Surah Al Fatiha to Read in Arabic English Translation Transliteration
Surah Al-Fatiha: The Opening
| Surah Name | Al-Fatiha (The Opening) |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The Opening |
| Chapter | 1 |
| Verses | 7 |
| Revelation | Makkah |
| Position | Juz 1 |
| بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ |
| Transliteration: Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Rahim |
| Translation: In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. |
| الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ |
| Transliteration: Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘alamin |
| Translation: All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. |
| الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ |
| Transliteration: Ar-Rahman ar-Rahim |
| Translation: The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. |
| مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ |
| Transliteration: Maliki yawmid-din |
| Translation: Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. |
| إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ |
| Transliteration: Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in |
| Translation: It is You we worship and You we ask for help. |
| اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ |
| Transliteration: Ihdinas-siratal mustaqim |
| Translation: Guide us to the straight path. |
| صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ |
| Transliteration: Siratal-ladhina an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril-maghdubi ‘alayhim wa lad-dallin |
| Translation: The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] wrath or of those who are astray. |
Complete English Translation (with Ayah Numbers)
1. In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
2. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
3. The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
4. Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.
5. It is You we worship and You we ask for help.
6. Guide us to the straight path.
7. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] wrath or of those who are astray.
Complete English Transliteration (with Ayah Numbers)
1. Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Rahim
2. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘alamin
3. Ar-Rahman ar-Rahim
4. Maliki yawmid-din
5. Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in
6. Ihdinas-siratal mustaqim
7. Siratal-ladhina an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril-maghdubi ‘alayhim wa lad-dallin
Tafseer (Ibn Kathir Summary)
Ayah 1: Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Rahim
Ibn Kathir states that starting with “Bismillah” is an instruction from Allah. It means that we should begin all our actions, whether big or small, by seeking Allah’s blessings and assistance. He emphasizes that ‘Ar-Rahman’ (the Entirely Merciful) is a general mercy that encompasses all creation, while ‘Ar-Rahim’ (the Especially Merciful) is a specific mercy for the believers in the Hereafter. This introduction sets the tone for seeking Allah’s help and acknowledging His supreme attributes.
Ayah 2: Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘alamin
This ayah establishes that all forms of praise and thanks belong exclusively to Allah. ‘Al-Hamd’ is more comprehensive than ‘Ash-Shukr’ (gratitude), as it includes praise for Allah’s beauty, perfection, and beneficence. ‘Rabbil-‘alamin’ means “Lord of the worlds,” signifying Allah’s sovereignty over all creation – humans, jinn, angels, animals, and everything in existence. He is their Creator, Sustainer, and Controller.
Ayah 3: Ar-Rahman ar-Rahim
These attributes are repeated here to reinforce Allah’s immense and continuous mercy. The repetition emphasizes that His mercy is a fundamental aspect of His being and extends throughout His creation, both generally (Ar-Rahman) and specifically to the believers (Ar-Rahim).
Ayah 4: Maliki yawmid-din
‘Maliki yawmid-din’ translates to “Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.” This ayah highlights Allah’s absolute control and ownership on the Day of Judgment, when all will be held accountable. It serves as a reminder of the Hereafter and encourages righteous deeds. Some recitations use ‘Maliki’ (Owner) and others ‘Maliki’ (King). Both convey Allah’s ultimate authority.
Ayah 5: Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in
This is a pivotal ayah, establishing the core principle of Tawhid (Oneness of God). It means “It is You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.” The structure of the sentence, placing ‘Iyyaka’ (You alone) before the verbs, emphasizes exclusivity. We direct our worship (acts of devotion) solely to Allah and seek assistance in all matters only from Him. This combines submission to Allah with reliance upon Him.
Ayah 6: Ihdinas-siratal mustaqim
“Guide us to the straight path.” This is the central supplication of Al-Fatiha. Ibn Kathir explains that the “straight path” is the clear, unwavering path of Islam, which was followed by the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. It is the path that leads to Allah’s pleasure and Paradise. This guidance encompasses knowledge, action, and steadfastness upon the truth.
Ayah 7: Siratal-ladhina an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril-maghdubi ‘alayhim wa lad-dallin
This ayah further clarifies the “straight path” by describing those who are on it and those who are not. ‘Alladhina an’amta ‘alayhim’ refers to those whom Allah has favored, as mentioned in Surah An-Nisa (4:69) – the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. ‘Ghayril-maghdubi ‘alayhim’ refers to those who earned Allah’s wrath due to their knowledge of the truth but rejection of it, like the Jews. ‘Wa lad-dallin’ refers to those who went astray due to ignorance or misguidance, like the Christians who deviated from the true teachings. This ayah teaches us to pray to be among the guided and to avoid the paths of those who earned wrath or went astray.
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Benefits & Lessons (7-10 points)
- The Foundation of Prayer: Surah Al-Fatiha is recited in every unit (rak’ah) of every prayer, making it the most frequently recited chapter of the Qur’an and an essential pillar of Salah.
- Comprehensive Dua (Supplication): It is a powerful and concise supplication that encompasses praise of Allah, affirmation of His Oneness, declaration of seeking His help alone, and a plea for guidance to the straight path.
- Understanding Allah’s Attributes: It introduces us to the most fundamental attributes of Allah: Ar-Rahman (the Entirely Merciful), Ar-Rahim (the Especially Merciful), Rabbil-‘alamin (Lord of the Worlds), and Maliki yawmid-din (Sovereign of the Day of Recompense).
- Tawhid (Oneness of God): Ayah 5, “Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in,” is a profound statement of pure monotheism, asserting that worship and seeking help belong exclusively to Allah.
- Seeking Guidance: The core of the Surah is the sincere request for guidance to the “straight path,” highlighting humanity’s innate need for divine direction.
- Clarification of Paths: It distinguishes between the path of the favored, the path of those who earned wrath, and the path of the misguided, providing a clear understanding of the right and wrong ways.
- Humility and Dependence: By reciting this Surah, a Muslim acknowledges their complete dependence on Allah for guidance, sustenance, and success in both this life and the Hereafter.
- Cure and Protection (Ruqyah): The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referred to Al-Fatiha as “Ar-Ruqyah” (the cure) and “Umm al-Kitab” (Mother of the Book), indicating its spiritual healing and protective benefits.
- Connection with Allah: Regular recitation with understanding fosters a deep spiritual connection with Allah, strengthening faith and submission.
- A Divine Dialogue: It is considered a dialogue between the worshipper and Allah, where Allah responds to each ayah recited by the servant.
FAQs (10 detailed questions & answers)
Surah Al-Fatiha is profoundly significant because it is the opening chapter of the Qur’an and is recited in every unit of every prayer (Salah). It is known as “Umm al-Kitab” (Mother of the Book) and “As-Sab’ al-Mathani” (The Seven Oft-Recited Verses). It encapsulates the essence of the entire Qur’an, covering themes of Allah’s oneness, praise, divine attributes, and the path to guidance.
A: It is called “Al-Fatiha” (The Opening) because it is the first surah in the order of the Qur’an, acting as an introduction to the entire Holy Book. It is also considered an “opening” in the sense that it opens the prayer, and symbolically, it opens the door to understanding the core message of Islam.
“Ar-Rahman” means the Entirely Merciful or the Beneficent, signifying Allah’s universal mercy that extends to all His creation, believers and non-believers alike, in this world. “Ar-Rahim” means the Especially Merciful or the Most Merciful, referring to Allah’s specific and abundant mercy that is primarily reserved for the believers in the Hereafter.
Surah Al-Fatiha teaches Tawhid most clearly in Ayah 5: “Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in” (It is You we worship and You we ask for help). This verse explicitly states that all worship, devotion, and seeking of assistance should be directed solely to Allah, emphasizing His absolute uniqueness and sole right to be worshipped.
The straight path” refers to the clear, balanced, and unwavering path of Islam. It is the path of truth, righteousness, and justice, as exemplified by the Prophets and righteous people. It leads to Allah’s pleasure and ultimately to Paradise, encompassing correct belief, sincere worship, and good deeds.
“Those upon whom You have bestowed favor” are the Prophets, the truthful (Siddiqeen), the martyrs (Shuhada), and the righteous (Saliheen), as mentioned in the Qur’an (4:69). “Those who have evoked [Your] wrath” generally refers to those who knew the truth but deliberately rejected it or disobeyed Allah’s commands, often interpreted as referring to a section of the Jews. “Those who are astray” refers to those who deviated from the truth due to ignorance or misguidance, often interpreted as referring to a section of the Christians who erred from the true teachings.
Yes, it is permissible and highly recommended to recite Surah Al-Fatiha for healing (Ruqyah). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referred to it as “Ar-Ruqyah” (the cure). There are authentic narrations where the Companions used Al-Fatiha to cure illnesses, and it is a powerful spiritual remedy when recited with sincerity and conviction.
Understanding the meaning of Al-Fatiha during prayer enhances khushu’ (devotion and humility) and strengthens one’s connection with Allah. It transforms the recitation from a mere ritual into a heartfelt conversation and a profound supplication, making the prayer more meaningful and impactful on one’s life.
Yes, there are numerous virtues. Besides being essential for Salah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that no prayer is valid without it. It is also considered the greatest Surah in the Qur’an. Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi that He has divided the prayer (Al-Fatiha) into two halves between Himself and His servant, and His servant will have what he asks for.
While the primary purpose of Al-Fatiha is supplication for oneself and praise of Allah, many scholars allow reciting Qur’an, including Al-Fatiha, and donating the reward to the deceased, based on the general principle of transferring rewards for good deeds. However, the most universally accepted benefit for the deceased comes from continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child’s supplication for them.
