Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 178
178 you and the blessings of Allah. ” This concludes the service. It is usual for members of the congregation not to disperse immediately, but to remain in their places for a minute or two, occupied in praise and glorification of God, usually in the words, “Holy is Allah, and worthy of all praise; Holy is Allah, of Vast Bounty. ” The Fatiha is, as it were, the heart and soul of the service. It is one of the shorter chapters of the Quran, comprising only seven verses, but its significance is very wide. It may be rendered as follows: In the name of Allah, Who sustains us and has made all manner of provision for us in advance, and Who rewards righteous action with beneficent results. All worthiness of praise belongs to Allah, the Sustainer of all the worlds, Who leads them stage by stage toward perfection; the Gracious, the Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement. Thee alone do we worship, and from Thee alone do we implore help. Guide us along the right path ⎯ the path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. Thus the worshipper, at the very outset, finds himself in the presence of his Maker, and seeks to impress his mind and soul with a certain concept of the Majesty of God by reminding himself of His four