Surah Al-Fatihah
The Opening • Surah 1 • 7 verses
Introduction
This Meccan chapter, which is recited a total of seventeen times in the five daily prayers, serves as the cornerstone of the Quran, and it is customary to say “Âmîn” or “Amen” at the end. It sums up the relationship between the Creator and His creation, Allah’s undisputed authority in this world and the Hereafter, and humanity’s constant dependence on Him for guidance and assistance. It identifies Allah as the Lord of all worlds, i.e. everything from animals and plants to humans and even angels. The underlying theme is to acknowledge that He is the only Allah worthy of worship—a simple truth which the disbelievers fail to grasp. All fundamental principles encapsulated in this chapter are spelled out in the rest of the Quran.
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds,
ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
The Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
مَـٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ
Master of the Day of Judgment.
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help.
ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ
Guide us along the Straight Path,
صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ
the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray.
