Talim-ul-Quran — Page 173
CHAPTER 1. AL-FATIHAH (Revealed before Hijrah). Place and Time of Revelation. As reported by many traditionists, the whole of this Surah was revealed at Mecca and from the very beginning formed part of the Muslim Prayer. The Surah has been referred to in the Qur'anic verse, We have indeed given thee the seven oft-repeated verses and the great Qur'an (15:88), which was admittedly revealed at Mecca. According to some reports, the Surah was also revealed a second time at Medina. The time of its first revelation, however, may be placed very early in the Prophet's ministry. . Names of the Surah and Their Significance. The best-known title of this short Surah, i. e. , Fatihat al-Kitab. (Opening Chapter of the Book) is reported on the authority of several reliable traditionists (Tirmidhi and. Muslim). The title was later abbreviated into Surah Al-Fatihah or simply Al-Fatihah. The. Sūrah is known by quite a number of names, the following ten are more authentic, viz,. Al-Fatihah, Al-Salat, Al-Hamd, Umm al-Qur'an, Al-Qur'an Al-'Azim, Al-Sab ‘alMathānī, Umm al-Kitab, Al-Shifa', Al-Ruqyah and Al-Kanz. These names throw a flood of light upon the extensive import of the Surah. . The name Fatihat al-Kitab (Opening Chapter of the Book) signifies that the Sūrah having been placed in the beginning serves as a key to the whole subject-matter of the. Qur'an. Al-Salat (The Prayer) signifies that it forms a complete and perfect prayer and constitutes an integral part of the institutional Prayers of Islam. Al-Hamd (The Praise) signifies that the Sūrah brings to light the lofty purpose of man's creation and teaches that the relation of God to man is one of grace and mercy. Umm Al-Qur'an (Mother of the. Qur'an) signifies that the Surah forms an epitome of the whole of the Qur'an, containing in a nutshell all the knowledge that has a bearing on man's moral, and spiritual development. Al-Qur'an Al-‘Azim (The Great Qur'ān) signifies that although the Surah is known as Umm Al-Kitab and Umm al-Qur'an, it nevertheless forms part of the Holy. Book and is not separate from it, as mistakenly considered by some. Al-Sab ‘al-Mathani (The Oft-repeated Seven Verses) signifies that the seven short verses of the Chapter virtually fulfil all the spiritual needs of man. It also signifies that the Chapter must be repeated in every Rak'at of Prayer. Umm al-Kitab (Mother of the Book) signifies that the prayer contained in the Chapter was the cause of the revelation of the Qur'anic. Dispensation, Al-Shifa' (The Cure) signifies that it provides remedy for all the legitimate doubts and misgivings of man. Al-Ruqyah (The Charm) signifies that it is not only a prayer to ward off disease but also provides protection against Satan and his followers, 173