Surah 1 (Surah Fatiha)

Question 1

What is the main theme of this surah?

Answer 1

• Surah Fatiha discusses the theme of God’s relationship with the created world.
• The first few verses establish God as the Lord of all that exists, even the things which humans cannot see. He is Master of all creation so only He is deserving of all forms of worship.
• God is the Most Merciful and forgives His creatures. He is the one to ask for help, and it is He who can grant it for anything. He presides over judgment.
• The straight way “Sirat-ul-Mustaqeem” is the path based on righteousness. God gives guidance to those who ask for the straight path which is given in the Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet.
• Quran says,“Verily! Right guidance is the guidance of Allah.” If humans follow their way by disobeying God, they will go astray.

Question 2

What is the importance of this surah?

Answer 2

• It is actually a prayer. It is a conversation with God and He is the Creator, and God is replying to each verse. Through it humans communicate with God.
• This is recited in every prayer. Prophet pbuh said, “No prayer is accepted without Fatiha”. The recitation of Tasmiah brings Allah to mind before every action.
• Muslims use this to ask for guidance (given in the Qur’an and sunna), for mercy and help, even
  outside the prayer. Submitting to God brings humbleness into lives.
• The passage reminds Muslims about Judgment on the final day by Allah. This grows awareness for the preparation of the final day to face Allah. Muslims pray to be guided on the straight path.
• Through the teachings of this sura, Muslims today gain confidence in God’s mercy and seek His
  guidance.