Meaning of Surah Al Fatihah that Muslims Must Know, Also Understand Its Virtues and Specialities

Kapanlagi.com - The meaning of surah Al Fatihah must be known and understood by every Muslim. This is because Al Fatihah is one of the most important chapters. Reading surah Al Fatihah is one of the pillars of performing prayer. Therefore, every Muslim must understand the meaning and significance of Al Fatihah in order to appreciate it when reciting it during prayer.

As a chapter that is always recited during prayer, Al Fatihah also has its own special characteristics and virtues. Surah Al Fatihah is believed to guide Muslims to the path approved by Allah. In addition to the meaning of surah Al Fatihah, every Muslim is also required to understand its uniqueness and virtues. Because, like other chapters in the Quran, Al Fatihah also has its own special characteristics and virtues.

READ ALSO:  Know Surah Al-Fatihah with its Principles and Virtues

Summarized from various sources, here is an explanation of the meaning of surah Al Fatihah that must be known and understood by every Muslim.

1. Reading and Meaning of Surah Al Fatihah

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Literally, the meaning of Surah Al Fatihah is the opener. This is in line with the position of Surah Al Fatihah which is the first surah and the opener in the Quran. Surah Al Fatihah was revealed in the city of Mecca, so it is classified as a Meccan surah.

The surah has 7 verses. Here are the recitation and meaning of each verse of Surah Al Fatihah.

1. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Rahiim

(In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)

2. Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil 'aalamiin

(All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds)

3. Ar-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

(The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)

4. Maaliki Yawmid-Diin

(Owner of the Day of Recompense)

5. Iyyaaka na'budu wa lyyaaka nasta'iin

(You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help)

6. Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqiim

(Guide us to the straight path)

7. Siraatal-laziina an'amta 'alaihim ghayril-maghduubi 'alaihim wa lad-daaalliin

(the path of those whom You have favored, not of those who have earned Your anger, nor of those who go astray.)

2. The Content of Surah Al Fatihah

As previously mentioned, Al Fatihah is one of the important surahs for Muslims. Therefore, it is mandatory for every Muslim to understand the meaning contained in the Surah Al Fatihah.

However, to understand the meaning, it is not enough to simply read the meaning of each verse of Surah Al Fatihah. Instead, we need to understand the meaning or content of the Surah Al Fatihah as a whole.

According to the NU Online site, Syekh M Nawai Banten mentioned that there are several meanings contained in Surah Al Fatihah. According to him, in Surah Al Fatihah, there are several elements of science conveyed. These scientific elements include ushul (Theology, Prophethood, Resurrection), Ilmu Furu consisting of (worship), ethics, and history (about the stories of previous nations, both Prophets and those who were given a gift).

In addition, the content of Surah Al Fatihah also contains fundamental principles in the teachings of Islam, including faith, worship, and shariah. Also, there is an element of faith in the noble attributes of Allah, namely towards the Day of Judgment, the Oneness of Allah, and guidance for Muslims to get guidance on the right path.

3. The Virtues of Surah Al Fatihah

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Surah Al Fatihah is one of the most frequently recited surahs by Muslims. Because as explained earlier, reciting Surah Al Fatihah is part of the pillars of prayer. Reciting Surah Al Fatihah may have been practiced frequently. But in fact, there are still many Muslims who do not understand the virtues of this practice.

However, there are many special privileges that will be obtained by those who recite Surah Al Fatihah. By knowing these privileges, as Muslims, we will be more enthusiastic in reading and practicing what is contained in the meaning of Surah Al Fatihah. Here are some virtues of Surah Al Fatihah.

- Becomes a mandatory reading and requirement for valid prayer.

- Gets a reward equivalent to reading one-third of the Quran.

- Avoids the temptation of Satan.

- Avoids the fire of hell.

- Forgiveness for all past sins.

- Opens the door to greater sustenance.

- Facilitated in the matter of finding a spouse.  

4. Other Names for Surah Al Fatihah

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In addition to the explanation and list of benefits above, the specialness of Surah Al-Fatihah can also be seen from several other names or nicknames. These other names or nicknames also reinforce the meaning of Surah Al-Fatihah which has many special qualities. Here are some other names of Surah Al-Fatihah, as reported by dream.co.id.

1. As-Sab'ul Matsani

The nickname of Surah Al-Fatihah is mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 87, which means:

"Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], seven of the often repeated [verses] and the great Qur'an."

2. Ar-Ruqyah or Ruqyatul-haqq

Surah Al-Fatihah is always recited during ruqyah. Therefore, the surah is nicknamed Ar-Ruqyah or Ruqyatul-haqq.

3. Asy-Syifa

One of the virtues of Surah Al-Fatihah is its ability to cure diseases. Therefore, it is called Asy-Syifa (medicine).

4. Ummul Kitab

Al-Fatihah is not only the opening of the Qur'an. This surah is also called Ummul Kitab, which means the mother of the Qur'an. This is explained in a hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad said, "Every prayer in which Ummul Kitab (Surah Al-Fatihah) is not recited is incomplete." (Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Imam Ibn Majah)

5. Surah al-Hamdu

This other name is because of the opening phrase of Surah Al-Fatihah which says alhamdulillahi rabbil-'aalamiin.

6. Al-Qur'anul 'azhim

The mention of Al-Fatihah as Al-Qur'anul 'azhim is explained in a hadith:

"Indeed, it is seven [verses] repeated, and the great Qur'an that I have been given." (Narrated by Imam Tirmidhi).

7. Al Wafiah

Al Wafiah means comprehensive. The meaning of this other name is that the content of Surah Al-Fatihah encompasses the entire contents of the Qur'an.

Those are some explanations of the meaning of Surah Al-Fatihah. Hopefully, it can be useful and increase our faith as Muslims. Ameen.

(kpl/gen/psp)