Al-Faatiha

Beginning a particular task in the name of Allah is most auspicious and guarantees its successful completion and also trains the Muslims never to forgo the remembrance of Allah. So, one who remembers Allah In every act will never commit an act In contravention of Divine laws and his life shall be free of sinful acts. Reciting ‘In the name of Allah’ before eating will keep us away from prohibited food, before sexual acts will assure lawful sex and before reading will shield us from harmful literature.

Rahman (The Beneficent) - It is the superlative, meaning the greatest possessor of bounties. Therefore, this word is normally not used for anyone except the Almighty Lord.

Raheem (The Merciful) - This word implies perpetuality. That is one who is Merciful since eternity and shall remain so forever. The use of this word after Rahman (Beneficent) is to show the perpetual nature of Divine Bounties.

Hamd (The Praise) - It is different from ordinary praise and depends upon absolute sovereignty over action. Since Allah is the possessor of Absolute Sovereignty, He is the only One to deserve ‘The Praise’. Though the expression’ Praise be to Allah’ is of divine origin, it is to instruct the people. It implies that man is not capable of even praising Allah if he is not taught the correct method of praising.

It should be clear that there are four reasons of intoning praise: Personal excellence, acquired perfection, a reminder of benefits and fear of retribution. All these reasons are found with regard to Almighty Allah. He is Allah, He is also the Lord of the Universe, He is Beneficent and Merciful and Master of the Day of Judgment. Thus He is deserving of every kind of Praise, and no one else is qualified for such praise. Though it is another matter if Allah, Himself bestows the title of ‘Muhammad’, (The praised).

Rabbul A’lameen - (Lord of the universe): A’iameen is the plural of A’iam (world), a particular class of creatures. Allah is the creator as well as the sustainer of every kind of creatures. The creatures never become needless of the Lord.

1.Malik (Master) - Human beings can become kings (malik) but they can never be called Malik (the Master). The sovereignty of kings is limited to the life of this world. Allah is the Master of the Day of Judgment He is Malik (king) and Malik (the Master).

2.Iyyaka Na‘budo (Thee alone we worship) - Use of plural with regard to worship is an expression of respect. In this instance it is intended to inculcate modesty in man. That he says on behalf of all the people of the world and consequently the rewards earned from this exercise shall be equally distributed among all people. We- There was some risk of egotism in this expression and thus immediately after there is mention of ‘seeking help’. That we seek Allah’s help even to worship Him. Serving is a great matter we are not even capable of worshipping Him.

3.Ehdena - (Guide us) - Constant prayer of seeking guidance indicates that ‘Siratul Mustaqeem’ (The path of the righteous) consists of belief and actions. Even after recognizing the true path there is every risk of deviation. The traditions also constantly urge us to pray for steadfastness on the right path, though guidance merely indicates ‘showing the correct path’.

4.Ana’mta A’laihim (Upon whom You bestowed bounties) - This expression shows the importance of these virtuous people. The path of righteousness is explained by quoting their example. Although, they themselves tread the Siratul Mustaqeem and are steadfast upon it.

5.Gh.aril maghzoobe a’laihim (Not those who are recipient of Thy wrath) - It is significant that in Islam everything is explained by indicating both negative and positive aspects. We should associate with good people and also keep away from bad characters.

6.Walazzaaalleen (And the deviated ones) -In Islam, deserving divine wrath is not the only bane. The necessary consequence of this IS that such a person will deviate from the right path (Siratul Mustaqeem). The path traversed by such people cannot be 2 called Siratul Mustaqeem (The right path).