Chapter 01: Al Fathiha (The Opening)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1 بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds;
2 الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
3 الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Master of the Day of Judgment.
4 مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
5 إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
Show us the straight way,
6 اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.
7 صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

Notes: Surah Al-Fathiha (1)

1. Umm Al-Quran (The Mother of the Qur'an): The essence of all teachings in the Holy Qur'an is contained in this chapter. The major themes of praising Allah, worship, supplication, and guidance are summarized here. It is also called 'Sab'ul Mathani' (the seven oft-repeated verses).

2. Al-Hamd (Praise): All praise belongs to Allah. Through the attributes of Sustainer of all the worlds (Rabb ul-Alamin), Most Gracious, and Master of the Day of Judgment, it affirms Allah's supreme authority.

3. Ibadah and Istia'nah (Worship and Seeking Help): "Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek" embodies the essence of Tawheed (belief in the oneness of Allah). It teaches that worship and seeking invisible help should only be directed to Allah.

4. As-Sirat al-Mustaqim (The Straight Path): The believer prays to be included in the path of those upon whom Allah has bestowed His favors. It inspires one to avoid the path of those who have incurred His wrath and those who have gone astray.

*Note: This chapter is an integral part of prayer and no prayer is valid without reciting it, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).