Arabic & Grammar
Themes & Meanings
Tafsir Insights
Usage in Ṣalāh
Structure & Style
100

What does "Ar-Raḥmān" mean?

"The Entirely Merciful" – a name of Allah indicating vast and overwhelming mercy.

100

What is the main message of Surah Al-Fātiḥah?

It’s a comprehensive summary of Islamic belief: praise, worship, and a duʿā’ for guidance.

100

What does "Rabb al-ʿĀlamīn" mean?

"Lord of all the worlds" – the One who nurtures, sustains, and governs all creation.

100

Is Surah Al-Fātiḥah recited in every rakʿah of ṣalāh?

Yes, it is obligatory in every rakʿah according to most scholars.

100

How many verses does Surah Al-Fātiḥah have?

7 verses.

200

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.

200

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.

200

According to scholars, who are "those who received blessings"?

Prophets, truthful ones, martyrs, and righteous – as described in Surah al-Nisā’ (4:69).

200

What does the word "Āmīn" mean?

"O Allah, accept [our prayer]." It’s a supplication.

200

What verse is a duʿā’?

Verse 6: “Guide us to the straight path.”

300

What kind of word is "Naʿbudu" (verb or noun, and what form)?

A present tense verb (fiʿl muḍāriʿ), first person plural, meaning "we worship."

300

How is tawḥīd reflected in this surah?

Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah (Lordship), al-ʿUbūdiyyah (Worship), and al-Asmā’ wa al-Ṣifāt (Names & Attributes).

300

What does "Yawmid-Dīn" refer to?

The Day of Judgement, when people are held accountable for their actions.

300

Is Āmīn wajib, sunnah, or mustaḥabb after Fātiḥah in prayer?

It is sunnah (recommended), not obligatory.

300

Which verse combines both worship and reliance on Allah?

Verse 5: “You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.”

400

What does "Ṣirāṭ" mean and what type of plural does it have?

"Straight path"; it has no true plural in Arabic, indicating its uniqueness.

400

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.

400

How does the surah reflect hope and fear?

Mercy (hope) in "Raḥmān, Raḥīm"; fear in "Master of Day of Judgement."

400

What if someone forgets to recite Al-Fātiḥah in salah?

If done out of forgetfulness, sujūd al-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) may be required.

400

Which two Names of Allah appear in both verse 1 and 3?

Ar-Raḥmān and Ar-Raḥīm.

500

Why is "Iyyāka" placed before the verb in "iyyāka naʿbudu"?

For emphasis and exclusivity — “You alone we worship” vs “We worship You.”

500

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).

500

What does "Maghḍūb" mean and why is it in passive form?

It indicates they received anger, not that they expressed it — emphasizing divine punishment.

500

Can one correct another’s Fātiḥah in ṣalāh if they forget a verse?

Yes, if in congregational prayer, others may prompt the correction softly.

500

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.