Surah Al-Fatihah (الْفَاتِحَة) — The Opening

7 Verses · Juz 1 · Meccan · Surah #1

About Surah Al-Fatihah

Surah Al-Fatiha is the first and greatest chapter of the Quran, recited in every unit of prayer. Known as "Umm Al-Quran" (Mother of the Quran) and "As-Sab'a Al-Mathani" (The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses), it is a complete prayer encompassing praise of Allah, acknowledgment of His lordship, and a heartfelt supplication for guidance on the straight path.

Virtues & Hadith

"Al-Fatiha is the greatest surah in the Quran — it is Umm Al-Quran and As-Sab'a Al-Mathani."

— Sahih Bukhari 4704

"There is no prayer for whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha."

— Sahih Bukhari 756

"By the One in Whose hand is my soul, nothing like it has been revealed in the Torah, the Injeel, the Zabur, or the Quran."

— Sahih Muslim 795

When to Recite

• Every rak'ah of Salah (obligatory)
• For healing and Ruqyah
• As a comprehensive du'a
• Over food or water for blessing

First Verses of Surah Al-Fatihah

Frequently Asked Questions

How many verses does Surah Al-Fatiha have?

Surah Al-Fatiha has 7 verses (ayat). It is also called As-Sab'a Al-Mathani meaning the Seven Oft-Repeated Verses.

How many times is Surah Al-Fatiha recited daily?

A Muslim who prays all 5 daily prayers recites Surah Al-Fatiha at least 17 times a day — once in each rak'ah of prayer.

What does Al-Fatiha mean?

Al-Fatiha means "The Opening" or "The Opener." It opens the Quran and every unit of Islamic prayer.

Can Al-Fatiha be used for healing?

Yes. The Prophet ﷺ referred to Surah Al-Fatiha as "Ash-Shifa" (The Cure). Companions used it for Ruqyah (spiritual healing) with his approval.

Read Full Surah Al-Fatihah — All 7 Verses