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my dear baba رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ, after every Quran session, would make sure we read Surah Al-Fatiha and the three Qul’s to conclude. I never knew why, but they were simple enough, and I always enjoyed reciting them.

Now, I have come to understand that these surahs are small yet mighty.

Surah Al-Fatiha: The Opener

This Meccan surah was the first to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in its entirety. It comes first in the Quran and is the surah that must be read in every rak’ah of prayer. It is an opening to the Quran and the prayer, hence the name.

My favorite thing about this surah is that it is a conversation with Allah Most High.

Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:

I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.

When the servant says, ‘ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ’

Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me.’

When he says, ‘ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ,’

Allah says, ‘My servant has exalted Me.’

When he says, ‘مَـٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ,’

Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified Me, and My servant has submitted to Me.’

When he says, ‘إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ,’

Allah says, ‘This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will have what he has asked for.’

When he says, ‘صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ’

Allah says,‘This is for My servant, and My servant will have what he has asked for.’

In every prayer, I am given the opportunity for such an intimate conversation with the Most Merciful. Not only does He hear me, He responds so graciously.

Peace and blessings upon the Nabi of Allah.