Lessons from Surah Al-Fatihah
SURAH Al-Fatiha is the first chapter recited in every rakat of salah. It’s a powerful Dua, a comprehensive dua/supplication to guide us towards Sirat Al Mustaqeem. This Dua is important because no one was free from the tricks of Satan. The main content of Surah Fatiha is the establishment of the fundamental principles of Islam. Allah is All Praiseworthy and the most merciful. We should always remain hopeful in Allah’s Mercy. Fear Allah’s Punishment. We should always be mindful of being attracted to sin. Always Turn to Allah For Help. The Surah Al Fatihah contains Allah’s praise for Himself by His most beautiful attributes and indicates to His servants that they too, should praise Him in the same manner.
We often imagine that Allah punishes for the wrongs done in our lives. However, in the very first verses of the Quran, Allah describes Himself as the most merciful. His mercy exceeds His anger and we need to remember this. If we analyze and ponder over its verses, we’ll find that it conveys a very important message for us, the crux of which is to ask Dua to guide us towards Sirat Al Mustaqeem i.e. straight path. There is so much depth in this Dua. It summarizes the goal of this life – to remain rooted to the path of Allah and not be led by and get astray due to worldly lust or by the whisperings of Satan.
This prayer makes it clear that we have to ask for guidance, and that Allah, with his grace, will grant that to us, meaning we do not earn Allah’s grace. Rather, Allah gives it to us out of His infinite mercy. We can make Dua that He grants us His forgiveness and Mercy but ultimately, it is a favor which Allah bestows upon us. It’s a reminder to us to be extremely humble before Allah.
It is interesting that Allah pointed out this straight path to us in the very first verses of the Quran. Ultimately, those who will stick to this path will be successful in the Akhira. Allah tells us that this path is found with those whom His favor is upon. By highlighting a set of people, Allah tells us that the religion is not individualistic. It encourages us to seek out people from whom we can learn, and good company with whom we can be.
Allah has taught His servants this Surah so that they may present it as a supplication before their Lord. In this Surah the word Rab expresses three meanings a] Master and Owner b] Provider and Guardian and c] Sovereign, Ruler, Administrator and Organizer. Allah is the Lord of the universe in all these senses. Ibadat is also used to convey three meanings a] Worship and devotion b] Submission and obedience c] Subjection and Servitude. The answer to this Supplication of the servant is the whole Quran. The servant prays for his Lord’s guidance and the Lord grants him the Quran in answer to his prayer. Only Allah can keep us on the right path. Always pray to Allah for guidance. It is very important to read the Quran with translation as the Quran is an instructions manual which guides us how to spend lives as per its teachings. It is unfortunate that many consider reading the Quran without understanding its meaning was enough.
The most intimate companions of a person will often affect one’s faith and will influence the direction of life. But if we know that we should seek the knowledge and stay within the framework provided by the Prophet ﷺ, strive to be with people who show purity and sincerity as best as we can notice. Spend time in circles of activism and call for good things, and work hard to do righteous actions and be in groups that do righteous actions, the Quran tells us while in that company, we are on the Straight Path — In Sha Allah.
