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Chapter 1·Meccan·7 verses

ٱلْفَاتِحَةِ

Surah Al-Faatiha

The Opening

The opening prayer of the Quran — praise, worship and a plea for guidance.

About Surah Al-Faatiha

Al-Fatiha, “The Opening,” is the first chapter of the Quran and the most frequently recited, as it is read in every unit (rak‘ah) of the daily prayers. In just seven verses it moves from praising Allah, to declaring worship and reliance on Him alone, to asking for the straight path — making it a complete summary of the believer’s relationship with God.

Often called “the greatest surah in the Quran,” it is recited in every prayer and is also known as Umm al-Kitab (the Mother of the Book).

Listen to Surah Al-Faatiha

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  1. 1 Al-Faatiha 1:1

    بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

    Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem

    In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

  2. 2 Al-Faatiha 1:2

    ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

    Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil 'aalameen

    [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds -

  3. 3 Al-Faatiha 1:3

    ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

    Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem

    The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

  4. 4 Al-Faatiha 1:4

    مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ

    Maaliki Yawmid-Deen

    Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.

  5. 5 Al-Faatiha 1:5

    إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

    Iyyaaka na'budu wa lyyaaka nasta'een

    It is You we worship and You we ask for help.

  6. 6 Al-Faatiha 1:6

    ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ

    Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem

    Guide us to the straight path -

  7. 7 Al-Faatiha 1:7

    صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ

    Siraatal-lazeena an'amta 'alaihim ghayril-maghdoobi 'alaihim wa lad-daaalleen

    The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.

Surah Al-Faatiha — frequently asked questions

What does Surah Al-Faatiha mean?

“Al-Faatiha” translates to “The Opening.” It is the 1st surah (chapter) of the Holy Quran.

How many verses are in Surah Al-Faatiha?

Surah Al-Faatiha has 7 verses (ayahs).

Is Surah Al-Faatiha Meccan or Medinan?

It is a Makkah (Meccan) surah — revealed before the Prophet’s ﷺ migration (Hijrah) to Madinah.

Can I read Surah Al-Faatiha in English online?

Yes. You can read Surah Al-Faatiha free on this page in Arabic with a clear English translation and transliteration, so you can both understand the meaning and learn to recite it.

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