The Essence of the Holy Qur’an

All the praises and thanks be to Allah the Lord of the Universe. (Surah No. 01, al-Fateha, Verse No. 01)

Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first verse of Surah Al-Fatiha. Fateha means the opening chapter. IIt opens the door of the Qur’an and also opens the closed hearts and minds of those who read and understand it. TThe face, or preface, of the Qur’an is known as Surah Fatiha. BBy looking at a person’s face, we can judge and learn about them; similarly, by examining Surah Fatiha, we can understand the content and message of the Qur’an.

The period of revelation for Surah Al-Fatiha is before Hijrah in Makkah. It is the first of the Qur’an. It is the first complete surah revealed to our dearest Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). To introduce the human being to the Almighty Allah and to teach them how to pray to the Almighty Allah to gain His favor and mercy is the subject matter of this surah.

The Arabic word ‘Alaam,’ which means ‘world’ or ‘universe,’ is a collective noun and comprehends all the creatures of Allah. This word is not generally used in its plural form. In this verse, ‘Alaam’ refers to various genera and species, including the world of men, the world of animals, the world of angels, and the world of jinns. The plural form is used to clarify that every person in the universe is Allah’s creature and no one else’s.

The straight path is absolutely true, providing us with a well-founded perspective and sound principles of behavior that will prevent us from succumbing to false doctrines and adopting unsound conduct, ultimately leading us to our true salvation and happiness. It is the way of Islam, the way of peace, the way of progress, and the way of Paradise.

May Allah the Almighty show us the right path for prosperity in this temporary world and salvation in life after death.