Surah Fatiha is the opening Surah of the Holy Quran and holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. We can see the significance of this Surah from the fact that it is compulsory to recite Surah Fatiha in our 5 daily prayers.
Any command we get from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), as we all know, has its purpose and importance. So, reading Surah Al-Fatiha five times a day helps to remind us of our purpose in life.
Having a purpose in life is super important as it gives us the push we need to keep moving forward, do good things, and follow Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) guidance, even when things get tough.
So, besides knowing what Surah Al-Fatiha and the Holy Quran mean, there's something else really important. It's all about reading the Holy Quran correctly, with something called "Tajweed."
Tajweed is similar to a necessary guideline for correctly reading the Quran. It helps you say all of the Quranic words correctly, as some words' meanings change if they are not pronounced correctly. That is why we must pay close attention to the Tajweed of the Quran.
In this blog, we'll discuss the importance of Surah Al-Fatiha and how to recite it correctly. Along the way, we'll pick up some amazing Tajweed terminologies!
Understanding the Importance of Surah Al-Fatiha
Surah Al-Fatiha has a unique place in Muslim prayers. Every unit of prayer includes it, and Muslims pray five times daily. This Surah is like the prayer's heartbeat and must not be skipped. This repetition shows how important it is in our everyday worship.
Comprehensive Prayer
Surah Al-Fatiha is like a brief overview of the whole Quran! It's a brief chapter with bits of praise, asking for assistance, seeking direction, and turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). That is why it is called the "essence" or the "summary of the Quran.
Connection with Allah
Surah Al-Fatiha is kind of like a special talk between a person and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It starts by saying how amazing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is, how He's in charge of everything, and how merciful He is. This talk plays a role in establishing an irreplaceable connection between the devout Muslim and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) further, it emphasizes the link between Muslims and the Quran.
Spiritual Cleansing
Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha is more than just saying words; it's a specific means to purify our hearts and spirits. When we recite it sincerely, it's as if we're wiping away any obstacles to our close connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) personally recognized the excellence of Surah Al-Fatiha. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) once told his companion Abu Sa’id bin Mu’alla (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) that he was going to teach him the most important Surah before Abu Sa’id could even leave the mosque.
Later, when the Prophet (ﷺ) was about to leave the mosque, Abu Sa’id (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reminded him by asking:
أَلَمْ تَقُلْ "لأُعَلِّمَنَّكَ سُورَةً هِيَ أَعْظَمُ سُورَةٍ فِي الْقُرْآنِ". قَالَ "(الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ) هِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ الَّذِي أُوتِيتُهُ"
Didn't you say to me, “I will teach you a Surah which is the greatest Surah in the Qur'an?” He (the Prophet) replied, "Alhamdulillahi Rabbi-l-'alamin (i.e. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds) which is Al-Sab'a Al-Mathani (i.e. seven repeatedly recited Verses) and the Grand Quran which has been given to me”.
(Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 1)
Surah Al-Fatiha, or "The Opening," is like the beginning of a book that teaches us what the entire Quran is about. It's like a particular lens through which we can see everything else in the Quran.
Even in our prayers, no matter where we are in the Quran, we always begin with Surah Al-Fatiha. It's comparable to the opening page of our prayer book. It is so necessary that our prayers would be incomplete if we did not recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
As the Messenger of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
لاَ صَلاَةَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَقْرَأْ بِفَاتِحَةِ الْكِتَابِ
Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid.
(Sahih Al-Bukhari VOL.1, Book 12, Hadith 723)
Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha with Correct Tajweed: Mastering the Arabic Alphabets
To correctly recite Surah Al-Fatiha and the Holy Quran, you must first master the Arabic alphabet. This means gaining a deep understanding of the unique Arabic characters, the sounds they make, and where to pronounce them in your mouth.
To explore more about the recitation of the Quran and its benefits, visit muslimandquran.
Foundation of Tajweed
Tajweed, which means "to make better" or "to improve," is the science of correct pronunciation and articulation of the Quranic text. It begins with a strong foundation in the Arabic alphabet. Each Arabic letter has a distinct sound and pronunciation, and Tajweed ensures these sounds are pronounced accurately.
Sounds and Articulation Points
The Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters, each with a unique sound. Some letters share similar articulation points but are distinguished by the attributes (sifat) of their pronunciation. For example, letters like "خ" (khaa) and "ح" (haa) are both pronounced from the throat but with different attributes.
Distinguishing Between Similar Sounds
Arabic has several pairs of letters that may sound similar to non-native speakers, but Tajweed helps differentiate them. For instance, "ت" (taa) and "ث" (tha) or "د" (daal) and "ذ" (dhaal) have subtle differences in articulation that Tajweed rules address.
Proper Makharij al-Huruf
Tajweed teaches the precise points of articulation (Makharij al-Huruf) for each letter. For example, "ب" (baa) is pronounced from the lips, "ج" (jeem) from the middle of the tongue's roof, and "ق" (qaf) from the back of the tongue's roof. Mastering these articulation points ensures correct pronunciation.
Sifat al-Huruf (Attributes of Letters)
Beyond the correct articulation points, Tajweed also addresses letters' attributes (Sifat). These attributes encompass qualities such as "(thick) or "light" (thin) sounds, and having a grasp of them is essential for accurate recitation. For example, the letter "ق" (qaf) is considered heavy, whereas the letter "ك" (kaf) is regarded as light.
Ensuring Clarity and Precision
Tajweed principles aim to improve the clarity and accuracy of Quranic pronunciation. By pronouncing the Quranic text, we ensure that its message is conveyed faithfully while maintaining the beauty and eloquence of its verses.
Improving Fluently
Acquiring a foundation in the Arabic alphabet with Tajweed enables a reciter to recite the Quran fluently. This skill allows for transitions between letters, enhancing the rhythm and melodiousness of the Quranic verses.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Surah Al Fatiha holds importance in our lives. It serves as a reminder of why we exist and our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Reciting it with Tajweed becomes crucial as it helps us pronounce the words accurately, preserving the beauty and essence of the message conveyed in the Qur'an.
Tajweed acts as a way to honor and maintain the integrity of the Quran, allowing us to approach it respectfully. Ultimately, Surah Al Fatiha and Tajweed work harmoniously to strengthen our faith and keep our hearts pure.