The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 1) — Page 1
CHAPTER 1 AL-FĀTIḤAH (Revealed before Hijrah) Place and Time of Revelation As reported by many traditionists, the whole of this chapter was revealed at Mecca, and formed part of the Muslim prayers since the very beginning. The chapter has been referred to in the Quranic verse, We have indeed given thee the seven oft-repeated verses and the Great Quran (15:88), which was admittedly revealed at Mecca. According to some reports, the chapter was also revealed a second time at Medina. The time of its first revelation, however, must be placed very early in the Prophet's career. Names of this Chapter and their Significance The best-known name of this short chapter, i. e. Fātiḥatul-Kitāb (the Opening Chapter of the Book), is reported on the authority of several reliable traditionists (Tirmidhī & Muslim). The name was later abbreviated into Surah Al-Fatihah, or simply Al-Fatihah. The chapter has been called by quite a number of names, out of which the following ten are more authentic: Al-Fatihah, As-Salāt, Al-Hamd, Ummul- Qur'an, Al-Qur'ānul-‘Azīm, As-Sab al-Mathānī, Ummul-Kitāb, Ash-Shifā', Ar-Ruqiyyah and Al-Kanz. chapter. These names throw a flood of light upon the extensive import of the The name Fatiḥatul-Kitāb (the Opening Chapter of the Book) implies that the chapter is to be placed in the beginning of the Quran and that it serves as a key to its meaning. As-Salāt (the Prayer) signifies that the chapter forms a perfect prayer and is an integral part of the institutional prayers of Islam. Al-Hamd (the Praise) signifies that the chapter 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. Ummul-Qur'an (Mother of the Quran) signifies that the chapter contains the essence of the whole of the Quran, providing man in a nutshell with all the knowledge that has a bearing on his moral and spiritual welfare. Al-Qur'anul-Azim (the Great Quran) signifies that although the chapter is known as the Ummul-Kitāb and Ummul-Qur'an, it is nevertheless a part of the Quran and not separate from it, as has been supposed by some. As-Sab al-Mathānī (the Oft-repeated Seven Verses) signifies that the seven short verses of the chapter virtually answer all the spiritual needs of man. It also signifies that the chapter must be repeated in every rak'at of Prayer. 1