Fatwa ID: 04807

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

I heard that Surah Fatiha is not part of the Quran. The person who told was referring to Surah probably Surah Hijr which has “Rubama yawadul ladhi’na” and Tafseer of “Mufti Shafee Saab “Maariful Quran”.

Please explain in a simple way so that I should not be misled. I am really worried about this question; I do not want to lose Imaan.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

There are many virtues and blessings of Surah Fatiha. It is narrated by Saaiduna Abu Saeed Ar Rafi bin Al- Mu’alla Radiallahu Anhu that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said; “Shall I teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur’an before you leave the mosque?” Then He Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam took me by the hand, and when we were about to step out, I reminded him of his promise to teach me the greatest Surah in the Qur’an. He said; “It is Alhamdulilahi Rabbil Alamin (Surah Fatiha) which is ‘As-Sab al Mathaani’ (i.e. the seven oft-repeated verses) and the Great Qur’an which is given to me.” (Surah Bukhari p.749 v.2)

One of the many benefits, which Surah Fatiha can be used for, is to cure people who might be inflicted in different types of diseases.

Saaiduna Saeed al- Khudri Radiallahu Anhu narrates that while on a journey we halted at a place. A girl came to us ad said; “the cheif of this tribe has been strung by a scorpion and our men are not present, is there any body amongst you who can recite something upon him to treat him?” Then, one of our men went along with her although we did not think that he knew any such treatment. However, our friend went to the chief and recited something upon him and the chief was cured. Thereupon, the chief gave him thirty sheep and gave us all milk to drink. When he returned, we asked our friend: “Did you know anything to recite upon him to cure him?” He said; “No, I only recited Umm al Kitab (Surah Fatiha) upon him.” We said do not do anything until we reach Madinah and ask the Prophet Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam regarding the (practice and reward whether the sheep were lawful for us or not). Upon reaching Madinah, we narrated this to the Prophet Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam, whereupon he remarked: “How did he come to know that Al Fatiha can be used as a cure? Distribute amongst yourselves your reward and allot a share for me as well.” (Sahih Bukhari p.749 v.2)

Surah Fatiha is a chapter of the Holy Qur’an. Some people think of it to be a prayer or supplication of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam. However, the following hadith quite clearly states that Surah Fatiha is the spoken word of Allah (SWA).

Saaiduna Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu reports I have heard the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam say: Allah had said: I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.

“The salah (Surah al Fatiha) is equally divided between me and my servant. And my servant shall be given what he prays for. The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam continued; “when the servant says; ‘Alhamdullilahi Rabil Alamin.’ Allah says; “My servant has paid his homage to me; “when he says ‘Ar Rahmanir Rahim’ Allah says; “My servant has praised Me.” when the servant says ‘Maliki yaw middin’ Allah says; “My servant has proclaimed my greatness.” When the servant says; ‘Iyaknabudu wa iyakanastaeen’, Allah says “This verse is common to me and my servant he shall be given what he prays for.” (Sahih Muslim)

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham