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THE IMPORTANCE OF AL-FATIHA
1.It is the opening chapter of the Holy Quran and is like a preamble of the Book, indicating the fundamental elements of belief and deeds of the muslims.
2.It is the best invocation (Doa’).
3.It is the superior most (or the splendid) chapter of the Holy Quran.
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
4.It is such an important chapter of the Holy Quran that it has been mentioned as appended to the Holy Quran apart from being its most important part, as shown by the following verse:
“And of course, we have given you (O’ Prophet) seven verses,
which are repeatedly recited, and the Great Al-Quran (15:87)
5.Al-Fatiha and the last(two)verses of Al-Baqarah are the two light given to
our Holy Prophet , which were never given before to any other Prophet.
Through these verses, one gets whatever is contained therein, as soon as he
recites(and believes in) them.
………….(Muslaim--Mishkat:2022)
6.The very first verse of Al-Fatiha exerts a crushing blow on polytheism and disbelief , since it is Almighty Allah alone, who designed, created and provided livelihood. To Him alone, therefore, we should be grateful and submit ourselves. (see 40:64-66)
7.Al-Fatiha is such an important invocation that there is no option for a muslim to omit it in his prayers. He, of course, has the choice to recite any of the verses from Al-Quran in his prayers, but without Al-Fatiha, the prayers are incomplete(and that it is recited in the beginning of the prayers).
(Sahih Al-Bukhari&Sahih Muslim_Mishkat: 765)8.It is also used to cure diseases. The Holy Prophet appreciated the action taken by one of his companions in curing a tribal chief against the snake-bite through Al-Fatiha.
(Sahih Al-Bukhari:2156)
9.It is obligatory on every muslim to say ‘Amen’ after reciting Al-Fatiha in prayers.(there is no such condition in other invocations during prayers).And if any one happens to resonate with the angels while saying ‘ Amen’ ,his previous sins are forgiven. (Sahih Al-Bukhari:4205)
10. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)said:
"The best zikr is La Ilaha Illallah and the best invocation is Alhamdu Lillah." (Tirmizi,Ibn-e-Majah-Mishkat:2198)
11. The following three important aspects of Islam have been clearly
stated in Al-Fatiha:
a) The Oneness of Allah (1;1;1;2;1;4)
b) The Messengership of Muhammad (peace be upon him) (1:5-1:7)
c)The Last World (1:4)
