Introduction to Surah Al-Fatihah
Surah Al-Fatihah is the first Surah of the Holy Qur’an and is widely known as a summary of the entire Qur’an.
It is a great seven-verse Surah revealed in Makkah and is well known by the names “Umm al-Qur’an,” “Umm al-Kitab,” and “As-Sab‘ al-Mathani.” This Surah is an essential part of the daily Salah of Muslims, which further highlights its importance and virtue.
In the renowned Tafsir Ad-Durr al-Manthur, Imam Jalaluddin As-Suyuti (رح.) compiled numerous authentic Hadiths, statements of the Companions, and narrations of the Tabi‘in in his commentary on Surah Al-Fatihah. This Tafsir discusses the virtues, names, circumstances of revelation, and profound meanings of the Surah in detail.
Surah Al-Fatihah brings together the fundamental teachings of praising Allah Almighty, affirming His Oneness, worshipping Him, seeking His help, and asking for guidance to the Straight Path.
Studying Surah Al-Fatihah in the light of Tafsir Ad-Durr al-Manthur helps readers understand the fundamental teachings of the Qur’an and important subjects related to Tawhid, Prophethood, and the Hereafter. Therefore, learning the Tafsir of this magnificent Surah is highly important for every Muslim.
Translated from Tafsir ad-Durr al-Manthur by Imam as-Suyuti (رحمه الله).
A Darussaadat Translation & Publication
مُقَدّمَة سُورَة الْفَاتِحَة
Surah Al-Fatihah: Introduction
Surah Al-Fatihah Is Part of the Qur’an
Imam ‘Abd ibn Humayd narrates in his Tafsir from Ibrahim (رح.):
He said, “I asked Al-Aswad about Surah Al-Fatihah: Is it part of the Qur’an?” He replied, “Yes.”
Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (RA) and His Practice
Imam ‘Abd ibn Humayd, Muhammad ibn Nasr Al-Marwazi in Kitab As-Salah, and Ibn Al-Anbari in Al-Masahif narrate from Muhammad ibn Sirin (رح.):
Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (RA) used to write Fatihat al-Kitab, Al-Mu‘awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas), and اللَّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَاللَّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ.
However, Ibn Mas‘ud (RA) did not write any of these.
Uthman (RA) used to write Fatihat al-Kitab and Al-Mu‘awwidhatayn.
The Practice of ‘Abdullah (RA)
Imam ‘Abd ibn Humayd narrates from Ibrahim (رح.):
He said, “ ‘Abdullah (RA) did not write Surah Al-Fatihah in the Qur’an. He said, ‘Had I written it, I would have written it first.’”
From the Treasures Beneath the Throne
Imam Al-Wahidi in Asbab An-Nuzul and Ath-Tha‘labi in his Tafsir narrate from ‘Ali (RA):
نَزَلَتْ فَاتِحَةُ الْكِتَابِ بِمَكَّةَ مِنْ كَنْزٍ تَحْتَ الْعَرْشِ
“Fatihat al-Kitab was revealed in Makkah from a treasure beneath the Throne.”
The Event of the Beginning of Revelation
Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah in Al-Musannaf, Abu Nu‘aym in Dala’il An-Nubuwwah, and Al-Wahidi and Ath-Tha‘labi narrate from Abu Maysarah ‘Amr ibn Shurahbil:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to Khadijah (RA), “Whenever I am alone, I hear a voice. By Allah, I fear that something may happen.”
Khadijah (RA) said, “May Allah protect you. By Allah, He will never bring you into distress or calamity. By Allah, you are trustworthy, you maintain family ties, and you always speak the truth.”
Later, when Abu Bakr (RA) came and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was not at home, she told Abu Bakr (RA) about the condition of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said, “Take Muhammad (ﷺ) to Waraqah.”
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) returned home, Abu Bakr (RA) took him by the hand and said, “Come with me to Waraqah.”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked Abu Bakr (RA), “Who told you about this?” Abu Bakr (RA) replied, “Khadijah told me.”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) then went with Abu Bakr to Waraqah and related everything to him. He said, “Whenever I am alone, I hear a voice calling me from behind: ‘O Muhammad! O Muhammad!’ I then quickly leave that place.”
Waraqah said, “When you hear the voice again, do not run away. Listen to what it says, then come to me.”
Later, when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was alone again, someone called him and said:
“Read: Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin,” until he recited “Walad-Dallin.” Then he was told, “Say: La ilaha illallah.”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) then went to Waraqah and told him everything.
Waraqah said to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), “Receive the glad tidings, receive the glad tidings! I testify that you are the one whose coming was foretold by ‘Isa (AS). This is the angel Jibril who came to Musa (AS). Know that you are a Messenger and Prophet.”
Heart-Touching Words
Imam Abu Nu‘aym narrates in Dala’il An-Nubuwwah from a man of Banu Salamah:
When the young men of Banu Salamah accepted Islam, including the son of ‘Amr ibn Al-Jamuh, his wife said to him, “Have you heard? Your son is narrating from that man.”
‘Amr said, “My son, what did you hear from that man?”
His son recited الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ up to الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ.
‘Amr said, “How beautiful and heart-touching these words are! Are all his words this sweet?”
His son replied, “Father, even more beautiful words have been spoken.”
This occurred before the Hijrah.
The Cry of Iblis
Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah in Al-Musannaf, Abu Sa‘id Ibn Al-A‘rabi in his Mu‘jam, and At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat narrate from Mujahid through Abu Hurayrah (RA):
He said, “Iblis cried out when Surah Al-Fatihah was revealed. And it was revealed in the blessed city of Madinah.”
Where Was Surah Al-Fatihah Revealed?
Imam Waki‘, Al-Firyabi in his Tafsir, Abu ‘Abdullah in Fada’il Al-Qur’an, Ibn Abi Shaybah in Al-Musannaf, ‘Abd ibn Humayd, Ibn Al-Mundhir in his Tafsir, Abu Bakr Ibn Al-Anbari in Kitab Al-Masahif, Abu Ash-Shaykh Al-Asbahani, and Abu Nu‘aym in Hilyat Al-Awliya’ narrate from Mujahid (رح.):
He said, “Fatihat al-Kitab was revealed in Madinah.”
In Madinah
Imam Waki‘ narrates from Mujahid (رح.) that Surah Al-Fatihah was revealed in Madinah.
In Makkah
Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Al-Anbari in Al-Masahif narrates from Qatadah (رح.) that Fatihat al-Kitab was revealed in Makkah.
Umm al-Qur’an and Umm al-Kitab
Imam Ibn Abi Zuraish in Fada’il Al-Qur’an narrates from Ayyub (رح.):
Ibn Sirin (رح.) said, “Calling it Umm al-Kitab is disliked. Allah Almighty says:
وَعِنْدَهُ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ
‘And with Him is the Mother of the Book.’ — Surah Ar-Ra‘d 13:39
Therefore, it should be called Fatihat al-Kitab.”
Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah with Bismillah
Imam Ad-Daraqutni, who declared it authentic, and Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan narrate from Abu Hurayrah (RA):
He said, “When you recite Al-Hamd, also recite Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim.”
It is Umm al-Qur’an, Umm al-Kitab, and As-Sab‘ al-Mathani—the seven repeatedly recited verses.
And Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim is one of its verses.
Umm al-Qur’an and Umm al-Kitab
Imam Al-Bukhari, Ad-Darimi in his Musnad, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Al-Mundhir, Ibn Abi Hatim, and Ibn Marduyah in their respective Tafsirs narrate from Abu Hurayrah (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin is Umm al-Qur’an, Umm al-Kitab, and As-Sab‘ al-Mathani.”
Umm al-Qur’an
Imam Ahmad in his Musnad, Ibn Jarir, Ibn Al-Mundhir, Ibn Abi Hatim, and Ibn Marduyah in their respective Tafsirs narrate from Abu Hurayrah (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Umm al-Qur’an is Umm al-Qur’an; it is Fatihat al-Kitab, As-Sab‘ al-Mathani, and the Great Qur’an.”
Ad-Dafiyah
Imam Ath-Tha‘labi narrates from ‘Abdul-Jabbar ibn Al-‘Ala:
He said, “Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah used to call Fatihat al-Kitab Ad-Dafiyah (the remover of harm).”
Al-Kifayah
Imam Ath-Tha‘labi narrates from ‘Afif ibn Salim:
He said, “I asked ‘Abdullah ibn Yahya ibn Abi Kathir about reciting Surah Al-Fatihah behind the Imam.”
He replied, “Are you asking about Al-Kifayah?”
I said, “What is Al-Kifayah?”
He said, “Surah Al-Fatihah. Do you not know that it is sufficient for everything besides itself, but it is not sufficient for itself?”
Asas Al-Qur’an
Imam Ath-Tha‘labi narrates from Ash-Sha‘bi (رح.):
A man complained to him of back pain. He said to him, “Recite Asas Al-Qur’an (the foundation/healing of the Qur’an).”
The man asked, “What is Asas Al-Qur’an?”
He replied, “Fatihat al-Kitab.”
As-Sab‘ al-Mathani
Imam Ad-Daraqutni and Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan, with an authentic chain, narrate from ‘Abd Khayr:
He said that he asked ‘Ali (RA) about As-Sab‘ al-Mathani, the seven repeatedly recited verses.
He replied, “It is Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin (Surah Al-Fatihah).”
He was told, “But it contains only six verses.”
He replied, “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim is one verse.”
Seven Verses
Imam At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat, Ibn Marduyah in his Tafsir, and Al-Bayhaqi narrate from ‘Ali (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin consists of seven verses. Among them, Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim is one verse.
It is As-Sab‘ al-Mathani, the Great Qur’an, Umm al-Qur’an, and Fatihat al-Kitab.”
How the Prophet (ﷺ) Began His Recitation While Leading Salah
Imam Ad-Daraqutni and Al-Bayhaqi narrate from Abu Hurayrah (RA):
When the Prophet (ﷺ) began recitation while leading the prayer, he would begin with Bismillah.
Abu Hurayrah (RA) said, “Bismillah is a verse of the Book of Allah. If you wish, you may consider Surah Al-Fatihah as seven verses.”
Seven Verses
Imam Ibn Al-Anbari in Al-Masahif narrates from Umm Salamah (RA):
She said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited Surah Al-Fatihah and then said, ‘O Umm Salamah! It consists of seven verses.’”
The Greatest Surah of the Qur’an
Imam Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, Ad-Darimi, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa’i, Hasan ibn Sufyan, Ibn Jarir, Ibn Hibban, Al-Hakim in his Kunā, Ibn Marduyah, Abu Nu‘aym in his Ma‘rifah, and Al-Bayhaqi narrate from Abu Sa‘id ibn Al-Mu‘alla:
He said, “I was once performing Salah in the Prophet’s Mosque when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) called me, but I did not respond.
Later I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I was praying, so I could not respond.’
He (ﷺ) said, ‘Did Allah not say:
اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ
“Respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you.” — Surah Al-Anfal 8:24
Then he said to me, ‘Before you leave the mosque, I will teach you a great Surah from the Qur’an.’
He then took my hand. When he intended to leave the mosque, I said, ‘Did you not say that you would teach me the greatest Surah of the Qur’an?’
He (ﷺ) said:
اَلْحَمْدُ لِله رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ
‘Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin.’ It is the seven repeatedly recited verses and the Great Qur’an that has been given to me.”
There Is No Surah Like It
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd, Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darimi, An-Nasa’i, Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Al-Mundhir, Al-Hakim, who declared it authentic, Ibn Marduyah, Abu Dharr Al-Harawi in Fada’il Al-Qur’an, and Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan narrate from Abu Hurayrah (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went to Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (RA) and called him, “O Ubayy!”
Ubayy (RA) was praying. He looked toward the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) but did not respond. He completed his prayer briefly and then went to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said, “As-salamu ‘alayka, O Messenger of Allah!”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) replied, “Wa ‘alaykas-salam. O Ubayy! What prevented you from responding when I called you?”
He said, “O Messenger of Allah! I was praying.”
He (ﷺ) said, “Did you not find in the revelation Allah Almighty sent to me the command:
اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ
‘Respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you.’ — Surah Al-Anfal 8:24”
He said, “Yes, and I will never do that again, Insha’Allah.”
He (ﷺ) said, “Would you like me to teach you a Surah the like of which has not been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or even in the Qur’an?”
He said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked, “What do you recite in your prayer?”
The narrator said that Ubayy recited Umm al-Qur’an (Al-Fatihah).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, no Surah like it has been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or even in the Qur’an. It consists of the seven repeatedly recited verses and the Great Qur’an that has been given to me.”
Equivalent to Umm al-Qur’an
Imam Ad-Darimi, At-Tirmidhi, who graded it Hasan, An-Nasa’i, ‘Abdullah ibn Ahmad in Zawa’id al-Musnad, Ibn Abi Zuraish in Fada’il Al-Qur’an, Ibn Jarir, Ibn Khuzaymah, and Al-Hakim, who declared it authentic, narrate from Abu Hurayrah and Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (RA):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Allah Almighty did not reveal anything in the Torah and the Gospel equivalent to Umm al-Qur’an.
It is As-Sab‘ al-Mathani. Allah Almighty says that it is divided between Me and My servant. My servant shall have whatever he asks for.”
Two Lights
Imam Muslim, An-Nasa’i, Ibn Hibban, At-Tabarani, and Al-Hakim narrate from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (RA):
He said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was present and Jibril (AS) was with him. At that moment, a sound like something falling from the sky was heard.
Jibril raised his head and said, ‘This is an angel who has descended to earth today. He has never descended to earth before today.’
The angel came to the Prophet (ﷺ), greeted him, and said, ‘Receive the glad tidings of two lights that have been given to you. No prophet before you was given them.
They are Fatihat al-Kitab (Surah Al-Fatihah) and the concluding verses of Surah Al-Baqarah. You will not recite a single letter from them without receiving what you ask for through it.”
Nothing on Earth Is Like This Surah
Imam At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat, with a weak chain, narrates from Abu Zayd (RA):
He said:
“I was with the Prophet (ﷺ) on a road in Madinah. The Prophet (ﷺ) heard a man reciting Umm al-Kitab during prayer.
The Prophet (ﷺ) stood and listened attentively to his recitation until he completed it.
Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
‘There is nothing on earth like this Surah.’”
Earning Through the Qur’an
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd, Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, and Al-Bayhaqi narrate from Abu Sa‘id (RA):
He said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent us on a military expedition. We reached a settlement and asked its people for hospitality, but they refused to host us.
Then the leader of that community was stung by a scorpion. They came to us and asked, ‘Is there anyone among you who can perform Ruqyah for someone who has been stung by a scorpion?’
I said, ‘Yes, I can. But I will not perform Ruqyah unless you give us a flock of sheep.’
They agreed to give us thirty sheep, and we accepted the offer.
I recited Surah Al-Fatihah seven times over him and performed Ruqyah. He recovered, and we received the sheep.
We then became doubtful about what we had done and said, ‘Do not make any decision until we present the matter to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).’
When we came to him, I informed him of what I had done.
He said, ‘How did you know that it could be used for Ruqyah? Take the sheep and reserve a share for me as well.’”
Another Incident
Imam Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, and Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan narrate from Ibn ‘Abbas (RA):
A group of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) passed by people living near a well.
Among those staying near the well was a man who had been bitten by a snake—or, according to another narration, stung by something.
One of the people living there came to the Companions and asked, “Is there anyone among you who performs Ruqyah? Someone near the well has been bitten by a snake or stung.”
One of the Companions went to him and, in exchange for some sheep, recited Surah Al-Fatihah over him. The man recovered.
The Companion then brought the sheep to his companions, but they disliked what he had done. They said, “You have taken payment for the Book of Allah.”
Eventually, they reached Madinah and said, “O Messenger of Allah! He accepted payment for the Book of Allah.”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Among the things for which you take payment, the Book of Allah has the greatest right to receive payment.”
A Healing Surah
Imam Ahmad and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab Al-Iman, with a good chain, narrate from Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to him:
“Shall I not tell you about a Surah that is the greatest of what was revealed in the Qur’an?”
I said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!”
He said, “Fatihat al-Kitab.”
The narrator says that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I believe that it contains healing for every illness.”
Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and Performing Ruqyah
Imam At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat, Ad-Daraqutni in Al-Afrad, and Ibn ‘Asakir, with a weak chain, narrate from Sa’ib ibn Yazid (RA):
He said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited Surah Al-Fatihah and performed Ruqyah over me.”
An Antidote for Poison
Imam Sa‘id ibn Mansur in his Sunan and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab Al-Iman narrate from Abu Sa‘id Al-Khudri (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
فَاتِحَةُ الْكِتَابِ شِفَاءٌ مِنَ السُّمِّ
“Fatihat al-Kitab is a remedy for poison.”
Healing for Every Illness
Imam Ad-Darimi and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab Al-Iman, through a chain containing trustworthy narrators, narrate from ‘Abdul-Malik ibn ‘Umayr:
He said that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
فَاتِحَةِ الْكِتَابِ شِفَاءٌ مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
“Fatihat al-Kitab is a healing for every illness.”
Performing Ruqyah by Reciting Umm al-Qur’an
Imam Ath-Tha‘labi narrates from Mu‘awiyah ibn Salih:
The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) passed by a man during one of their military expeditions who was suffering from a headache.
One of the Companions recited Umm al-Qur’an into his ear and performed Ruqyah over him. He recovered.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) then said:
“This is Umm al-Qur’an, a healing for every illness.”
Treatment for Insanity
Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa’i, Ibn As-Sunni in ‘Amal Al-Yawm wa Al-Laylah, Al-Hakim, who declared it authentic, and Al-Bayhaqi in Dala’il An-Nubuwwah narrate from Kharijah ibn As-Salt At-Tamimi, from his uncle:
After meeting the Prophet (ﷺ), he was returning from him and passed by a tribe.
A man from that tribe was chained because of insanity. The people of the tribe said to him, “Do you have any treatment for this sick man? Indeed, your companion [the Prophet (ﷺ)] has brought goodness.”
Kharijah’s uncle said:
“I recited Surah Al-Fatihah over him three times. Each morning and evening, I recited the Surah over him and lightly blew over him. Eventually, he recovered.
They gave me one hundred sheep. I went to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and informed him of what had happened.
He said, ‘Eat from them. As for the one who earns through false incantations, that is not permissible for him. But you have earned through a genuine Ruqyah.’”
Protection from Every Calamity Except Death
Imam Al-Bazzar in his Musnad, with a weak chain, narrates from Anas (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
إِذَا وَضَعْتَ جَنْبَكَ عَلَى الْفِرَاشِ، وَقَرَأْتَ (فَاتِحَةَ الْكِتَابِ وَقُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ) فَقَدْ أَمِنْتَ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ إِلَّا الْمَوْتَ
“When you lie down on your bed and recite Fatihat al-Kitab and Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad, you will be safe from every danger except death.”
How Much of the Qur’an Is Surah Al-Fatihah?
Imam At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat, with a weak chain, narrates from Ibn ‘Abbas (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever recites Umm al-Qur’an and Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad, it is as though he has recited one-third of the Qur’an.”
One-Third of the Qur’an
Imam ‘Abd ibn Humayd in his Musnad and Imam Al-Firyabi in his Tafsir narrate from Ibn ‘Abbas (RA):
He said:
“Fatihat al-Kitab is one-third of the Qur’an.”
Two-Thirds
Imam ‘Abd ibn Humayd in his Musnad, with a weak chain, narrates a Marfu‘ Hadith from Ibn ‘Abbas (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Fatihat al-Kitab is two-thirds or one-third of the Qur’an.”
The Best Portion of the Qur’an
Imam Al-Hakim, who declared it authentic, Abu Dharr Al-Harawi in Fada’il, and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab Al-Iman narrate from Anas (RA):
He said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was on a journey. He stopped at a place, and one of the Companions was traveling with him.
The Prophet (ﷺ) turned his attention toward him and said, “Shall I not tell you about the best portion of the Qur’an?”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) then recited Surah Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin to him.
The Treasure of the Throne
Imam Ibn Abi Zuraish in Fada’il Al-Qur’an and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab Al-Iman narrate from Anas (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Allah Almighty has bestowed many favors upon me. Among them is that Allah says: ‘I have given you Fatihat al-Kitab. It is from the treasures of My Throne.’
Then He divided it equally between Me and you.”
From the Treasure Beneath the Throne
Imam Ishaq ibn Rahwayh in his Musnad narrates from ‘Ali (RA):
He was asked about Fatihat al-Kitab.
He said, “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) told me: ‘This Surah was revealed from a treasure beneath the Throne.’”
Protection from the Evil Eye of Jinn and Humans
Imam Ad-Daylami in Musnad Al-Firdaws narrates from ‘Imran ibn Husayn (RA):
فَاتِحَةُ الكِتَابِ وَآيَةُ الْكُرْسِيِّ لَا يَقْرَؤُهُمَا عَبْدٌ فِي دَارٍ فَتُصِيبُهُمْ ذَلِكَ الْيَوْمَ عَيْنُ إِنْسٍ أَوْ جِنٍّ
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Fatihah and Ayat al-Kursi in his home, his family will remain safe that day from the evil eye of humans and jinn.”
Four Things Revealed from the Treasure Beneath the Throne
Imam Abu Ash-Shaykh in Kitab Ath-Thawab, At-Tabarani, Ibn Marduyah, Ad-Daylami, and Diya Al-Maqdisi in Al-Mukhtarah narrate from Abu Umamah (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Four things were revealed from the treasure beneath the Throne. Nothing else was revealed from beneath the Throne besides these four:
- Umm al-Kitab,
- Ayat al-Kursi,
- The final verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, and
- Surah Al-Kawthar.”
The Weight of Surah Al-Fatihah
Imam Abu Nu‘aym and Ad-Daylami narrate from Abu Ad-Darda (RA):
He said that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Surah Al-Fatihah carries such weight that no other verses of the Qur’an carry the same weight.
If Surah Al-Fatihah were placed on one side of a scale and the rest of the Qur’an on the other side, Surah Al-Fatihah would be seven times heavier than the rest of the Qur’an.”
The Essence of the Previous Scriptures
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd in Fada’il narrates from Al-Hasan:
He said:
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Fatihah, it is as though he has recited the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, and the Qur’an.”
Imam Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab Al-Iman narrates from Al-Hasan:
He said:
“Allah Almighty revealed one hundred and four Books. He then placed all their knowledge in four Books: the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, and the Qur’an.
He placed the knowledge of the Torah, the Gospel, and the Psalms in the Qur’an.
He then placed the knowledge of the Qur’an in the Surahs of Al-Mufassal, and the knowledge of Al-Mufassal in Surah Al-Fatihah.
Therefore, whoever understands the Tafsir of Surah Al-Fatihah is like one who has acquired the knowledge of all the revealed Books.”
The Four Times Iblis Cried Out
Imam Waki‘ in his Tafsir, Ibn Al-Anbari in Al-Masahif, Abu Ash-Shaykh Al-Asbahani, and Abu Nu‘aym in Hilyat Al-Awliya’ narrate from Mujahid (رح.):
He said:
“Iblis cried out four times:
- When Surah Al-Fatihah was revealed,
- When he was cursed,
- When he was sent down to the earth, and
- When Muhammad (ﷺ) was sent.”
The Distress of Iblis
Imam Ibn Abi Zuraish narrates from Mujahid (رح.):
He said:
“When Surah Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin was revealed, Iblis suffered greatly. He cried out loudly and struck himself with iron.”
Mujahid (رح.) said, “The one who cries out and strikes himself with iron is accursed.”
The Cry of Iblis
Imam Ibn Abi Zuraish narrates from ‘Abdul-‘Aziz ibn Ar-Rabi‘ (رح.):
He said:
“When Fatihat al-Kitab was revealed, Iblis cried out in the same manner as he had cried out on the day he was cursed.”
Surah Al-Fatihah as a Solution to Problems
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd narrates from Makhul (رح.):
أم الْقُرْآن قِرَاءَة وَمَسْأَلَة وَدُعَاء
“Umm al-Qur’an is recitation, a means of asking, and supplication.”
For the Completion of a Task
Imam Abu Ash-Shaykh in Kitab Ath-Thawab narrates from ‘Ata (رح.):
He said:
“When you intend to do something, recite Surah Al-Fatihah to the end. By doing so, your task will be completed, Insha’Allah.”
Seeking Healing Through the Qur’an
Imam Ibn Qani‘ in Mu‘jam As-Sahabah narrates from Raja’ Al-Ghanawi that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
استشفوا بِمَا حمد الله بِهِ نَفسه قبل أَن يحمده خلقه وَبِمَا مدح الله بِهِ نَفسه
“Seek healing through that by which Allah praised Himself before His creation praised Him, and through that by which Allah described His own greatness.”
I asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is it?”
He (ﷺ) said, “Al-Hamdulillah and Qul Huwa Allah.”
Then he said:
فَمَنْ لَمْ يَشْفِهِ الْقُرْآنُ، فَلَا شَفَاهُ اللَّهُ
“Whoever is not healed by the Qur’an, may Allah not grant him healing.”
The Prayer of the Angels
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd narrates from Abu Al-Manhal Sayyar ibn Salamah:
A Muhajir man saw ‘Umar (RA) while he was performing Tahajjud. He was reciting only Surah Al-Fatihah and would not add anything else. He would then say Takbir, recite Tasbih, bow, and prostrate.
In the morning, the man told ‘Umar (RA) everything he had seen.
‘Umar (RA), as a form of rebuke, said, “May your mother lose you! Is this not the prayer of the angels?”
I said, “Indeed, the angels have only been permitted to recite Surah Al-Fatihah.”
Recitation of the Qur’an Is a Special Distinction
Ibn As-Salah discussed that Qira’at al-Qur’an, meaning the recitation of the Qur’an, is a special distinction granted only to human beings; the angels have not been given this particular privilege.
They are very eager to listen to the Qur’an being recited by human beings.
Protection During Sleep
Imam Ibn ‘Asakir in Tarikh Dimashq narrates from Shaddad ibn Aws (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“When one of you lies down on his bed, he should recite Umm al-Qur’an (Surah Al-Fatihah) and another Surah.
For Allah Almighty appoints an angel for such a person who remains with him and protects him until he wakes from sleep.”
Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in Salah
Imam Ash-Shafi‘i in Al-Umm, Ibn Abi Shaybah in Al-Musannaf, Ahmad in his Musnad, Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, and Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan narrate from ‘Ubadah ibn As-Samit (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
لاَ صَلاَةَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَقْرَأْ بِفَاتِحَةِ الكِتَابِ
“There is no prayer for the one who does not recite Fatihat al-Kitab.”
The Reward
Imam Ad-Daraqutni and Al-Hakim narrate from ‘Ubadah ibn As-Samit (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Umm al-Qur’an is the reward for everything else, but the reward for everything else is not Umm al-Qur’an.”
The Incomplete Prayer
Imam Ahmad and Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan narrate from Abu Hurayrah (RA):
He said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) instructed me to recite Surah Al-Fatihah and said:
“Every prayer in which Surah Al-Fatihah is not recited is incomplete.”
When Surah Al-Fatihah Is Not Recited
Imam Malik in Al-Muwatta’, Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah in his Tafsir, Abu ‘Ubayd in Fada’il, Ibn Abi Shaybah, Ahmad in his Musnad, Al-Bukhari in Juz’ al-Qira’ah, Muslim in his Sahih, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, Ibn Jarir, Ibn Al-Anbari in Al-Masahif, Ibn Hibban, Ad-Daraqutni, and Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan narrate from Abu Hurayrah (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever performs a prayer but does not recite Umm al-Qur’an in it, then his prayer is incomplete, incomplete, incomplete.” He repeated it three times.
Abu As-Sa’ib said, “I asked, ‘O Abu Hurayrah! What if I pray behind the Imam?’”
He shook my hand and said, “O Persian! Recite it silently to yourself.”
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say that Allah Almighty says:
“I have divided the prayer (meaning Surah Al-Fatihah) between Myself and My servant into two halves. One half is for Me and the other half is for My servant, and My servant shall have whatever he asks for.”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Recite.”
When the servant says:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِين
Allah Almighty says, “My servant has praised Me.”
When the servant says:
الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Allah Almighty says, “My servant has extolled Me.”
When the servant says:
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
Allah Almighty says, “My servant has honored Me.”
When the servant says:
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
Allah Almighty says, “This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.”
When the servant says:
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ عَلَيْهِمْ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
Allah Almighty says, “All of this is for My servant. My servant shall have whatever he has asked Me for.”
Surah Al-Fatihah: A Connection Between Allah and His Servant
Imam Ad-Daraqutni and Al-Bayhaqi, with a weak chain, narrate from Abu Hurayrah (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Allah Almighty says: I have divided the prayer (meaning Surah Al-Fatihah) between Myself and My servant into two halves.”
When the servant says Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim, Allah Almighty says, “My servant has remembered Me.”
When the servant says Al-Hamdulillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin, Allah Almighty says, “My servant has praised Me.”
Then, when the servant says Ar-Rahmanir-Rahim, Allah Almighty says, “My servant has extolled Me.”
When the servant says Maliki Yawmid-Din, Allah Almighty says, “My servant has honored Me.”
When the servant says Iyyaka Na‘budu wa Iyyaka Nasta‘in, Allah Almighty says, “This is divided equally between Me and My servant. The rest of this Surah belongs to My servant.
My servant shall have whatever he asks for.”
Salah: A Bridge Between Allah and His Servant
Imam Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim in their respective Tafsirs narrate from Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Allah Almighty says: I have divided the prayer (meaning Surah Al-Fatihah) between Myself and My servant. Therefore, whatever the servant asks for is for him.”
When he says:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِين
Allah Almighty says, “My servant has praised Me.”
Then, when the servant says:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِين
Allah Almighty says, “My servant has extolled Me.”
Then He says, “This is for Me, and the rest is for him.”
Imam At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat narrates from Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (RA):
He said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited Fatihat al-Kitab and then said:
“Your Lord says: ‘O son of Adam! I have revealed seven verses to you. Three are for you, three are for Me, and one is for both of us.’
What belongs to Me is:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِين الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
And what belongs to both of us is:
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
This is worship from you and assistance from Me.
And what belongs to you is:
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Surah Al-Fatihah contains the core teachings of the Qur’an and represents an essential foundation of Islamic life. It concisely presents the praise of Allah, belief in His Oneness, faith in the Hereafter, and the supplication for guidance to the Straight Path.
In Ad-Durr al-Manthur, Imam As-Suyuti (رح.) provides an extensive explanation of Surah Al-Fatihah based on Hadiths and narrations from the Companions. This Tafsir clearly highlights the virtues, significance, and profound lessons of the Surah.
For understanding the true message of the Qur’an and enriching one’s Islamic knowledge, this Tafsir is highly beneficial. Therefore, every Muslim should strive to understand the teachings of Surah Al-Fatihah and implement them in daily life.
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👉 also read Purity and Cleanliness in Islam: Hadiths and Narrations