Sūrah al-Fātiḥah

Introduction

With regard to its topic, this sūrah is a supplication to seek guidance from the Almighty for the straight path – a supplication which was the wish of every upright person during the time of Prophet Muḥammad (sws). After the Jews and the Christians had distorted the face of religion through their innovations and deviations, it was in fact the desire of every heart to receive fresh guidance. The Almighty articulated this desire through the tongue of His Prophet (sws) in these eternal and matchless words.

This supplication for fresh guidance after the Torah and the Injīl is also the central theme of this sūrah. Consequently, its relationship with the Madīnan sūrahs of the first group is that of brevity and detail, as has been mentioned in the introduction to the chapter; however, with regard to its topic, it is a very appropriate preface to the Qur’ān as well.

Viewed thus, it becomes very evident that this is the first sūrah that was revealed to Prophet Muḥammad (sws) in Makkah.