Tafsir: Surah Al Fatihah

Vocab and Tafsir

What are the seven names of Surah Al Fatihah?

1. The seven repeated Verses

2. The opening of the Book

3. The mother of the Book (Umm Al Kitaab)

4. The mother of the Qur’an (Umm Al Qur’an)

5. The Praise (Al Hamd)

6. The Cure (Ash Shifa)

7. The Great Qur’an

What is the meaning of Ayah 1?

All praise is (due) to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.

What does ‘Lord of the Worlds’ refer to?

Allah is the Lord, master and king who controls all the Affairs of mankind and everything from the creation in the Dunyah, Heavens, Earth etc.

What type of praise is referred to in Ayah one?

Any type of praise is for Allah. We praise Allah’s perfection by loving and venerating him.

What does Ar-Rahman refer to?

Ar-Rahman refers Allah's mercy towards all of His creation.

What does Ar-Raheem refer to?

Ar-Raheem refers to Allah's specific mercy towards the believers.

Is Surah al Fatihah Makki or Madani?

Surah al Fatihah is a Makki surah (revealed in Makkah before the migration to Madinah)

Who does this part of the Ayah refer to?

غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ

This part of the Ayah refers to those who have earned Allah's anger (Jews). Those who have knowledge but don’t act on it.

Who does this part of the Ayah refer to?

وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ

This part of the Ayah refers to those who have gone astray (Christians). They are those who practice their religion without knowledge.

Surah al Fatihah is a ………. of Salah.

Rukn (Pillar)

What are the benefits of this surah?

1. Praise Allah in any situation (even if something bad happens).

2. As per Ayah 3, we should have fear in our hearts.

3. This surah teaches manners of making dua: Begin by praising Allah, we use His names such as Al-Basit. We do not just ask for ourselves but other too. That is why Ayah 5 mentions ‘Guide Us’.

4. Ayah 4 shows us the methodology to the Path of Allah: to ask for Allah’s help.

5. Ayah 6 encourages us to follow the righteous companions.

What is the meaning of Ayah 5?

You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.