Surah Fatiha translation and importance

Surah Al-Fatiha was revealed both in Makkah and Madinah. This surah is known by various names, each reflecting its unique attributes, including Sab’a min al-Mathani (Seven Oft-Repeated Verses), Al-Hamd (The Praise), Umm al-Quran (Mother of the Quran), Umm al-Kitab (Mother of the Book), Al-Kanz (The Treasure), and Ash-Shifa’ (The Cure).

The following hadith and Quranic verses substantiate these names:

1. Sab’a min al-Mathani (Seven Oft-Repeated Verses): This title is confirmed in the Quran, Surah Al-Hijr, verse 15:87:

   وَإِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ سَبْعًا مِّنَ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنَ الْعَظِيمَ
   “And We have certainly given you, [O Muhammad], seven of the oft-repeated [verses] and the Great Quran.”

   This verse highlights the unique status of Surah Al-Fatiha, underscoring it as the Seven Oft-Repeated Verses in the Quran.

2. Al-Hamd (The Praise), Umm al-Quran (Mother of the Quran), and Umm al-Kitab (Mother of the Book): These titles are validated by a hadith in Jami’ At-Tirmidhi:

   عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: الحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِينَ أُمُّ القُرْآنِ وَأُمُّ الكِتَابِ وَالسَّبْعُ المَثَانِي وَالقُرْآنُ العَظِيمُ
   Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil Alamin is the Mother of the Qur’an, the Mother of the Book, the Seven Oft-Repeated [Verses], and the Great Quran.”
   (Jami’ At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3124)

   In this hadith, the phrase “الحمد لله رب العالمين” (Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil Alamin) refers to Surah Al-Fatiha and confirms its titles Al-Hamd, Umm al-Quran, Umm al-Kitab, and Sab’a min al-Mathani, emphasizing its central role as a praise of Allah.

3. As-Salah (The Prayer): Another significant title, As-Salah (The Prayer), is referenced in a hadith in Sahih Muslim:

   قَسَمْتُ الصَّلَاةَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي نِصْفَيْنِ، وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ
   Allah the Almighty said, “I have divided the prayer between Me and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he asks for.”
   (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 395)

   This hadith, which refers to Surah Al-Fatiha, implies that it embodies the essence of obligatory prayer, containing both praise of Allah and supplications for guidance and protection.

4. Al-Kanz (The Treasure): This title is noted in a narration from Musnad Ahmad:

   Ishaq bin Rahwayh reported from the narration of Hazrat Ali (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said that this Surah was revealed from the treasure beneath the Throne.
   (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 7833)

5. Ash-Shifa’ (The Cure): Surah Al-Fatiha is also referred to as Ash-Shifa’ (The Cure) in a hadith in Ibn Majah:

   عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ: “أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الْفَاتِحَةِ؟ إِنَّهَا أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَهِيَ الشِّفَاءُ”.
   Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Have you not seen Al-Fatiha? Indeed, it is the Mother of the Book, and it is the Cure.”
   (Ibn Majah, Hadith 3789)

These names collectively underscore the profound significance of Surah Al-Fatiha in Islam, encapsulating guidance, healing, praise, and a special place within prayer

(written by Muhammad Jonelya jonelya@yahoo.com )