Introduction
(L–3)
Surah ‘Al-Faatihah (The Opening) – Chapter –1)
This Chapter is called “Faatiha-tul-Kitaab” (The Opening of The Scripture) and “Ummul-Qur’aan” also. This Essence of Qur’an, as it is variously named, is called as “the Lord’s Prayer by the Muslims”. It is also named as Sura-tush-Shifaa’ as recitation of this Chapter results the restoration of physical and spiritual health. Allaah Almighty has taught us the way of praying and supplicating in His Court. It appears from the importance of this Surah that it is recited again and again in every Prayer. Although, according to its words, it is concise, but in accordance with its subjects and meanings, it is as “constructing a bridge over the sea”. If we wish to narrate the Abstract of Holy Qur’an, we shall say in this manner that there are three main subjects in Holy Qur’an, which are described repeatedly:-
1. The Skies, the Earth and everything is created by Allaah Almighty. He has no relative, no partner, no co-sharer and no confederate. He is One and all things are looked after and brought up by Him only.
2. Every mankind is responsible himself of his/her acts and deeds, and the entire people will have to be produced in The Court of Allaah Almighty on the Day of Resurrection, where, their acts will be examined and they will be rewarded or punished according to their acts, performed or committed in the worldly life.
3. The Messengers of Allaah Almighty (peace be upon them) were sent in all parts of the world, who told the people difference among the Right and the Wrong Paths. They used to guide the mankind towards the Righteousness.
This Surah is an essential part of all Muslim worships; public and private, and no solemn contract or transaction is complete until it is recited. The date of its revelation is uncertain, but the fact that it has always, from the very earliest times, formed a part of Muslims’ worship, there being no record or remembrance of its introduction or of public prayer without it, makes it clear that it was revealed before the fourth year of the Prophet’s mission (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) because we know certainly that at that time regular congregational prayers were offered by the little group of Muslims in Makkah. In that year, as the result of insult and attack by the idolaters, the Prophet (grace, blessings and peace be upon him) arranged for the guards, who had till then been appointed out of doors, to take place in a private house.
This Surah is often called Saba’am- min ‘al-Mathaani, “Seven of the Oft-repeated” (verses being Understood), XXV words which are taken as referring to this Chapter.
Abi As’d bin Mu’allaa (May Allaah be pleased with him) said: Messenger of Allaah Almighty (grace, blessings and peace be on him) said to me: Behold, before going out from the Masjid, I shall tell you an important Chapter of Qur’an. He (grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) caught my hand and came out of the Masjid. Then he commanded: That is Surah ‘Al-Hamd, which contains seven verses and that is a very great Vird (recited repeatedly - portion of the Qur’an fixed for reading at certain times), which has been bestowed to me. AbdUllaah bin Abbas (May Allaah be pleased with him) said: Angel Gabriel (peace be upon him) was present near the Messenger (grace, blessings and peace be upon him), that another Angel (peace be upon him) came down from the heaven and said: O Messenger of Allaah! It is a glad tiding for you that Allaah Almighty has given you two Nuur (Lights), which have not been given to any other Prophet before You – One is Suratul-Faatihah and the other is Suratul-Baqarah.
You would have observed that
how much virtuous is this Chapter, as though it is a summary of the
entire Qur’an. Reciting it needs special attention and
consideration. It must also be caused to know others. O my Lord! Give us power
and strength to do good.
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