Surah Fatiha Benefits, Lessons, Names, and Meaning- Best 2023 Guide!

If you wish to learn about Surah Al-Fatihah, this article will guide you! Surah Al-Fatihah is one of the Quran’s most recited and most popular surahs. This article is dedicated to answering people’s frequently asked questions about Surah Al-Fatihah along with clarifying Surah’s most important lessons and benefits. If you wish to learn more, follow this article.

What Is surah Fatiha meaning?

Al-Fatihah is an Arabic word that means the opening or the introduction. It is the very first Surah in the Holy Quran, that’s why it is named Al-Fatihah. 

Surah Al-Fatihah is the best Surah in the Quran as it introduces the whole of it. Despite its short structure and the small number of verses, it comprises the fundamental basis of Islam and teaches the most important lessons.

Surah Al-Fatihah is the most recited Surah in the Quran. It is recited seventeen times at least during the day and night in each rak’a of prayer. Moreover, it is frequently recited for its great authenticated benefits as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us.

Here’s an exploration of the meaning of Surah Al-Fatihah:

Surah Fatiha benefits:

Surah Al-Fatihah is one of the great Surahs of the Quran that consists of great benefits narrated by authentic hadiths. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss these benefits in brief.

1. It is a fundamental pillar of prayer.
2. It is a ruqyah and a cure for the disease.
3. It is the greatest surah in the Quran.
4. It is the greatest surah of all the previous scriptures.
5. It is a conversation between you and Allah (SWT).
6. A special door of heaven was opened for it.
7. It is a means of protection against evils.
8. It is a means of seeking guidance and forgiveness.
9. It is a means of attaining success in this world and the next.
10. It is a means of increasing one’s knowledge of Islam.

Here are some additional explanations for each point:

1. Pillar of prayer: Surah Al-Fatihah is the first surah of the Quran and is recited in every prayer. It is considered a fundamental pillar of prayer, meaning that the prayer is not valid without it.
2. Ruqyah and cure for disease: Ruqyah is the act of reciting verses from the Quran or supplications for the purpose of healing or protection. Surah Al-Fatihah is considered a powerful ruqyah and can be recited for a variety of purposes, including healing from illness.
3. Greatest surah in the Quran: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that Surah Al-Fatihah is the greatest surah in the Quran. This is because it encompasses all the essential elements of Islamic belief and practice.
4. Greatest surah of all the previous scriptures: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that nothing like Surah Al-Fatihah has been sent down in the Torah, the Injīl, the Zabūr, or the Qur’ān. This is because it is a unique surah that is specifically for Muslims.
5. Conversation between you and Allah (SWT): The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated that Allah (SWT) said, “I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant, and half of it belongs to Me and half of it belongs to My servant.” When the servant says, ‘All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me.'” This hadith indicates that Surah Al-Fatihah is a special surah that is a direct conversation between a Muslim and Allah (SWT).
6. A special door of heaven was opened for it: It was narrated in an authentic hadith that a special angel descended from a special door from heaven giving good tidings on the virtues of Surah Al-Fatihah. This hadith indicates that Surah Al-Fatihah is a special surah that is highly regarded by Allah (SWT).
7. Means of protection against evils: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites Surah Al-Fatihah in the morning will be protected from all evils until the evening, and whoever recites it in the evening will be protected from all evils until the morning.” This hadith indicates that Surah Al-Fatihah is a powerful protection against all kinds of evil, including jinn, magic, and illness.
8. Means of seeking guidance and forgiveness: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites Surah Al-Fatihah seven times after every prayer, Allah will forgive his sins, even if they are as many as the foam of the sea.” This hadith indicates that Surah Al-Fatihah is a powerful means of seeking guidance and forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
9. Means of attaining success in this world and the next: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites Surah Al-Fatihah will be successful in this world and the next.” This hadith indicates that Surah Al-Fatihah is a powerful means of attaining success in both the spiritual and material realms.
10. Means of increasing one’s knowledge of Islam: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites Surah Al-Fatihah will increase his knowledge of Islam.” This hadith indicates that Surah Al-Fatihah is a powerful means of increasing one’s knowledge of the Islamic faith. 

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Lessons of Surah Al-Fatihah:

The lessons of Surah Al Fatiha are numerous and great. They are mainly related to the pure Islamic monotheistic Faith and Aqeeda as follows: 

1. Starting any deed with Bismillah.
2. Praising Allah.
3. Declaring Tawheed (monotheism).
4. Seeking guidance from Allah.
5. Avoiding the footsteps of those who have gone astray.
6. Having the right role models.
7. Attributing all blessings to Allah.
8. Believing in the Day of Judgment.
9. Worshipping Allah alone.
10. Asking Allah for help.
11. Being on the straight path.

Here are some additional explanations for each point:

1. Starting any deed with Bismillah. This means to say “In the name of Allah” before starting any action, whether good or bad. This is a harmless practice that is recommended in Islam. It shows our humility and submission to Allah, and it reminds us that all good things come from Him.

2. Praising Allah. The first part of Surah Al-Fatihah is a praise of Allah, mentioning His names and attributes, such as the Lord, the Sustainer, the Merciful, and the Compassionate. This is a good reminder of the many blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, and it helps us to cultivate a sense of gratitude.

3. Allah’s ownership of the Day of Judgment. Surah Al-Fatihah mentions that Allah is the “Owner of the Day of Judgment.” This means that He is the only one who will judge us on our deeds, and that we should therefore strive to do good and avoid evil.

4. The importance of Tawakkul. Tawakkul is the act of relying on Allah and trusting in His plan. The dua in Surah Al-Fatihah begins with the words, “You [alone] we worship and You [alone] we ask for help.” This teaches us that we should always rely on Allah and not put our trust in anyone or anything else.

5. The importance of Tawheed. Tawheed is the Islamic concept of monotheism. It means that we should worship Allah alone and not associate any partners with Him. The verse in Surah Al-Fatihah that says, “You [alone] we worship and You [alone] we ask for help,” is a declaration of Tawheed.

6. The importance of seeking guidance. The final part of Surah Al-Fatihah is a dua for guidance. We ask Allah to guide us on the straight path, which is the path of those who have been blessed by Him. This teaches us that we should always seek guidance from Allah and follow His commands.

7. Avoiding the footsteps of Jews and Christians. Surah Al-Fatihah mentions that we should not follow the footsteps of Jews and Christians. This is because they have deviated from the true path of Islam. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that we should hate or discriminate against Jews and Christians. We should simply avoid following their beliefs and practices.

8. Having the right role models. Surah Al-Fatihah teaches us that we should have the right role models. These are the people who have been blessed by Allah and who follow His commands. We should learn from their example and strive to be like them.

9. Ascribing all favors to Allah. The final dua in Surah Al-Fatihah is for Allah to guide us to the path of those whom He has blessed. This teaches us that we should never ascribe our blessings to ourselves. Instead, we should always thank Allah and attribute all of our favors to Him.

10. The importance of repetition. Surah Al-Fatihah is recited in every prayer, which means that we are constantly reminded of its lessons. This helps us to internalize these lessons and make them a part of our lives.

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Surah Fatiha Message:

Surah Al-Fatihah’s message is mainly about Tawheed. That is mainly the oneness of Allah as a creator and God. It comprises the greatest Attributes of Allah as ‘Al-Rahman’, ‘Al-Raheem’, and ‘Al-Rabb’. It teaches people how to ask Allah for guidance. Moreover, it reflects on the day of judgment and teaches fundamental lessons related to the basics of Islam.

The main messages of Surah Al-Fatiha can be summarized as follows:

1. Praise and Acknowledgment of Allah’s Attributes
2. Affirmation of Monotheism (Tawheed)
3. Recognition of Allah’s Sovereignty
4. Expression of Dependence and Submission
5. Supplication for Guidance
6. Warning against Straying from the Right Path
7. Emphasis on Prayer and Communication with Allah

Here are some additional explanations for each point:

1. Praise and Acknowledgment of Allah’s Attributes

The Surah begins with the praise of Allah, acknowledging His attributes as the Lord of all worlds, the Most Merciful, and the Most Compassionate. It emphasizes the greatness and benevolence of Allah.

2. Affirmation of Monotheism (Tawheed)

It strongly affirms the oneness of Allah, emphasizing that He alone is worthy of worship. This establishes the core principle of Islamic monotheism.

3. Recognition of Allah’s Sovereignty

The Surah recognizes Allah as the Master of the Day of Judgment, highlighting His absolute authority and control over all creation and the final reckoning.

4. Expression of Dependence and Submission

It expresses complete dependence on Allah for guidance, help, and sustenance, reflecting a sense of humility, submission, and reliance on the Creator.

5. Supplication for Guidance

The Surah includes a profound supplication for guidance on the straight path, emphasizing the continuous need for divine guidance in all aspects of life.

6. Warning against Straying from the Right Path

It includes a warning against following the paths of those who have gone astray or incurred Allah’s displeasure, serving as a cautionary reminder to stay true to the principles of faith.

7. Emphasis on Prayer and Communication with Allah

Surah Al-Fatiha serves as a universal prayer, encapsulating praise, thanksgiving, acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty, and a request for guidance. It establishes a pattern for how believers should communicate with Allah.

Hint: Deepen your understanding of Islamic theology by reading Surah Al-Fatiha Translation, a comprehensive overview of the Quran’s teachings on the oneness of Allah.

Names Of Surah Al-Fatihah:

Surah Al-Fatihah is not only named Al-Fatiha. However, it has several names as narrated in the Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These names are related to Surah Al-Fatihah’s benefits in several ways. Among these names are:

• Al Saba’ Al-Mathany
• Al-Shafia / Al-Shifaa
• Al-Kafia
• Al-Ruqia
• Umm Al-Quran
• Al-Quran Al-Azeem
• Fatihat Al-Kitab
• Al-Salat
• Al-Hamd

Here are some additional explanations for each name:

• Al Saba’ Al-Mathany:

This means the seven repeated verses, as Surah Al-Fatiha consists of seven verses. Moreover, it is repeated in each rak’a in prayer.

• Al-Shafia / Al-Shifaa:

This means the one who cures /or the cure. This will be discussed in detail in Surah Al-Fatiha benefits section.

• Al-Kafia:

This means the one who protects or is enough for someone. This is related to The Surah benefits and would be further discussed in the next paragraphs. 

• Al-Ruqia:

Al-Ruqya is a set of verses and prayers that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to teach us to recite in case of illness, envy, black magic…etc. This Ruqya is a means of protection and cure.

• Umm Al-Quran:

Umm is a derivation from the Arabic word ‘Imam’; which means the one who stands in front of the crowd. Umm Al-Quran is the Surah that stands in front of the Quran, namely its introduction.

• Al-Quran Al-Azeem:

This means the great Quran owing to the fact that Surah Al-Fatihah is the greatest Surah of Quran, as discussed in Surah Al-Fatihah benefits.

• Fatihat Al-Kitab:

Fatihat Al-Kitab is the opening, start, and introduction of ‘Al-Kitab’ which is the Quran book.

• Al-Salat:

Al-Salat literally means prayer. Surah Al-Fatihah has named the prayer owing to its repetitive recitation during prayers during the day and night.

• Al-Hamd:

Al-Hamd literally means praise which refers to the very first of Surah Al-Fatihah. It starts by praising Allah (SWT) the lord of everything. This should be the attitude of a Muslim at the beginning of any deed, and this will be further discussed in Surah Al-Fatihah lessons.

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surah al Fatiha in English:

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace:

1 : 2

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

All praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds,

1 : 3

ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace,

1 : 4

مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ

Lord of the Day of Judgment!

1 : 5

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

Thee alone do we worship; and unto Thee alone do we turn for aid.

1 : 6

ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ

Guide us the straight way.

1 : 7

صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ

The way of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, not of those who have been condemned [by Thee], nor of those who go astray!

Conclusion:

Surah Al-Fatiha is not merely an introductory chapter but a concise and profound summary of the core beliefs and principles of Islam. It serves as a daily reminder for Muslims of their faith, purpose, and relationship with Allah. Its recitation in daily prayers reinforces these messages, making them an integral part of a Muslim’s consciousness and spiritual practice. The Surah’s universality and depth make it a timeless guide for all believers, resonating with the spiritual, moral, and intellectual dimensions of their lives.

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