of Nokounam, , Session Twenty-One
The blessed Surah Al-Fatiha, as a brilliant essence woven into the fabric of the Holy Qur'an, holds an unparalleled position within the realm of Divine speech. This Surah is not merely the opening chapter of the book of revelation but serves as a comprehensive mirror reflecting all the transcendent truths of the Qur'an. In this work, employing a mystical-philosophical approach, we have explored the profound meanings of Surah Al-Fatiha, relying on the dual structure of descent and ascent, embodied in the concept of Musn (the oft-repeated). We have endeavoured to reveal the hidden layers of this Surah. The present exegesis, utilising narrations from the Infallibles (peace be upon them) and critically evaluating the viewpoints of previous scholars, opens a novel path towards understanding this Surah. It further emphasises the sonic and rhythmic aspects, which penetrate the listeners soul like celestial music. This treatise examines all dimensions of Surah Al-Fatiha, from definitions and names to its dual structure and its healing effects, in an elevated and scholarly language.
Surah Al-Fatiha, known in traditions as the Umm al-Kitb and Ftiat al-Kitb, holds a distinctive order in the sequence of the descent and ascent of Divine verses. This Surah, like a precious gate in the treasury of the Throne, gathers all the knowledge of the Holy Qur'an within itself and manifests the essence of revelation as a comprehensive summary. Its descent signifies the manifestation of Divine truths in the form of speech, while its ascent indicates the servants movement towards the divine perfection. This dual structure, termed Musn in Quranic terminology, imparts an unparalleled order to the Surah.
The verse بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) marks the commencement of Surah Al-Fatiha and the essence of the entire Holy Qur'an. This verse, from Bism (name) to Allh (the Named), and from Ramn (the capacity for universal mercy and manifestations) to Ram (the capacity for ascent and particular perfections), encompasses all Divine perfections. Ramn refers to the universal mercy of Allah encompassing creation and Lordship, while Ram refers to the specific mercy bestowed upon the guided. Surah Al-Fatiha is the elaboration and expansion of this verse, and the Holy Qur'an is the elaboration and expansion of Surah Al-Fatiha.
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
This verse, like the key to the treasury of revelation, contains all the knowledge of the Qur'an within itself, and Surah Al-Fatiha is the expansion of this exalted essence.
The definitions recorded in exegesis and narrations regarding Surah Al-Fatiha testify to its unparalleled grandeur. In a narration it is stated: Indeed, Ftiat al-Kitb is the most noble among the treasures of the Throne. This definition introduces Surah Al-Fatiha as a peerless jewel at the exalted station of the Throne. However, understanding this definition necessitates comprehension of the mystical concepts of Arsh (the Throne) and Ganj (treasure). The Throne represents the locus of manifestation of all existential truths, and the treasure indicates Divine knowledge and perfections. Without the contemplation of these concepts, the grandeur of the Surah remains shrouded in ambiguity.
Surah Al-Fatiha is known by numerous names such as Umm al-Kitb, Umm al-Qur'n, Ftiat al-Kitb, Al-Shif (The Cure), Al-Ass (The Foundation), Al-Kfiyah (The Sufficient), Al-Wfiyah (The Complete), Al-Tafw (The Delegation), Al-Kanz (The Treasure), Al-Nr (The Light), Al-Masalah (The Issue), amd al-Ul (The First Praise), amd al-Qusr, and Sab al-Musn (The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses). Each of these names reveals an aspect of the Surahs realities. For example, Umm al-Kitb signifies its comprehensiveness, Ftiat al-Kitb indicates its primacy, and Al-Shif points to its healing effect. This diversity of names demonstrates the semantic and existential richness of the Surah.
The true comprehension of Surah Al-Fatiha transcends the transmission of narrations and definitions; it depends on recognising the order and sequence of its descent and ascent. Each individual benefits from the Surah to the extent of their capacity, but profound understanding requires reflection on the dual structure that divides the Surah into two sections: descent and ascent. This understanding introduces the Surah not merely as a sacred text, but as a map for spiritual journey and progression.
The first part of Surah Al-Fatiha, from the verse ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ (Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement), constitutes the capacity of descent. This section describes Divine attributes: Rabb al-lamn (Lordship over the worlds) as universal Lordship; Ramn as expansive mercy; Ram as particular mercy; and Mlik Yawm ad-Dn as absolute sovereignty on the Day of Judgment. These verses manifest Divine actualities within the cosmic order.
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Master of the Day of
