Most scholars classify it among the Meccan surahs (revealed before the Hijrah). Verse 87 of Surah Al-Ḥijr — “And We have certainly given you the seven oft-repeated verses and the Grand Qur’an” — is often cited as evidence that Al-Fatiha was among the earliest revelations.
Some commentators suggest that the surah was first revealed in Mecca and later reaffirmed in Medina.
Main Teachings and Key Insights
The name “Al-Fatiha” means “The Opening” because it opens the Qur’an. It is also referred to as “The Mother of the Book”, “The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses”, and “The Key to the Qur’an.”
Structure and Core Themes
- Praise to God (verses 1–4):
“The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful”, “Lord of the Worlds”, “Master of the Day of Judgment.”
- Declaration of Worship and Dependence (verse 5):
“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”
- Prayer for Guidance (verses 6–7):
“Guide us to the Straight Path — the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger nor of those who are astray.”
In essence, the surah summarizes key pillars of faith: divine praise, mercy, accountability on the Day of Judgment, exclusive worship, reliance on God, the pursuit of divine guidance, and the distinction between righteousness and misguidance. It is an essential part of the Muslim prayer (salāh), recited by the imam or the individual in every unit (rak‘ah) of the prescribed prayer.
Key Verse
Several verses stand out for their depth and significance. Verse 6 — اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
(“Guide us to the Straight Path”) — is often considered the heart of the surah, as it expresses the believer’s request for divine guidance, central to the Islamic faith.
Verse 5 — إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
(“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help”) — is equally fundamental, encapsulating the relationship between the servant and the Lord.
Together, verses 5 and 6 are regarded as central verses of Al-Fatiha due to their profound theological and spiritual meaning.