The opening chapter of the Qur'an, recited in every unit of the ritual prayer.
Tagged: Daily Prayer Prayer Scripture
Historical Context
Al-Fatiha, "The Opening," is the first chapter (surah) of the Qur'an: seven verses of praise, worship, and petition that end by asking God for guidance on the straight path. Muslims also call it Umm al-Kitab, "Mother of the Book," regarding it as a summary of the Qur'an's message. Because published English renderings differ and translation rights vary, this page describes the chapter and links to the Arabic text with translations rather than reproducing a translation.
Use and Practice
Al-Fatiha is recited in every unit (rak'ah) of the five daily prayers, so a praying Muslim repeats it many times each day. It is also recited at marriages, funerals, and visits to the sick, and in personal supplication.
References
- Qur'an 1 — Al-Fatiha (Quran.com) Free / open access
Related Prayers and Creeds
- Salah — The ritual prayer performed five times daily, with fixed postures, recitations, and the closing testimony (Tashahhud).
- Shahada — Islam's testimony of faith: there is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.
- Du'as — Personal supplications addressed to God in one's own need, in words from the Qur'an, the Prophet, or the heart.
Related Across the Site
- Amidah Prayer or Creed — The standing prayer at the center of every Jewish prayer service, recited silently while standing.
- Jesus Prayer Prayer or Creed — A short, repeated invocation of Jesus asking for mercy, central to the Orthodox hesychast tradition.
- Nitnem Prayer or Creed — The daily banis (hymns) prescribed for Sikh devotion: morning, evening, and night prayers from the Sikh scriptures.
- Refuge Prayer (Tisarana) Prayer or Creed — The formula of going for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha — the act that makes a person a Buddhist.
- Salah Prayer or Creed — The ritual prayer performed five times daily, with fixed postures, recitations, and the closing testimony (Tashahhud).
- Shema Prayer or Creed — Judaism's central affirmation of the one God, drawn from Deuteronomy 6:4 and recited morning and evening.
- The Angelus Prayer or Creed — A thrice-daily prayer of versicles and Hail Marys commemorating the Annunciation and the Incarnation.
- The Lord's Prayer (Our Father) Prayer or Creed — The prayer Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, shared by Christians of every tradition.