Introduction

Surah Al-Fatihah is the most recited chapter of the Quran, yet often the least reflected upon.
It is the Opening of the Quran, and it is known as 'Ummul-Quran', the mother of the Quran. This unique identification signifies its foundational role and its central placement, as the rest of the chapters branch out from it. In this sense, then, it is understood to contain the summary of the core meanings of the entire Quran.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, has not revealed in the Torah nor in the Gospel anything like Umm al-Quran (the Mother of the Quran). It is the Seven Oft-Repeated (verses), and it is divided between Me and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi Hadith no. 2875)

It is the opening of every prayer.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) described it as the greatest Surah in the Quran. It is also known as:

Virtues 

On the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who said:

“Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, said, 'I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he asks.

When the servant says, “All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds,” Allah says, "My servant has praised Me.”
When he says, “The Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful,” Allah says, "My servant has extolled Me.”

When he says, “Master of the Day of Judgment,” Allah says, "My servant has glorified Me,”—and once He said, “My servant has entrusted his affairs to Me.”

When he says, “You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help,” Allah says, "This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks.”

When he says, "Guide us to the straight path—the path of those You have favored, not those who have earned Your anger nor those who have gone astray,” Allah says, "This is for My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks.”
Sahih Muslim—Hadith 395 (Book of Prayer / Kitab al-Salah)

Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri: Some of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) came across a tribe amongst the tribes of the Arabs, and that tribe did not entertain them. While they were in that state, the chief of that tribe was bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion). They said, (to the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) ), "Have you got any medicine with you or anybody who can treat with Ruqya?" The Prophet's companions said, "You refuse to entertain us, so we will not treat (your chief) unless you pay us for it." So they agreed to pay them a flock of sheep. One of them (the Prophet's companions) started reciting Surat-al-Fātihah and gathering his saliva and spitting it (at the snake bite). The patient got cured, and his people presented the sheep to them, but they said, "We will not take it unless we ask the Prophet (whether it is lawful)." When they asked him, he smiled and said, "How do you know that Surah al-Fatihah is a Ruqya? Take it (flock of sheep) and assign a share for me." Sahih al-Bukhari 5736

Connection of Surah Al-Fatihah with the rest of the Quran. 

What is the relationship of Surah al-Fatihah to the rest of the chapters of the Quran? And what distinction does it have that made it the first chapter in the order of the mushaf?

Answer:

Al-Fatihah is the truthful voice of humanity in its connection with the Lord of the worlds and in its intimate supplication. It is the only chapter that was placed at the very beginning upon the tongue of believing humanity, expressing a collective inner movement that aspires toward the heavens.

“Al-Fatihah is a supplication, while the rest of the Quran is the answer. Al-Fatihah is the request for guidance, and the remainder (of the Quran) is the guidance that is sought.”
(Draz, Muhammad Abdullah Draz. An-Naba’ al-‘Azim)

May Allah open our hearts through the Opening.
May He allow us to taste the sweetness of standing before Him in prayer.
And may He make this Surah a light for us in this life and the next.

Ameen.

Day 1- Beginning with the Name of Allah

(Please listen to the verse being recited.)

Word-by-Word Breakdown List

بِسْمِ (bis'mi) - In (the) name

ٱللَّهِ (l-lahi) - (of) Allah

ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ (l-raḥmāni) - the Most Gracious

ٱلرَّحِيمِ (l-raḥīmi) - the Most Merciful

Commentary

The opening of the Quran begins with “Bismillah”, establishing the foundation of the servant’s relationship with Allah. The believer does not enter into actions by his own strength, ability, or causes alone, but rather ‘in the name of Allah'. The basmalah reminds us that nothing in the universe moves independently of Allah’s will; every action begins with recognition that Allah is the One who enables it. 

The name “Allah” gathers within it all the attributes of perfection and majesty. The names “Ar-Rahman" and "Ar-Rahim" then establish the nature of the relationship between the servant and his Lord: it is a relationship built upon mercy. Allah’s mercy encompasses His servants, whether they are near to Him or distant from Him, obedient or struggling.

By beginning the Quran in this way, the believer is trained to acquire a “mindset of servitude”, learning from the very first word that he approaches every action and every act of worship only through Allah and by His permission while enveloped in His mercy.

Guidance

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Any matter of importance which is not begun with Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) remains defective." [Abu Dawud]. Riyad as-Salihin 1394

The believer should consciously begin every action with “Bismillah”, recognising that success and ability come only from Allah. Invariably, this awareness cultivates in us a deep sense of humility and acute dependence upon Allah in all matters.

It also teaches us that no action should be disconnected from remembrance of Allah, no matter how mundane the action may be. When the believer begins actions with the name of Allah, those actions become blessed, purposeful, and connected to servitude.