Al-Fatihah

Bismillah.

Every time you try to understand the Qur’an, every time you put in effort to interpret what Allah (SWT) is saying to you, you learn something new. Muslims across the nation read one chapter – Surah Fatihah everyday more than 17 times a day in their prayer. As time goes by, it becomes a routine and loses the beauty behind it. But everyone needs a reminder to remember how amazing this short surah, this short chapter is.

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

Begin with the name of Allah

All praises to Allah the Lord of the worlds.

Why praise Allah (SWT)? Because He is the Lord of the worlds. What worlds? Every single thing around us, from this earth out to the depths of the universe, all created by Allah for us. It’s amazing how Allah created all these things, but didn’t just leave them. He found homes for them, gave them shelter and food. Look at all these animals in the wild. We don’t need to provide for them, nor do they have jobs to provide for themselves. Then who gives them everything? Allah (SWT)!

The Most Merciful, The Most Kind

Even though we don’t obey Him, even though we don’t listen to Him, He still provides for us. Did we need to ask Allah this morning to make sure our lungs operate properly today, or that our blood is pumped at the correct speed? Did we thank Allah (SWT) for any of the countless blessings he provided for us? We spread mischief on this earth, from bad language to bloodshed, yet Allah (SWT) is still Ar-Rahman, he still loves us and still provides for us. No matter who you are, a millionaire or hobo on street, a computer engineer or professional hacker, a housewife or prostitute, Allah is still most Merciful and still provides for you.

Master of the Day of Judgment

Yes it’s true that He loves us, but He will ask us what we did with all that He gave us. Imagine being a parent and sending your son abroad to study for 4 years. You pay for his tuition and pay for his housing, everything possible so he can comfortably study. Four years later he comes home, but with no degree. Will you not ask him what he did? You provided for him so he could study, but he didn’t, then what did he do? Why did he waste all that money? If you have the right to ask your son, doesn’t Allah (SWT) have the right to ask you what you did with all the blessings he gave you? Remember, He’s Rabbil `Alameen – he provided you with everything because he’s Ar-Rahman. He will ask you what you did when he sent you here on earth for a reason

You alone we worship, You alone we ask for help.

Recognize and realize, if Allah (SWT) is the only one who provided you with everything you have, then only he is worthy enough to be worshipped. Following His path will be difficult, you will face problems on this path—it’s filled with thorns, but Allah (SWT) will help you, just ask Him. Ask Allah (SWT) when in need, He’s Rabbil `Alameen, he can give you whatever you need.

Guide us along the straight path

End it with a beautiful du’a, a supplication. That Ya Allah (SWT), I realize how incapable I am, I realize how I won’t be able to do anything unless you help me, so guide me, show me what’s right.

The path of those whom you have favored. Not of those who earn your anger, or of those who go astray.

But keep me away from earning your anger; keep me away from going astray. Guide me to the right company, to those who will help me.  We are being warned here, who to follow and who not to follow because who you follow is who you become.  Think about it, who is your role model, who do you want to be like?  Will they help you on this path?

Ameen