alFatiha

Al-Fatiha, literally meaning "The Opening," is the first chapter (surah) of the Qur'an and consists of seven verses. It opens with the Basmala, the phrase "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," which is traditionally read at the start of the surah. The chapter is also known by other names, including Umm al-Kitab ("Mother of the Book") and Al-Hamd ("The Praise").

The surah is a concise prayer that emphasizes monotheism and supplication. It praises God as the Lord of all worlds, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful, and the Master of the Day of Judgment. It then asks for guidance to the straight path, to stay on it, and to be protected from deviation, from those who have earned God’s anger, and from those who go astray.

Usage and significance: Al-Fatiha is a central element of Islamic liturgy. It is recited in every unit of the five daily prayers and is widely used in personal supplication and various ceremonies. The surah is among the most memorized portions of the Qur'an and is a frequent focus of study and exegesis in Islamic scholarship.

Textual notes: While the Qur'an generally treats the Basmala as part of the opening, some traditions regard it as a separate formula. In most printed Qur’ans, the surah is counted as seven verses, though numbering can vary in some editions. Exegetes view Al-Fatiha as an opening summary of the Qur’anic message and a foundational prayer within Islamic worship.