Surah Al-Faatiha (سُورَةُ ٱلْفَاتِحَةِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir
Read Surah Al-Faatiha — the 1st chapter of the Quran with 7 verses. The Opening. English translation and commentary.
Overview
Al-Faatiha (سُورَةُ ٱلْفَاتِحَةِ) — "The Opening" is the 1st chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 7 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.
Selected Verses
Verse 1
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace:
Verse 2
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
All praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds,
Verse 3
ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
The Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace,
Verse 4
مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ
Lord of the Day of Judgment!
Verse 5
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
Thee alone do we worship; and unto Thee alone do we turn for aid.
Verse 6
ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ
Guide us the straight way.
Verse 7
صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ
The way of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, not of those who have been condemned [by Thee], nor of those who go astray!
Key Themes
The surah of Al-Faatiha (The Opening) covers important Islamic themes including faith, guidance, and the relationship between humanity and Allah. As a Meccan (Makki) surah, it reflects the spiritual and theological context of that period of revelation.
Virtues of Reading This Surah
Regular recitation of the Quran is highly encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it." — Sahih Al-Bukhari
Reading any portion of the Quran brings immense rewards. Make a habit of reciting Surah Al-Faatiha as part of your daily Quran reading.
How to Recite
- Make wudu (ritual purification) before touching the Mushaf
- Begin with "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil)
- Begin with Bismillah (except in Surah At-Tawbah)
- Recite with tarteel (measured, deliberate pace)
- Reflect on the meaning as you recite
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Surah Al-Faatiha revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.
Q: How many verses does Surah Al-Faatiha have? It contains 7 ayaat (verses).
Q: What does "The Opening" mean? The name "Al-Faatiha" translates to "The Opening" in English.