Chapter 1: Tafseer and incidents related to Surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening of Quran Pak)

Translation of Surah Al-Fatihah:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.

The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Master of the Day of Judgment

You alone we worship, and you alone we ask for help.

Guide us to the straight path.

The path of those whom You have favored, not of those who have earned Your anger, nor of those who go astray.

May Allah guide us all to the straight path and grant us success in this life and the hereafter. Ameen.

Tafseer:

Surah Al-Fatihah is the first chapter of the Quran, and it is also known as the "Mother of the Quran" because it summarizes the central themes of the Quran in its seven verses. Its name means "The Opening," and it is recited at the beginning of every rak'ah (unit) of prayer in Islam.

The surah begins by praising Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and affirming His oneness and sovereignty. It then asks for His guidance and help in seeking the straight path, which is the path of righteousness and guidance.

The surah then describes the paths of those who have received Allah's blessings, such as the prophets and righteous people, and the paths of those who have earned His anger, such as the disbelievers and wrongdoers. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and following the example of the righteous while avoiding the path of those who have gone astray.

The final verse of the surah is a prayer for guidance, protection, and mercy, which Muslims recite regularly in their daily prayers. The surah thus serves as a reminder of the central beliefs and practices of Islam, and it is considered a key part of Muslim worship and spiritual practice. The tafsir, or interpretation and explanation, of Surah Al-Fatihah, is also extensive.

It is seven verses contain deep and complex meanings that have been discussed and debated by Islamic scholars throughout history. It is considered a foundational text in Islamic theology and spirituality, and its message of seeking guidance and following the path of righteousness continues to inspire Muslims worldwide.

There are several stories and incidents related to Surah Al-Fatihah in Islamic tradition. Here are a few examples:

The Story of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri: The companion Abu Sa'id al-Khudri related a hadith (narration) from Sahih Bukhari about a time when a party of travelers was traveling and one of them was bitten by a snake. They tried various remedies, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, one of them suggested that they ask if anyone among them had any knowledge of ruqyah (reciting Quranic verses for healing). A man volunteered and recited Surah Al-Fatihah over the bitten person, who was immediately healed.

The Story of Uqbah ibn 'Amir: According to another hadith, the companion Uqbah ibn 'Amir reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once asked him if he knew which verse in the Quran was the most important. Uqbah replied that he did not know, upon which the Prophet said that it was Surah Al-Fatihah and that it was the seven oft-repeated verses (sab' al-mathani).

The Story of the Martyrdom of 'Ammar ibn Yasir: According to some narrations, the companion 'Ammar ibn Yasir was killed by the enemies of Islam while reciting Surah Al-Fatihah during the Battle of Siffin. This incident is seen as a testament to the power and significance of the surah, even in the face of extreme adversity and hardship.

Overall, these stories highlight the importance of Surah Al-Fatihah in Islamic tradition, both as a means of healing and protection as well as a central component of Muslim worship and spiritual practice.