Maksud And Tafseer of Surah Al-Fatiha With Transliteration

This article discusses Surah Al-Fatiha in a brief, informative way. It gives an introduction to Surah Al-Fatiha, whether it is Makki or Madani, its names, Maksud, translation, transliteration as well as meaning. The main focus of this post is Tafseer of surah al-Fatiha. In addition, there are many lessons and benefits of Surah al-Fatiha.

Introduction to Surah Al-Fatiha

Surah Al-Fatiha is the greatest Surah in the Quran as was stated by prophet Muhammed (PBUH). A door in heaven was opened specially for it, from which a special angel ‘malak’ descended and revealed that Surah Fatiha translation is unique and special; where no other prophet was given like it before (Riyad as-Salihin 1022).

It is named ‘Al-Fatiha’ which means: The opening; since it is the first Surah in the Quran and is considered an introduction to the whole of it. 

Surah Fatiha Translation is not only great regarding its status in the Quran. However, it is the only Surah that should be repeated daily in each and every rakaat of the prayer ‘salah’. (Mishkat al-Masabih 822)

There is a debate about whether it is a Makki or Madani Surah, but obviously, It is a Makki Surah as was agreed upon by many Muslim scholars.

What Are the Names of Surah Al-Fatiha?

Surah Al-Fatiha has many names; owing to its special status in the TAFSEER QURAN. 

Among these names are Om El- Kitab; which means the imam or the leader of the book, Al-Ruqia which is a means of protection, Al-Shafia which means the one who cures, Al Quran Al-Azeem which means the great Quran, it is also called Al Salah meaning the prayer, and Al-Saba Al-Mathani which means the seven oft-repeated verses.

Why Was Surah Al-Fatiha Revealed (Asbab al-n-Nuzul)?

Surah Al-Fatiha lyrics was revealed at the beginning of the revelation -as most Muslim scholars suggested. Prophet Muhammad feared the revelation at first, and used to escape whenever the angel ‘Jibril’ called him. However, Waraqah Ibn- Nawfal –a religious scholar who had knowledge in the holy scriptures before the Qur’an- upon hearing The Prophet’s story, told him to stay and listen whenever he heard a call. It was then the revelation of Surah Fatiha Translation which was a relief to Prophet Muhammed’s fear and a piece of information about the message.

What is The Maksud of Surah Al-Fatiha?

The Maksud of Surah Al-Fatiha is the introduction to the Quran by praising Allah who is The ‘Rabb of the worlds, The Compassionate, The Merciful,  and The Judge of the day of Judgement.

Surah Al-Fatiha introduces the meaning of ‘Tawheed’, worship ‘Ibada’, and ‘Isti’ana’ requesting help.

It clearly defines the path of Allah and classifies people according to their response to Allah’s guidance.

Surah Al-Fatiha English Translation and Transliteration with Arabic

Tafseer of Surah Al-Fatiha Meaning in English (Verse by Verse)

In the following few paragraphs, we will discuss the Surah Al Fatiha lyrics and the meaning of A Commentary of Surah Fatiha verse by verse.

Verse #1:

‘Bismillah’ means; in the name of Allah, which obviously has an omitted predicate. That’s an amazing beginning of the Quran; where the predicate is supposed to be the deed you are doing right now; which is ‘I read the TAFSEER QURAN’, so the meaning is: ‘In the name of Allah I read the Tafsir Al Quran’. That’s applied to all deeds we do in our life when we start with Bismillah. 

‘Ar- Rahman’ means the entirely merciful for the whole creatures, and the whole mankind; whether Muslims or non-muslims ‘Kafir’; since He (SWT) send the revelation and guidance to the whole mankind, and opened the doors of ‘Tawbah’ and forgiveness for everyone, even hardships or blessings He (SWT) gives to people are intended for their repentance. 

“We tested them with prosperity and adversity, so perhaps they would return ˹to the Right Path” (Quran (7:168))

‘Ar-Raheem’ means the especially merciful to the believers and righteous people; where he grants them a blessed life in Dunia, and paradise in the hereafter.

Verse #2:

‘Alhamdulilah’ means all praise to Allah; as He is The Sustainer, The Merciful.

“And He has granted you all that you asked Him for. If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Indeed, humankind is truly unfair, ˹totally˺ ungrateful” (Quran (14:34))

‘Rabb’ it is one of the names of Allah (SWT) and it has several meanings in Arabic. It means: The owner, The Lord, The one who sustains and increases the ‘Rizq’, The one who takes care, the one who nourishes, brings up, and raises. And that’s consistent with ‘Alhamdulilah’; where Allah should be praised for being our ‘Rabb’. That obviously shows the magnificence of the Arabic language and the miracle of the TAFSEER QURAN; where a single word included all these great meanings.

‘Al-aalameen’ is the plural of ‘aalam’ which means the world. So, Allah is The Rabb for all worlds; humans, animals, heavens, Earths, planets, stars, and all others we don’t know. It also means the ‘Rabb’ for today’s world, and the worlds that were before and the worlds that will come afterward; and all in the knowledge of Allah.

Verse #3:  

‘Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem’ was previously mentioned. That’s also a predicate for ‘Alhamdulilah’.

Verse #4:

‘Malik’ means owner, ‘Yawmi’ means the day, ‘iddeen’ means the day of judgment. It is a predicate for ‘Alhamdulilah’; where Allah -The Just-  should be praised that He owns the day of judgment. So Allah is praised in Surah Fatihah for being: Rabb, The Compassionate, The Merciful, and the judge on the day of judgment.

Verse #5:

‘Iyyaka Na’budu’ means we only worship you ‘Allah’, and that clarifies the meaning of ‘Tawheed’ in Islam. 

‘Wa iyyaka nasta’een’ and upon you -only- we ‘nasta’een’ means we request help. This verse shows that requesting help from Allah ‘Isti’ana’ is essential; since we cannot perform worship ‘Ibada’ except by his help and guidance. The verse also shows that requesting help -in things beyond people’s capabilities- shouldn’t be from anyone but Allah (SWT).

Verse #6:

This verse is a duaa in which Allah teaches us how to request help ‘Isti’ana’ from Him. ‘Ihdina’ means guide us. ‘Assirata Al-mustaqeem’ means the straight path.

Verse #7:

This verse completes the previous duaa and it clearly defines which is the true path of Allah. It says ‘Siraata allazeena an’amta ‘alaihim’ means the path of whom you blessed- the prophets, companions of the prophet, the martyrs, and the righteous Muslims. (Quran (4:69)) 

‘ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alaihim’ Not the path of those you -Allah- is displeased with. Muslim scholars suggest that’s a referral to Jewish people; since they had known the right path and rejected it -as was repeatedly mentioned in Sunnah.

‘wa la addaaalleen’ nor the path of those who had gone astray. It is suggested that it refers to Christians who worshipped God based on ignorance and corrupted scriptures.

Learn also the Tafsir of surah al-Ikhlas for more related information.

You can also find the tafseer of the following surahs helpful:

• Best Tafseer Surah Al-Falaq – Lessons, Benefits, and Maqsud
• Tafseer Surah Al-Kawthar, Asbab Al-Nuzul, Maksud, Lessons, and Benefits
• Top 10 Practical Lessons And Benefits of Surah Al-Fatihah
• Learn All You Need to Know About Tafseer Surah Al-Ikhlas
• Maksud, Benefits, Lessons & Tafseer of Surah Al-Kafirun With Transliteration
• Best Tafseer Surah Al-Naas – Maksud, Benefits, And Lessons
• The benefits and Virtues of Surah Al-Masad – Comprehensive Tafseer

Conclusion | What Is The General Meaning of Surah Al-Fatiha?

Surah Al-Fatiha is an amazing introduction to the Quran. It is the greatest Surah in Quran as was mentioned in several Hadiths in Sunnah. It is the only Surah that should be repeated daily in every prayer. We should memorize the Quran by heart and reflect more on its lessons and benefits.

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