The Significance of “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim” and Surah Al-Fatiha in the Qur’anic Revelation

The phrase “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim”, which is the opening verse of this surah, encompasses the entirety of Surah Al-Fatiha, and Surah Al-Fatiha, in turn, represents the completeness of the Qur’an. This comprehensiveness is akin to the sun, whose rays illuminate all aspects of existence.

The Elevated Status of Surah Al-Fatiha in the Realm of Revelation

Surah Al-Fatiha, renowned in the traditions as “Umm al-Kitab” and “Fatiha al-Kitab,” holds a specific order in the descent and ascent of divine verses. This surah, like a precious door in the treasury of the Throne, encompasses all the knowledge of the Holy Qur’an and, as a comprehensive summary, manifests the essence of revelation. Its descent reflects the manifestation of divine truths in the form of speech, while its ascent indicates the servant’s movement towards divine perfection. This dual structure, referred to in Qur’anic terminology as “Mathani,” bestows a unique order upon the surah.

Key Point: Surah Al-Fatiha, as the pulsating heart of the Holy Qur’an, contains all divine knowledge and functions as a bridge between the truth and creation in the course of descent and ascent.

Makki or Madani Nature of Surah Al-Fatiha

There are differing opinions regarding whether Surah Al-Fatiha is Makki or Madani. Al-Tabarsi writes in Majma’ al-Bayan: “Fatiha al-Kitab is Makki according to Ibn Abbas and Qatadah,” whereas Mujahid considers it Madani. Some also believe that Surah Al-Fatiha was revealed twice: once in Mecca and once in Medina. These divergences, sometimes highly contrasting, indicate the absence of conclusive evidence. Repeated revelation of the Qur’an without valid proof is unacceptable, as the Holy Qur’an is free from baseless repetition.

Qur’anic and narrational evidence indicate that Surah Al-Fatiha is among the earliest revealed surahs, but not the first. The opening verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq, namely:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created.”
were the first verses revealed to the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him). The argument that Surah Al-Fatiha is the first revealed surah due to its necessity in prayer is flawed, as the legislation of prayer occurred later.

Key Point: Surah Al-Fatiha is among the earliest surahs revealed, but the opening verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq hold the initial position in the Qur’anic revelation.

Critique of Unsubstantiated Asbab al-Nuzul

Asbab al-nuzul (occasions of revelation) and uncorroborated interpretive statements collapse like a baseless palace. Only authentic narrations from the infallibles (peace be upon them) or Qur’anic evidence can serve as a foundation for interpretation. For example, a narration cited by Al-Tabarsi stating that the first revelation in Mecca was Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by “Read in the name of your Lord who created,” contradicts Qur’anic evidence, as the verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq, due to the Prophet’s initial amazement and contemplation, were the first revealed.

Interpretation of “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim”

First, the comprehensiveness of “Bismillah” in existence must be acknowledged. The phrase “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim”, like a golden key, opens the doors of existence. It manifests all divine names and attributes. “Bism” denotes the title, “Allah” the subject, “Ar-Rahman” universal activity, and “Ar-Rahim” particular felicity.

From the letter Ba (beginning) to Meem (perfection), this phrase encompasses all existence, such that if no other verse were revealed, it alone would suffice for human guidance.

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

The Mathani Nature of “Bismillah”

The phrase “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim” itself is Mathani, possessing an existential order that interweaves and harmonizes the verses like the warp and weft of a carpet. Mathani, derived from the root “Thana,” signifies flexibility, concordance, and harmony. This characteristic is intrinsic and not dependent on repetition in prayer, contrary to the view of some scholars such as Shaykh Tusi. Defining Mathani by repetition in prayer diminishes a celestial grandeur to a worldly matter.

Key Point: The Mathani nature of “Bismillah” and Surah Al-Fatiha is intrinsic, indicating the existential harmony of the verses rather than repetition in prayer.

The Hidden Structure of Verses and the Role of Divine Saints

The Qur’anic verses, like a precious carpet, have a “hidden structure” and existential order. The divine saints, through continuous engagement and recitation of the Qur’an, perceive this hidden structure. This structure is observable in the wording, meaning, and arrangement of the verses, as exemplified by the verse:
“So recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur’an.”
which emphasizes continuous recitation for comprehension of this order.

The Dot Under the Letter “Ba”

In mystical interpretations, the dot under the Ba in “Bismillah” alludes to the station of authority, particularly that of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him). Fakhr al-Razi also conveys this meaning: “Through us, God is worshipped; through us, existence manifests.” This dot serves as a spring from which all existence flows.

Intrinsic Mathani Nature of the Qur’an

The entire Qur’an is Mathani, as stated in the verse:
“Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book, wherein are reiterated [verses].”
Mathani refers to flexibility and harmony among the verses, not repetition in prayer or external matters.

Repetition of “Bismillah” as Complete Remembrance

Repeating “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim” is akin to an endless journey in the ocean of existence. Each recitation perfects the human existential journey. Unlike some other invocations repeated mechanically, “Bismillah” is sometimes mistakenly recited only once, while its repetition encompasses all existence.

Key Point: Repetition of “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim” is a complete remembrance guiding the human journey toward divine encounter.

Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim in the Cosmic Order

Ar-Rahman is a universal name encompassing all existential activities, from paradise to hell. Ar-Rahim is particular, indicating ultimate felicity and divine encounter. The precedence of Ar-Rahman over Ar-Rahim in “Bismillah” is due to the universality of Rahman and the particularity of Rahim. Reversing them disrupts the semantic and existential order.

Lexical and Existential Order

The arrangement of “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim” is like a melodious rhythm flowing from the beginning Ba to the perfection Meem. This order is both lexical and existential, encompassing all existence from manifestation to perfection.

Surah Al-Fatiha, particularly the phrase “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim”, shines like a radiant gem in the crown of the Qur’an. This phrase, with its unparalleled comprehensiveness, embodies divine unity, lordship, and mercy, representing all Qur’anic knowledge by itself. The Mathani nature of the Qur’an and Surah Al-Fatiha points to the existential flexibility and harmony of the verses, reaching its apex in “Bismillah.” Critique of unsubstantiated statements and emphasis on scientific principles pave the way for deeper understanding of the Qur’an. Repetition of “Bismillah” is like a breeze guiding the soul toward divine encounter, and continuous recitation is the key to perceiving the hidden structure and order of the verses.

The blessed Surah Al-Fatiha, like a radiant essence in the warp and weft of the Qur’an, holds an unparalleled position in the domain of divine speech. This surah is not only the opening of the book of revelation but also, like a complete mirror, reflects all sublime truths of the Holy Qur’an within itself.