Sūratul-Fātihah (Chapter 1, Verses 1-4) – Basic 1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Sūratul-Fātihah, meaning “The Opening”, is the first chapter of the Qur’an. It has seven verses and Muslims recite it in every Rak’ah of Salah. It is also called Ummul-Qur’an (Mother of the Qur’an) and is a complete Du’a. Students learn the meaning of the first four verses and how to memorise them.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state the meaning of Sūratul-Fātihah and the number of its verses
• recite verses 1-4 of Sūratul-Fātihah
• give the meaning and a simple explanation of each of the four verses
• mention the uses of Sūratul-Fātihah
• give the meanings of the important words in the verses

What is Sūratul-Fātihah?

Sūratul-Fātihah means “The Opening”.

Important facts

• It is the first chapter of the Qur’an.
• It has 7 verses (Ayat).
• We recite it in every Rak’ah of our Salah.
• It is also called “Ummul-Qur’an” (Mother of the Qur’an).
• It is also called “As-Sab’ul-Mathani” (The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses).

Why is it special?

• Every Muslim must know it.
• We cannot pray without it.
• It summarises the whole Qur’an.
• It is a complete Du’a (supplication).

What are the first four verses of Sūratul-Fātihah?

Verse 1

Arabic: بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Transliteration: Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim

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

Explanation:

• We start everything with Allah’s name.
• Allah is the Most Merciful.
• He is Kind and Loving.

Verse 2

Arabic: ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

Transliteration: Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘alamin

Meaning: All praise is for Allah, Lord of all the worlds

Explanation:

• We praise and thank Allah.
• Allah is the Lord of everything.
• He created all the worlds.

Verse 3

Arabic: ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Transliteration: Ar-Rahmanir-Rahim

Meaning: The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Explanation:

• Allah is very Merciful.
• He forgives our sins.
• He is Kind to everyone.

Verse 4

Arabic: مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ

Transliteration: Maliki Yawmid-Din

Meaning: Master of the Day of Judgment

Explanation:

• Allah is the Judge.
• On the Day of Judgment, He will judge everyone.
• We should prepare for that day.

Let’s practise reading (verses 1-4)

Say together slowly:

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ

How is Sūratul-Fātihah different from other sūrahs?

Sūratul-Fātihah is special for these reasons:

1. It is the first sūrah.
   • Every Qur’an starts with it.
   • It is at the beginning.
2. It is short.
   • It has only 7 verses.
   • It is easy to memorise.
3. We recite it in every prayer.
   • We do not recite other sūrahs in every prayer.
   • Fātihah is recited in every Rak’ah.
4. It contains everything.
   • Praise of Allah
   • Our needs
   • Asking for guidance
   • It is complete.
5. It has special names.
   • Ummul-Qur’an (Mother of the Qur’an)
   • Al-Fātihah (The Opening)
   • As-Sab’ul-Mathani (The Seven Oft-Repeated)
   • Ash-Shifa (The Cure)

What are the uses of Sūratul-Fātihah?

1. In daily prayers (Salah)
   • We recite it in every Rak’ah.
   • Prayer is not valid without it.
   • It must be recited properly.
2. For healing (Ruqyah)
   • The Prophet (SAW) said it is a cure.
   • We can recite it when sick.
   • With Allah’s permission, it heals.
3. As a Du’a (supplication)
   • It is a perfect prayer.
   • We ask Allah to guide us.
   • We seek His help.
4. For blessings (Barakah)
   • It brings blessings to our lives.
   • It protects from evil.
   • It opens doors of goodness.
5. To start the Qur’an
   • It opens the Book of Allah.
   • It prepares us to read more.

What do the important words mean?

• Bismillah = In the name of Allah
• Ar-Rahman = The Most Gracious
• Ar-Rahim = The Most Merciful
• Alhamdulillah = All praise is for Allah
• Rabb = Lord, Master, Sustainer
• ‘Alamin = All the worlds
• Malik = Master, King
• Yawmid-Din = Day of Judgment

How do we memorise verses 1-4?

1. Learn verse by verse.
2. Repeat each verse 10 times.
3. Say verses 1-2 together.
4. Say verses 3-4 together.
5. Say verses 1-4 together.
6. Practise every day.

Practice schedule

• Day 1: Memorise Verse 1
• Day 2: Memorise Verse 2
• Day 3: Memorise Verse 3
• Day 4: Memorise Verse 4
• Day 5: Review verses 1-4
• Day 6: Recite to parents
• Day 7: Recite to teacher

Evaluation

Multiple choice exercise

1. Sūratul-Fātihah means _____.
   • a) The Closing
   • b) The Opening
   • c) The Middle
2. Sūratul-Fātihah has _____ verses.
   • a) 5
   • b) 7
   • c) 10
3. We recite Sūratul-Fātihah in _____ prayer.
   • a) some
   • b) no
   • c) every
4. “Bismillah” means _____.
   • a) Goodbye
   • b) In the name of Allah
   • c) Thank you
5. Sūratul-Fātihah is also called _____.
   • a) Ummul-Qur’an
   • b) The Last Sūrah
   • c) The Longest Sūrah

Assignment

1. Memorise verses 1-4 of Sūratul-Fātihah.
2. Recite them to your parents 5 times.
3. Say “Bismillah” before everything you do.
4. Practise reading with proper pronunciation.