Fatihah

The Fatihah, whose name translates to "The Opening," is the first chapter of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. It is a brief surah, consisting of seven verses, and is considered one of the most important and frequently recited parts of the Quran. Muslims recite the Fatihah in every unit of prayer, known as a raka'ah, making it a cornerstone of their daily worship.

The surah is a profound supplication and affirmation of faith. It begins with praise and glorification of God, acknowledging Him as the Lord of the Worlds, the Most Gracious, and the Most Merciful. It then expresses devotion, stating that only God is worshipped and His aid is sought. The Fatihah concludes with a prayer for guidance to the straight path, distinguishing it from the paths of those who have earned God's anger or gone astray. Its concise yet comprehensive message encapsulates core Islamic beliefs about God's nature, humanity's relationship with Him, and the fundamental human need for divine guidance. The Fatihah is universally memorized by Muslims and serves as a foundational text for understanding Islamic theology and practice.