Arabic & Grammar
What does "Ar-Raḥmān" mean?
"The Entirely Merciful" – a name of Allah indicating vast and overwhelming mercy.
What is the main message of Surah Al-Fātiḥah?
It’s a comprehensive summary of Islamic belief: praise, worship, and a duʿā’ for guidance.
What does "Rabb al-ʿĀlamīn" mean?
"Lord of all the worlds" – the One who nurtures, sustains, and governs all creation.
Is Surah Al-Fātiḥah recited in every rakʿah of ṣalāh?
Yes, it is obligatory in every rakʿah according to most scholars.
How many verses does Surah Al-Fātiḥah have?
7 verses.
What is the difference between "Ar-Raḥmān" and "Ar-Raḥīm"?
"Ar-Raḥmān" is general mercy to all; "Ar-Raḥīm" is specific mercy to the believers.
What is meant by “those who earned anger” vs. “those who went astray”?
“Earned anger” refers to deliberate rejection of truth; “astray” refers to those who are misguided unintentionally.
According to scholars, who are "those who received blessings"?
Prophets, truthful ones, martyrs, and righteous – as described in Surah al-Nisā’ (4:69).
What does the word "Āmīn" mean?
"O Allah, accept [our prayer]." It’s a supplication.
What verse is a duʿā’?
Verse 6: “Guide us to the straight path.”
What kind of word is "Naʿbudu" (verb or noun, and what form)?
A present tense verb (fiʿl muḍāriʿ), first person plural, meaning "we worship."
How is tawḥīd reflected in this surah?
Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah (Lordship), al-ʿUbūdiyyah (Worship), and al-Asmā’ wa al-Ṣifāt (Names & Attributes).
What does "Yawmid-Dīn" refer to?
The Day of Judgement, when people are held accountable for their actions.
Is Āmīn wajib, sunnah, or mustaḥabb after Fātiḥah in prayer?
It is sunnah (recommended), not obligatory.
Which verse combines both worship and reliance on Allah?
Verse 5: “You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.”
What does "Ṣirāṭ" mean and what type of plural does it have?
"Straight path"; it has no true plural in Arabic, indicating its uniqueness.
What is the significance of starting the Qur’an with a duʿā’?
It shows our dependence on Allah from the beginning and sets a tone of humility and seeking.
How does the surah reflect hope and fear?
Mercy (hope) in "Raḥmān, Raḥīm"; fear in "Master of Day of Judgement."
What if someone forgets to recite Al-Fātiḥah in salah?
If done out of forgetfulness, sujūd al-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) may be required.
Which two Names of Allah appear in both verse 1 and 3?
Ar-Raḥmān and Ar-Raḥīm.
Why is "Iyyāka" placed before the verb in "iyyāka naʿbudu"?
For emphasis and exclusivity — “You alone we worship” vs “We worship You.”
How is the surah connected to the rest of the Qur’an thematically?
It’s a blueprint: praising Allah (the purpose of revelation), seeking guidance (theme of Qur’an), and the straight path (Qur’an’s direction).
What does "Maghḍūb" mean and why is it in passive form?
It indicates they received anger, not that they expressed it — emphasizing divine punishment.
Can one correct another’s Fātiḥah in ṣalāh if they forget a verse?
Yes, if in congregational prayer, others may prompt the correction softly.
What makes the opening of this surah different from most other surahs?
It is a direct address to Allah and used in every prayer, unlike most surahs which are narrative or descriptive.