1:1
“In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”
The Basmala opens every surah (except At-Tawbah) and was revealed as an integral part of Al-Fatihah. Scholars consider it a standalone verse of this surah.
All Surahs
Surah 1Makki
الفاتحة
The Opening
Al Fatihah
Also known as: Umm al-Quran (Mother of the Quran), Umm al-Kitab, As-Sab al-Mathani, Al-Kafiyah, Al-Wafiyah, Al-Hamd, Ash-Shifa (The Cure), Ar-Ruqyah
Verses
7
Revelation
Makki
Period
Early Makkan
Surah No.
1 / 114
Overview
Al-Fatihah is the opening chapter of the Quran and serves as its foundation. It is a complete prayer encompassing praise of Allah, acknowledgement of His sovereignty, and supplication for guidance to the straight path. Every Muslim recites it in each unit of the daily prayers, making it the most frequently recited text in Islamic worship.
أسباب النزول
Occasion of Revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul)
Al-Fatihah was among the earliest revelations to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Makkah. It was revealed in its entirety as a complete chapter, rather than in piecemeal fashion. The angel Jibril taught the Prophet how to recite it as an obligatory part of prayer, and it was revealed before the institution of the five daily prayers.
Key Themes
Praise and gratitude to AllahDivine sovereignty and mercySupplication for guidanceThe straight path of the prophets and righteousDistinction between guidance and misguidance
Notable Verses
1:6
“Guide us to the straight path.”
This is the central supplication of the surah and of every Muslim prayer. Allah revealed this verse to teach believers the most important request they can make.
Virtues of this Surah
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "By the One in Whose hand is my soul, nothing like it has been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or the Quran. It is the seven oft-repeated verses and the mighty Quran that I have been given." (Reported by Al-Bukhari)