The Spiritual Cure (Explanation of Surah al-Fatiha)

The Spiritual Cure
19B
Surah al Fatiha is the greatest chapter of the Qur’an, its like is not found in the rest of the Book or in the previous scriptures. It is a Light that was granted to Prophet Muhammad (S) which had not been granted to any other Prophet or Messenger before him; indeed some of the Salaf stated that when this chapter was revealed, Shayt?n let out a great cry of lament. It holds a central position in the daily Prayer hence the daily life of the Muslim. The underlying theme of al fatihah is one of contemplation and serenity; pondering the Names and Attributes of Allah, pondering the creation and acknowledging that He alone deserves praise and worship, that He alone should be asked for help, that He alone should be feared and hoped in that He alone should be invoked that there is indeed a Day of Judgement and that guidance has come to us and we are required to follow it. It calls us to carefully scrutinize our relationship with our Lord: are we living according to the dictates of ’none has the right to be worshipped save of Allah’ or not? This opening chapter, despite its brevity, calls man to fulfill the rights of Tawhid, the right that Allah has over us to worship Him alone without any partners, in thirty places. This chapter summarizes succinctly the message of the whole Quran.