيضًا من فوقه، فرفع رأسه فقال: "هذا باب من السماء فتح اليوم ولم يفتح قط إلا اليوم، فنزل منه ملك فقال: هذا ملك نزل إلى الأرض لم ينزل قط إلا اليوم، فسلم وقال: أبشر بنورين أوتيتهما، لم يؤتهما نبي قبلك: فاتحة الكتاب، وخواتيم سورة البقرة، لن تقرأ بحرف منها إلا أعطيته" ((رواه مسلم)).
النقيض: الصوت
Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
While Jibril (Gabriel) was sitting with the Messenger of Allah , he heard a sound above him. He lifted his head, and said: "This is a gate which has been opened in heaven today. It was never opened before." Then an angel descended through it, he said: "This is an angel who has come down to earth. He never came down before." He sent greetings and said: "Rejoice with two lights given to you. Such lights were not given to any Prophet before you. These (lights) are: Fatihah-til-Kitab (The Opening of the Book, ie Surat Al-Fatihah), and the concluding Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. You will never recite a word from them but you will be granted it." [Muslim]
Riyaad as-Saaliheen
Sunnah.com reference : Sahih Muslims Book 9, Hadith 32
Arabic/English book reference : Book 9, Hadith 1022
Stunningly beautiful adhaan from the Dome of the Rock in Masjid ul Aqsa Download (right click and choose "save target/link as").
This is a clear message for mankind in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is only One God, and that those of understanding may take heed (14:52)
Indeed Allah knows, and you know not (16: 74, part)
In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful: Putting all our trust in God alone
Praise be to God, the Lord of the Universe: Praising Him not matter what happens in our life
The Gracious, the Merciful: Acknowledging His Mercy
Master of the Day of Judgment: Self explanatory
Keep us on the right path,
The path that You have favored: Praying that He keeps the righteous path clear to us.
And way from those who have earned Your wrath
And those who went astray: That we not be influenced by not just sinful people but sinful temptation more so.
Basically, it's putting our faith and trust in God and nobody else.
I once heard that the essence of surah al fatihah is the request to be guided, the only request.
Once that's in place, all else falls into place, including dunya and al aakhirah.
The Quran itself is the fundamental basis of that guidance, and surah al fatihah reminds the reader of why they're opening the Book in the first place while gaining Allahs pleasure by glorifying Him and humbling oneself to Him.
And Allah (swt) knows best,
Peace
I can not add to what has already been posted. Everyone has written excellent posts
I see that as being one of the wonders of al-Fatihah. The beauty every Muslim finds in it.
Just a thought I wish to share with everyone:
Every time you read even as much as one word in al-Qur'an be absolutely certain you read, say or listen to al-Fatihah first and than as you read, try to see how each Surah relates back to an ayyat in al-Fatihah.
Understand al-Fatihah and understanding every Surah becomes much easier.
Al-Fatihah is the Qur'an. The other 113 surat explain al-Fatihah to us.
Salaam Mustafa2012. Yes, you are right in saying my question is 'technically' incorrect for those with higher understanding of Al Fatihah. I was just just trying to get a sense of whether people are generally aware of the points made above or not. If they knew, how much, and if they didn't perhaps it could enlighten them, or if, like myself who knows a little bit about it but not aware of other interesting 'points' to be made aware. I am always trying to 'root' out what is actual belief and practice from what is tradition that has found its way into the practice.
YusufNoor, what a breath of fresh air ! I have never considered using Al Fatihah as a tool as you put it "Al Fatihah explains Islam. in fact, the 5th ayah and the 2nd are all you need to explain to ANYONE why you are Muslim. and that is for justification, explanation, proof or dawah." Fantastic!
I also like the way you put their problems with explaining the 'trinity'
My study in Al fatihah is just the basic and does not go too far into the deciphering of deeper meanings, hence the 'vague' question.
On the surface the surah itself does not seem to pack a 'powerful' punch, so to speak, but the flow and the message is very clear with regards to Allah and our duties.
GhareebInshalla, -Ihdina-sirat al-mustaqim - Show us the straight path is probably one of the more popular lines, I reckon. But, we still have to seek from Him.
Of course But to understand who to seek, you have to be Muslim . Which is the biggest blessing.
Salaam YusufNoor. Just saw the video. MashaAllah. I like the part about seeking answers, and keep asking until you get your answer. Why in the old days we were told not to ask too many questions is because the people didn't really know the answers, then.
Many other interesting points too. Will have to listen again, and it's not short
This is the first surah that was revealed in it's entirety as a complete surah, and occupies it's position as the first Surah in the Qur'an.
It's name means "The Opening", and is called the Opening of the Book, the essence of the Qur'an and the Qur'an.
It is an essential part of Muslim ritual prayer (salaat, the second pillar of Islam), which is not valid without it.
It is usually the first Surah children learn.
It is recited by Muslims at least 20 times a day - the title of the seven oft-repeated verses is very apt.
With the Faatihah at the beginning, the Qur'an does not begin chronologically like the Old Testament, nor geneologically like the New Testament. If you look at the the first words in the arrangement of the Qur'an, they begin, "In the name of Allah.." This is followed by praise of God, acknowledgement of His Mercy and Lordship, affirmation that only He is worthy of being worshipped and asked for help, and a prayer to ask for guidance to the right path. The rest of the book contains the guidance asked for, as in the second sentence of the very next Surah:
"This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah," (2:2)
Also, with regards to beginning, "In the name of Allah..", I find the following interesting:
"I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account." (Deuteronomy 18:18-19)
The very first sentence in the Qur'an, as you begin to read it, is "In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate".
Muslims start every lawful act with the above phrase, be that reciting the Qur'an, eating, entering the house or mosque, putting on clothes, any lawful act in fact, acknowledging His Kindness and Mercy and Compassion many, many times a day. It is one of the first phrases that children are taught and use on a practical basis daily from when they first learn to speak. From a young age, Muslims acknowledge Allah's Kindness, Mercy and Compassion.
In the Surah, we ask Allah to guide us to the path of those he favoured:
And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favour, of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions. (4:69)
Those were the ones upon whom Allah bestowed favour from among the prophets of the descendants of Adam and of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah, and of the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and of those whom We guided and chose. When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell in prostration and weeping. (19:58)
The path of Abraham (peace be upon him):
[He was] grateful for His favors. Allah chose him and guided him to a straight path. (16:121)
The path of Moses and Aaron (peace be upon them):
And We guided them both on the straight path. (37:118)
The path Jesus (peace be upon him) called to:
"Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path." (3:51 , 19:36 and 43:64)
and the guidance given to, and path of, the following:
And We gave to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and among his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good.
And Zachariah and John and Jesus and Elias - and all were of the righteous.
And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot - and all [of them] We preferred over the worlds.
And [some] among their fathers and their descendants and their brothers - and We chose them and We guided them to a straight path.
That is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whomever He wills of His servants. But if they had associated others with Allah , then worthless for them would be whatever they were doing
Those are the ones to whom We gave the Scripture and authority and prophethood. But if the disbelievers deny it, then We have entrusted it to a people who are not therein disbelievers.
Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so from their guidance take an example. Say, "I ask of you for this message no payment. It is not but a reminder for the worlds."(6:84-90)
The last word in the passage is significant, that it is a reminder for all the worlds, from, if we look at Surah al-Faatihah, the Lord of all the worlds.
The path we are seeking, is not just a path specific to Muhammad , because that was not a different path from the others. The path has always been the same, but the other prophets teachings got distorted/corrupted/forgotten. Islam is the culmination of the same Ultimate Universal Truth that all the Prophets, peace be upon them, preached; the same message they all brought, from the same God. Islam is not a new or different religion, but what has always been since the time of Adam (peace be upon him), the only one unchanged, thus the only straight path.
We seek to join all the Prophets mentioned, and their righteous ancestors, descendants and brethren in the guidance given to them. This large company of believers, whom we seek to join in Surah al-Faatihah, is reinforced at the end of the salaat: "Peace be to us and the righteous servants of Allah".
The singularity of God and His Lordship is emphasised throughout, while the du3a or request is made in the plural, even for a Muslim reciting it on his own, showing that he sees himself as part of a brotherhood of believers, and his du3a is not just for him, but for all who seek such a way, namely, the straight path.
Stunningly beautiful adhaan from the Dome of the Rock in Masjid ul Aqsa Download (right click and choose "save target/link as").
This is a clear message for mankind in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is only One God, and that those of understanding may take heed (14:52)
Indeed Allah knows, and you know not (16: 74, part)
This Surah is a great du'a on it's own. It encapsulates every message in Islam. The word choice is exquisite.
Maliki-yaumid-deen is significant. Malik "Master" rather than the word for "judge". Allah judges on that day, but why not Judge and Malik instead? The reason is that everyone who lives on this earth is a slave to Allah whether they know it or not. Therefore, He judges us as such, and not as subjects. Malik shows us that there is a slave-Master relationship between man and Allah. Allah rules over us, and He can forgive us or punish us. He forgives most of our sins because He has the right to do so.
A slave Master can choose to be harsh or be lenient, but Allah wrote on His Throne that His Mercy overrides His Anger. On that Day, those whom He wants can intercede and ask their Master to spare some of His slaves from punishment who are worthy. If He was merely a judge, then everything would have been judged as a mere execution of meting out good for good and wrong for wrong no matter what. A Master can be lenient, but a being a Judge wouldn't mean that. Thus, the word choice is perfect here. It gives a deep underlying message about the Day of Judgment.
This is merely one fact about one word, and that doesn't even cover much of this. What a magnificent Surah! One can ponder over it their whole lives, and never reach every meaning of this Surah. Volumes can be written on it very easily. That strikes me the most.
The verses you mentioned with regards to the guidance of Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Noah, and the list of other prophets (peace be to them all) whom were guided to the ‘straight path’ refers to ‘sirat al ladziina an’amta ’alaiheem’ which is not specifically for Rasulullah, his companions and subsequent generation of believers but to all believers of past?
On the other point you put forward about the second commandment, salat, I have noticed (just my observation) that many muslims are relatively flexible until their old age whilst non muslims tend to be ‘stiff’ and unable to squat, sit cross legged etc., when not even at middle age. This ‘flexibility’ is a direct result, I believe, of the regular salat we do. It is a kind of simple exercises and stretches as well as a way to get the blood flow around our body by forcing it to our brain during sujud. (Not quite relevant to the thread, though).
Ahmad H,
This is a repeated point that I am getting which you have put nicely ‘the word choice is exquisite’. It did not really hit me until this thread that the word choices are really that exquisite. How encompassing and far reaching they are in their significance and impact on our faith if we really put it upon ourselves to understand.
So many things stems from this surah and I am hoping to learn more, or be reminded of things I have forgotten, ignored in the past or a different point altogether, like Br. YusufNoor’s point on using this surah as a point of discussion/da’wah to non muslims.
Encouraged by the feedback, I read up a bit more and went through the videos and other sites, I decided to do my own not-so-'brief' on the surah. It is just mind boggling. I shared it with a few close friends and family members and decided that I will share it over here too. Please give me feedback..
In doing this I learnt 2 very important points, that is Allah test us via sufferings and blessings. And that he also commands us to have our share of earthly provisions, not just for the hereafter.
The Administrator, Sustainer, Cherisher, Provider, Creator, Protector, Nourisher, Curer
‘Alamiin
Creation, everything in the universe, Earth, humans, animals, plants, Jinns and Angels, Heaven and Hell
Ir Rahman
The Most Merciful to all his creation.He gives to all in this world; believers, non believers alike
Ir Rahiim
The Most Mercifulthat is reserved for His slaves, the followers of islam
Maaliki
Judge, Absolute Ruler, Sovereign
Yaumiddiin
On the day of judgment
“Allah. There is no god but He: of a surety He will gather you together against the Day of Judgment, about which there is no doubt. And whose word can be truer than Allah´s?” (4:87)
The day it arrives, no soul shall speak except by His leave: of those (gathered) some will be wretched and some will be blessed. (11:105)
“And every one of them will come to Him singly on the Day of Judgment”. (19:95)
“Those who conceal Allah´s revelations in the Book, and purchase for them a miserable profit,- they swallow into themselves naught but Fire; Allah will not address them on the Day of Resurrection, nor purify them: Grievous will be their penalty”. (2:174)
“And fear the Day when ye shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly”. (2:281)
“Every soul shall have the taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have succeeded: For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception”. (3:185)
"On that day, if the penalty is averted from any, it is due to Allah´s Mercy; And that would be a Mighty Triumph. (6:16)
One day shall We gather them all together: We shall say to those who ascribed partners (to Us): "Where are the partners whom ye (invented and) talked about?" (6:22)
Are they waiting for its fulfillment? On the day it is fulfilled, those who disregarded it before will say: "The messengers of our Lord did indeed bring true (tidings). Have we no intercessors now to intercede on our behalf? Or could we be sent back? then should we behave differently from our behavior in the past." In fact they will have lost their souls, and the things they forged will leave them in the lurch. (7:53)
On the Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs.- "This is the (treasure) which ye hoarded for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!"(9:35)
And pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge; for surely the hearing, the sight, the heart, all of those shall be questioned of (on the Day of Reckoning). (17:36)
That they may, on the Day of Judgment, their own burdens in full, and also (something) of the burdens of those without knowledge, whom they misled. Alas, how grievous the burdens they will bear! (16:25)
"But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment." (20:124)
We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least, and if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it (to account): and enough are We to take account. (21:47)
Iyyaka
It Is Only You
Allah, and His 99 names, His 20 characteristics
•99 Names
Allah: He Who has the God-hood, which is the power to create the entities.
Ar-Rahman: The One Who has plenty of mercy for the believers and the blasphemers in this world and especially for the believers in the hereafter.
Ar-Rahim: The One Who has plenty of mercy for the believers.
Al-Malik: The One with the complete Dominion, the One Whose Dominion is clear from imperfection.
Al-Quddus: The One Who is pure from any imperfection and clear from children and adversaries.
As-Salam: The One Who is free from every imperfection.
Al-Mu'min: The One Who witnessed for Himself that no one is God but Him. And He witnessed for His believers that they are truthful in their belief that no one is God but Him.
Al-Muhaymin: The One Who witnesses the saying and deeds of His creatures.
Al-'Aziz: The Defeater Who is not defeated.
Al-Jabbar: The One that nothing happens in His Dominion except that which He willed.
Al-Mutakabbir: The One Who is clear from the attributes of the creatures and from resembling them.
Al-Khaliq: The One Who brings everything from non-existence to existence.
Al-Bari': The Creator Who has the Power to turn the entities.
Al-Musawwir: The One Who forms His creatures in different pictures.
Al-Ghaffar: The One Who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again.
Al-Qahhar: The Subduer Who has the perfect Power and is not unable over anything.
Al-Wahhab: The One Who is Generous in giving plenty without any return.
Ar-Razzaq: The One Who gives everything that benefits whether Halal or Haram.
Al-Fattah: The One Who opens for His slaves the closed worldly and religious matters.
Al-'Alim: The Knowledgeable; The One nothing is absent from His knowledge.
Al-Qabid: The One Who constricts the sustenance by His wisdom and expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.
Al-Basit: see above
Al-Khafid: The One Who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.
Ar-Rafi': see above
Al-Mu'iz: He gives esteem to whomever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him; And He degrades whomever He willed, hence there is no one to give Him esteem.
Al-Muthil: see above
As-Sami': The One Who Hears all things that are heard by His Eternal Hearing without an ear, instrument or organ.
Al-Basir: The One Who Sees all things that are seen by His Eternal Seeing without a pupil or any other instrument.
Al-Hakam: He is the Ruler and His judgment is His Word.
Al-'Adl: The One Who is entitled to do what He does.
Al-Latif: The One Who is kind to His slaves and endows upon them.
Al-Khabir: The One Who knows the truth of things.
Al-Halim: The One Who delays the punishment for those who deserve it and then He might forgive them.
Al-'Azim: The One deserving the attributes of Exaltment, Glory, Extolement and Purity from all imperfection.
Al-Ghafur: The One Who forgives a lot.
Ash-Shakur: The One Who gives a lot of reward for a little obedience.
Al-'Aliyy: The One Who is clear from the attributes of the creatures.
Al-Kabir: The One Who is greater than everything in status.
Al-Hafiz: The One Who protects whatever and whoever He willed to protect.
Al-Muqit: The One Who has the Power.
Al-Hasib: The One Who gives the satisfaction.
Aj-Jalil: The One Who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status.
Al-Karim: The One Who is clear from abjectness.
Ar-Raqib: The One that nothing is absent from Him. Hence it's meaning is related to the attribute of Knowledge.
Al-Mujib: The One Who answers the one in need if he asks Him and rescues the yearner if he calls upon Him.
Al-Wasi': The Knowledgeable.
Al-Hakim: The One Who is correct in His doings.
Al-Wadud: The One Who loves His believing slaves and His believing slaves love Him. His love to His slave is His Will to be merciful to them and praise them: Hence it's meaning is related to the attributes of the Will and Kalam (His attribute with which He orders and forbids and spoke to Muhammad and Musa -peace be upon them- It is not a sound nor a language nor a letter).
Al-Majid: The One Who is with perfect Power, High Status, Compassion, Generosity and Kindness.
Al-Ba'ith: The One Who resurrects His slaves after death for reward and/or punishment.
Ash-Shahid: The One Who nothing is absent from Him.
Al-Haqq: The One Who truly exists.
Al-Wakil: The One who gives the satisfaction and is relied upon.
Al-Qawiyy: The One with the complete Power.
Al-Matin: The One with extreme Power which is un-interrupted and He does not get tired.
Al-Waliyy: The Supporter.
Al-Hamid: The praised One who deserves to be praised.
Al-Muhsi: The One Who the count of things are known to him.
Al-Mubdi': The One Who started the human being. That is, He created him.
Al-Mu'id: The One Who brings back the creatures after death.
Al-Muhyi: The One Who took out a living human from semen that does not have a soul. He gives life by giving the souls back to the worn out bodies on the resurrection day and He makes the hearts alive by the light of knowledge.
Al-Mumit: The One Who renders the living dead.
Al-Hayy: The One attributed with a life that is unlike our life and is not that of a combination of soul, flesh or blood.
Al-Qayyum: The One Who remains and does not end.
Al-Wajid: The Rich Who is never poor.
Al-Wajd: is Richness.
Al-Majid: The One Who is Glorious.
Al-Wahid: The One without a partner.
As-Samad: The Master Who is relied upon in matters and reverted to in ones needs.
Al-Qadir: The One attributed with Power.
Al-Muqtadir: The One with the perfect Power that nothing is withheld from Him.
Al-Muqaddim: The One Who puts things in their right places. He makes ahead what He wills and delays what He wills.
Al-Mu'akhkhir: see above
Al-'Awwal: The One Who’s Existence is without a beginning.
Al-'Akhir: The One Who’s Existence is without an end.
Az-Zahir: The One that nothing is above Him and nothing is underneath Him, hence He exists without a place. He, The Exalted, His Existence is obvious by proofs and He is clear from the delusions of attributes of bodies.
Al-Batin: see above
Al-Wali: The One Who owns things and manages them.
Al-Muta'ali: The One Who is clear from the attributes of the creation.
Al-Barr: The One Who is kind to His creatures, Who covered them with His sustenance and specified however He willed among them by His support, protection, and special mercy.
At-Tawwab: The One Who grants repentance to whoever He willed among His creatures and accepts His repentance.
Al-Muntaqim: The One Who victoriously prevails over His enemies and punishes them for their sins. It may mean the One Who destroys them.
Al-'Afuww: The One with wide forgiveness.
Ar-Ra'uf: The One with extreme Mercy. The Mercy of Allah is His will to endow upon whomever He willed among His creatures.
Malik Al-Mulk: The One Who controls the Dominion and gives dominion to whoever He willed.
Thul-Jalal wal-Ikram: The One Who deserves to be Exalted and not denied.
Al-Muqsit: The One Who is Just in His judgment.
Aj-Jami': The One Who gathers the creatures on a day that there is no doubt about, that is the Day of Judgment.
Al-Ghaniyy: The One Who does not need the creation.
Al-Mughni: The One Who satisfies the necessities of the creatures.
Al-Mani': The Supporter Who protects and gives victory to His pious believers.
Al-Mu'tiy: The Withholder.
Ad-Darr: The One Who makes harm reach to whomever He willed and benefit to whomever He willed.
An-Nafi': see above
An-Nur: The One Who guides.
Al-Hadi: The One whom with His Guidance His belivers were guided, and with His Guidance the living: beings have been guided to what is beneficial for them and protected from what is harmful to them.
Al-Badi': The One Who created the creation and formed it without any preceding example.
Al-Baqi: The One that the state of non-existence is impossible for Him.
Al-Warith: The One Who’s Existence remains.
Ar-Rashid: The One Who guides.
As-Sabur: The One Who does not quickly punish the sinners.
20 Characteristics 1. Wujūd Existent Being 2. Qidam Pre-Eternal/ ready 3. Baqā' Eternal 4. Mukhālafatuhu li’l-hawādithi Dissimilar and non resemblance to the creation 5.Qiyāmuhu bi-nafsihi Self-sufficient 6.Wahdāniyyah Unique/ Absolutely One 7.Qudrah Omnipotence (power over everything) 8.Irādah Will (desire to determine) 9.Ilmun Knowledge 10.Hayyun Life 11. Sama’Hearing 12. Basyar Sight 13. Kalāmun Speech 14.Qādiran Omnipotent (14 – 20 regarding His ‘ever ready’ state) 15.Murīdan Willing 16.Āliman Omniscient 17. Hayyan Living 18.Samī’an All-Hearing 19.Basīran All-Seeing 20. Mutakalliman Speaking
Na’buduwa
we worship,we pray to, we give praise, we glorify
“Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them” (2:3)
“And be steadfast in prayer; give Zakat; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship)”. (2:43)
Iyyaka –(as above)
Nasta’iin
We ask for help
We du’a, we ask, (do not put faith in other than Allah)
“Nay, seek (Allah´s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who are humble”. (2:45)
“And there are men who say: Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire!" (2:201)
"Our Lord!" (they say), "Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thee; for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure. (3:8)
"Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through Thine messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: For Thou never breakest Thy promise." (3:194)
Ihdina
Guide us
Through the Quran, the sunnah, the mind
“This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.” (2:2)
“How shall Allah guide those who reject Faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that Clear Signs had come unto them? But Allah guides not a people unjust.” (3:86)
“Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are of kin, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious.” (4:36)
“We send down (stage by stage) in the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.” (17:82)
When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I respond to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way. (2”186)
“He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message but men of understanding.” (2:269)
It is He Who produceth gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for Allah loveth not the wasters. (6:141)
Siraatalmustaqiim
To the right/straight path
5 pillars of islam
Faith
Prayer
Zakat
Fasting
Hajj Pilgrimage
And the 6 pillars of faith
Believe in Allah
Belief in the angels
Belief in the revealed Books
Belief in the prophets (peace be to them all)
Belief in the resurrection
Belief in pre-destination by Allah (all good and bad)
These are basics. There are numerous other beneficial practices.
Also not to give up hope or to be in despair, but be patient.
“We shall test you through fear, hunger, loss of life, property and crops. Muhammad, give glad tidings to the people who have patience”.( 2:155—156)
“We test you with both misfortune and blessings”.( 21:35)
“Do you think that you will find your way to Paradise without experiencing the kind of suffering others have experienced before you? Distress and afflictions battered them until the Messenger and the believers sadly said, 'When will Allah send help?' Certainly Allah's help is near”.( 2:214)
“Those who do wish for the (things of) the Hereafter, and strive therefor with all due striving, and have Faith,- they are the ones whose striving will be thanked (by Allah)”. (17:19)
“Seek your Home of the Hereafter with what God has given you in this world; and do not forget your portion in this world”. (28:77)
Allah has also said: “It is He (God) Who has created for you all things on this earth” (2:29). This clearly shows that God wants us to make use of the blessings of this world for our progress.
“It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and give Zakat (regular charity); to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God fearing”. (2:177)
Siraatal laziina
The path of those
And who are ‘those’ people?
An’amta ‘alaihiim
Whom You have bestowed favour
Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. his companions, us?, all other prophets and the followers.
We gave him Isaac (Ishak) and Jacob (Ya’kob): all (three) We guided: and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny, David (Daud), Solomon, Job (Ayub), Joseph (Yusuf), Moses, and Aaron (Harun): thus do We reward those who do good (6:84)
And Zakariya and John (Yahya), and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the Righteous (6:85)
And Ismail and Elisha, and Jonah (Yunus), and Lot: and to all We gave favor above the nations (6:86)
Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity. (3:104)
Allah did confer a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a messenger from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error. (3:164)
Thus did We test some of them by others, that they should say: "Is it these then that Allah hath favored from amongst us?" Doth not Allah know best those who are grateful? (6:53)
He said: "Shall I seek for you a god other than Allah, when it is Allah Who hath endowed you with gifts above the nations?" (7:140)
Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants. (23:8)
Ghoiril maghdubi ‘alaihiim
Not with those who have angered You
People who hide the ‘truth’, change the meaning, like the Jews
Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, in that they deny (the revelation) which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of His Grace should send it to any of His servants He pleases: Thus have they drawn on themselves Wrath upon Wrath. And humiliating is the chastisement of those who reject Faith.(2:90)
Those who took the calf (for worship) will indeed be overwhelmed with wrath from their Lord, and with shame in this life: thus do We recompense those who invent (falsehoods). (7:152)
But when he delivereth them, behold! They transgress insolently through the earth in defiance of right! O mankind! Your insolence is against your own souls,- an enjoyment of the life of the present: in the end, to Us is your return, and We shall show you the truth of all that ye did. (10:23)
Do they await but that Allah should come to them in covers of clouds and the angels [as well] and the matter is [then] decided? And to Allah [all] matters are returned. (2:210)
And when We intend to destroy a city, We command its affluent but they defiantly disobey therein; so the word comes into effect upon it, and We destroy it with [complete] destruction. (17:16)
Walaadooliin
Those who go astray,lost, like the Christians and those that ignore the signs.
“The unbelievers must not think that our respite is for their good. We only give them time to let them indulge in their sins, and suffer an ignominious doom. For them there will be a humiliating torment”. (3 :178)
When they neglected what we exhorted them, We opened to them the gates to all the worldly gains so much so that they became immensely rejoiced with that and then we caught them suddenly and they became utterly surprised and dejected.( 6:44—45)
Those who reject Faith and do wrong,- Allah will not forgive them nor guide them to any way-(4:168)
Would ye question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? but whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hath strayed without doubt from the even way. (2:108)
These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction. (2:16)
Allah forgiveth not (the sin of) joining other gods with Him; but He forgiveth whom He pleaseth other sins than this: one who joins other gods with Allah, hath strayed far, far away (from the right). (4:116)
Lost are those who slay their children, from folly, without knowledge, and forbid food which Allah hath provided for them, forging (lies) against Allah. They have indeed gone astray and heeded no guidance. (6:140)
Those who reject Our Signs, We shall lead them gradually to ruin, while they known not (7:182)
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and we have the narrations regarding this surah informing us of its virtues and status. So instead of making a survey to ask if there is any significance to others, rather let us collectively study what the virtues and benefits of the surah are. It is a great topic to discuss and share what we can research and learn.
May Allaah 
reward you for your intention in starting this thread.
is required in order for a du'a to be complete and lifted up. There is evidence for this. We usually do this in the part of the prayer known as Al Tashahud (the sitting part of the prayer) however outside of the prayer it is also a necessity.
was sitting with the Messenger of Allah 
! I have never considered using Al Fatihah as a tool as you put it "Al Fatihah explains Islam. in fact, the 5th ayah and the 2nd are all you need to explain to ANYONE why you are Muslim. and that is for justification, explanation, proof or dawah." Fantastic!
But to understand who to seek, you have to be Muslim . Which is the biggest blessing. 
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