The Importance Of Surah Al-Fatihah

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Surah Al-Fatihah is the most well-known and memorized surah of the Quran. It is usually the very first one that children and converts learn, as it holds such a pivotal importance in the Islamic prayer, or Salah. With our obligatory prayers alone, we recite this surah 17 times a day! Surah Al-Fatihah is also among the shortest suwar (plural of surah) of the Quran, with only seven ayaat (or verses), yet it contains so many important messages and virtues! 

Keep reading to learn more about Surah Al-Fatihah!

Meaning Of "Al-Fatihah"

Al-Fatihah (in Arabic: الفاتحة‎) is the Quran's first surah (chapter). It is a supplication for wisdom and mercy composed of seven ayaat (verses) and one hundred and thirteen letters.

But, why is this surah given the name Al-Fatihah? The literal translation of "al-Fatihah" is "The Opening" or "The Opener", which fits the surah perfectly as it "opens" the Quran, i.e. the Quran starts with this surah.

According to Ibn Abbas (RA) and others, the most commonly accepted theory of the surah's roots is that it is a Meccan surah, although some believe it is either a Medinan surah or was delivered in both Mecca and Medina.

Most narratives agree that al Fatiha was the first full Surah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Because some historians claim that this chapter contains a summary of the whole Quran, it seems to be an accurate table of elements of the Quranic message.