How Surah Al-Fatiha Shapes Muslim Prayer and Faith

Surah Al-Fatiha is the first chapter of the Holy Quran. It is appropriately named as such because Fatiha means ‘the opening’. Although the chapter is short, containing just seven verses, it holds tremendous importance and meaning for Muslims. Surah Al-Fatiha is particularly significant for the Islamic faith and prayer. 

First, it is necessary to delve into the meaning and context of the surah to comprehend its significance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ could have chosen any of the 114 chapters of the Holy Quran as the first chapter, yet it was Surah Al-Fatiha that was chosen specifically. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ is the All-Knowing and Wise, so we must investigate what makes Surah Al-Fatiha so unique. 

Surah Al-Fatiha-An Introduction

Surah Al-Fatiha is the first chapter of the Holy Quran, but in the order of revelation, it was the fifth revelation. Revealed in Makkah to the Holy Prophet (ﷺ), it was the first chapter that was sent down in its entirety. The surah, which is known by many other names, including Umm Al-Kitab, Al-Shafiyah, Al-Ruqyah, Al-Munajah, Al-Kafiya, and Al-Wafiyah, is said to contain the summary of the entire Quran. 

The surah was revealed during the nascent stages of Islam. It beautifully summarizes our entire belief system. It introduces Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and relates His wonderful attributes. It establishes our relationship with our Lord, and the final verses of the surah hold the key to living a successful life. 

This chapter condenses our very purpose of existence. It provides the perfect way to begin the Holy Quran, giving us insight into the book’s authorship, the fundamentals of belief, and how remaining steadfast in belief and supplementing it with practice can lead to success. 

Reference to Surah Fatiha not only occurs in multiple traditions of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) but also in the Holy Quran itself. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ says in Surah Al-Hijr:

“We have indeed given you the seven oft-repeated (examples), and the majestic Qur’an.” (15:87)

In the verse above, the seven repeated verses refer to Surah Al-Fatiha. It is called the ‘oft-repeated’ verses since the surah is recited in every rakah of the Muslim prayer. In other words, salah is incomplete without Surah Al-Fatiha. 

Significance of Surah Al-Fatiha in Muslim Prayer

Surah Al-Fatiha is integral to the obligatory prayer in Islam. Salah without the recitation of the surah is incomplete. Believers can recite any other surah from the Holy Quran in each rakah. However, it must be preceded by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha first. 

Much like how the surah acts as the beginning of the rest of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Fatiha also opens up salah. Each verse is full of infinite meaning. According to a hadith narrated by Hazrat Sa’id Al-Mu’alla (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ):

“While I was praying, the Prophet (ﷺ) called me but I did not respond to his call. Later I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! I was praying.” He said, “Didn’t Allah say: ‘O you who believe! Give your response to Allah (by obeying Him) and to His Apostle when he calls you’?” (8.24) He then said, “Shall I not teach you the most superior Surah in the Qur’an?” He said, ‘(It is), ‘Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. ‘ (i.e., Surat Al-Fatiha) which consists of seven repeatedly recited Verses and the Magnificent Qur’an which was given to me.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, Book 61, Hadith 528]

This tradition wonderfully highlights the importance of Surah Al-Fatiha. It is indicative of the high status that the surah holds in Islam. No prayer is complete without the inclusion of Surah Al-Fatiha. 

Surah Al-Fatiha and Islamic Belief

Surah Al-Fatiha is fundamental for prayer because that is how salah was performed by the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) himself. Examining each verse of the surah makes it quite clear why it was selected to represent prayer. The surah begins with the following verses:

“In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful.

ALL PRAISE BE to Allah, Lord of all the worlds,

Most beneficent, ever-merciful,

King of the Day of Judgement.” [1:1-4]

These verses introduce Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and relate some of His most unique attributes. In Islamic belief, the unity and oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ supersedes any other belief. Without affirming Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ oneness and superiority, no one can become a believer, no matter their moral goodness. This is the basis of belief. To understand the concept of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ oneness and divinity, visit here for an in-depth explanation. 

 The successive verses are:

“You alone we worship, and to You alone turn for help.

Guide us (O Lord) to the path that is straight,

The path of those You have blessed, Not of those who have earned Your anger, nor those who have gone astray.” (1:5-7)

There is an affirmation of worshipping Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ alone. The mention of worship is significant, especially when considered in the context that Surah Al-Fatiha is indispensable for performing salah. The last two verses of the surah are a supplication whereby believers request Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ guidance. A clear distinction is being made between believers and disbelievers. The verses also elaborate on the fate of each group. 

The surah is well-structured. It begins with the praise and attributes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and is followed up with relating what our duty is towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, that is to glorify Him and worship Him. Finally, the surah concludes with a supplication for guidance. 

All the core principles of belief, belief in the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, and belief in the life after death are contained in the surah. These ideas are at the heart of Islam. A true believer proclaims and practices these fundamentals. 

The surah, also known as Al-Asas, which means ‘the foundation’, gives a brief yet complete summary of Islamic belief. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, our relationship with Him, and our purpose of existence are all central to that belief. Everything else, like having good morals, being nice to others, belief in the five pillars of faith, and everything else, stems from our fundamental belief in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. 

This is why Surah Al-Fatiha is such a basic text. The reason for it is the first chapter of the Holy Quran and the surah that is an obligatory part of salah.