Introduction - Surah ‘AL- FAATIHAH (The Opening)

Lesson - 3

Introduction -  Surah ‘AL- FAATIHAH  (The Opening)

Section – 1 (Part 1)

This Chapter is called Faatiha-tul-Kitaab also, “The Opening of The Scripture”, or “Ummul-Qur’aan”. The Essence of Qur’an, as it is variously named, has been called “the Lord’s Prayer of the Muslims”. It is also named as Sura-tul-Shifaa as recitation of this Surah results the restoration of physical and spiritual health. God Almighty has taught his Servants the method of praying and begging from Him. It appears from the importance of this Surah that is recited again and again in the Prayer. Although according to its words, it is concise, but in accordance with its subjects and meanings, it is as “building 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 the Holy Qur’an, which are narrated repeatedly:-

1       The Skies, The Earth and everything is created by God 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 God 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 God 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 Goodness.   

This Surah is an essential part of all Muslim worship, public and private, and no solemn contract or transaction is complete unless 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 Muslim 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 (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) because we know certainly that at that time regular congregation 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 (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) arranged for the services, which had till then been held out of doors, to take place in a private house.

This Surah is often called Saba’an- min ‘al-Mathaani, “Seven of the Oft-repeated” (verses being Understood), XXV words which are taken as referring to this Surah.

You would have seen that how much virtue has this Surah, as though it is summary of the entire Qur-‘aan. Reciting it needs special attention and consideration. It should also be admonished to others. O God Almighty! Give us power and strength to do well.

Transliterated Holy Qur-’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)