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Chapter 1, Al Fatiha

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Below is the English translation of the verses of Surah Al-Fatihah (Chapter 1 of the Quran) along with the Tafsir (commentary) from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an by Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maududi, as available from reliable sources. The translation and Tafsir are primarily drawn from the web resources that provide access to Maududi’s work, such as The Meaning of the Qur’an and related websites.

Surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening) – Chapter 1

Translation of Verses (English, from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an):

  1. In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
  2. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the entire universe.
  3. The Merciful, the Compassionate.
  4. Master of the Day of Judgment.
  5. You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.
  6. Guide us to the straight path.
  7. The path of those whom You have favored; not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray.

Tafsir (Commentary) from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an by Maulana Maududi

The following Tafsir is summarized and adapted from Maududi’s commentary in Tafheem-ul-Qur’an for Surah Al-Fatihah, focusing on key points for each verse or thematic section as provided in the sources.

General Introduction to Surah Al-Fatihah

  • Significance: Surah Al-Fatihah is called the “Opening” of the Quran and is considered its essence. It is a prayer for guidance, a summary of the Quran’s core themes, and a supplication taught by Allah Himself. Maududi emphasizes that it encapsulates the relationship between man and his Creator, outlining the principles of worship, guidance, and submission.
  • Structure: The Surah is divided into two parts: the first half (verses 1–4) praises Allah, and the second half (verses 5–7) is a supplicatory prayer for guidance.
  • Recitation: It is obligatory in every Salah (prayer), reflecting its central role in Islamic worship.

Verse-by-Verse Tafsir

Verse 1: “In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.”

  • Explanation: This verse, known as the Basmala, is a declaration to begin all actions in Allah’s name. Maududi notes that it reflects the Islamic teaching that all activities should commence with the invocation of Allah, acknowledging His sovereignty and mercy.
  • Attributes of Allah:
  • Ar-Rahman (the Merciful) indicates Allah’s universal mercy encompassing all creation, regardless of faith or obedience.
  • Ar-Rahim (the Compassionate) refers to His special mercy reserved for believers who obey Him.
  • Purpose: By starting with this verse, a Muslim seeks Allah’s blessings and aligns their intentions with divine will, ensuring sincerity and humility.

Verse 2: “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the entire universe.”

  • Explanation: This verse begins the act of worship with praise (Hamd), acknowledging Allah’s perfection and His role as Rabb (Lord, Sustainer, Cherisher) of all worlds—human, jinn, animals, and all creation. Maududi stresses that this praise is not just verbal but an expression of gratitude and recognition of Allah’s infinite attributes.
  • Implications: The term Rabb implies Allah’s role in creating, sustaining, and guiding all existence. It teaches that worship begins with a dignified acknowledgment of Allah’s greatness rather than immediate demands.
  • Theological Insight: Maududi explains that praising Allah aligns the worshiper’s heart with humility, preparing them for sincere supplication.

Verse 3: “The Merciful, the Compassionate.”

  • Explanation: Repeating Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim reinforces Allah’s merciful nature. Maududi highlights that this repetition serves to instill hope in the worshiper, reminding them that Allah’s mercy is vast and ever-present, encouraging them to approach Him with confidence.
  • Context: This verse connects to the previous one by emphasizing that the Lord of all worlds is not a tyrant but a merciful God, whose compassion motivates His creation to seek His guidance.

Verse 4: “Master of the Day of Judgment.”

  • Explanation: Allah is described as Malik (Master or King) of the Day of Judgment (Yawm ad-Din), the day when all actions will be judged. Maududi explains that this attribute reminds believers of accountability, balancing hope (from Allah’s mercy) with fear of divine justice.
  • Significance: This verse underscores the transient nature of worldly power and the ultimate authority belongs only to Allah alone. It encourages righteous living, as every deed will be evaluated on that Day.
  • Practical Lesson: Maududi notes that this verse instills a sense of responsibility, urging Muslims to align their actions with divine commands to attain Allah’s favor.

Verse 5: “You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.”

  • Explanation: This verse marks the transition to supplication, expressing exclusive devotion to Allah (Ibadah) and dependence on Him for assistance. Maududi emphasizes that Ibadah encompasses not just ritual worship but also obedience in all aspects of life.
  • Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): The phrase “You alone” reinforces monotheism (Tawhid), rejecting any form of partners or intermediaries in worship or seeking help.
  • Practical Implication: Maududi explains that this is a pledge to dedicate all acts of worship and reliance solely to Allah, cultivating sincerity and trust in divine support.

Verse 6: “Guide us to the straight path.”

  • Explanation: This is the core supplication of the Surah, asking for Hidayah (guidance) to the Sirat al-Mustaqim (straight path). Maududi defines the straight path as * as the way of Islam, the path of truth, moderation, and obedience to Allah’s commands as revealed in the Quran and Sunnah.
  • Nature of Guidance: Maududi clarifies that this prayer is not only initial guidance but also steadfastness in adhering to it, as even believers may stray without divine help.
  • Universal Appeal: This request reflects the universal human need for divine direction to navigate life’s challenges and fulfill their purpose.

Verse 7: “The path of those whom You have blessed; not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray.”

  • Explanation: This verse elaborates on the straight path by identifying those who received Allah’s favor (An’amta ‘alayhim)—e.g., prophets, martyrs, righteous—and—contrasting them with those who earned Allah’s anger (Al-Maghdub ‘alayhim) and those who went astray (Ad-Dallin).
  • Historical Context: Maududi Maududi interprets:
  • Al-Maghdub ‘alayhim (those who incurred wrath) as communities who received divine guidance but knowingly rejected or distorted it (e.g., certain groups among the People of the Book, per historical Quranic narratives).
  • Ad-Dallin (those who went astray) as those who deviated due to ignorance or negligence, following misguided beliefs or practices.
  • Lesson: The prayer seeks association with the righteous and protection from the fate of those who rejected or ignored divine guidance. Maududi emphasizes that this verse encourages self-reflection on one’s adherence to truth.

Sources and Notes

  • The translation and Tafsir are derived from the English version of Tafheem-ul-Qur’an, primarily from websites hosting Maududi’s work, such as http://www.islamicstudies.info, http://www.englishtafsir.com, and http://www.equranlibrary.com.²⁴⁊
  • The commentary is summarized to focus on key insights while preserving Maududi’s intent. For the full, unabridged Tafsir, refer to the six-volume English translation of Tafheem-ul-Qur’an available at archive.org or darussalamus.com.⁹⁊
  • Some sources provide only partial excerpts; I’ve ensured consistency by cross-referencing multiple platforms for accuracy.
  • If you need a specific format (e.g., PDF download link or audio version), let me know, and I can guide you to resources like http://www.biharanjuman.org or apps.apple.com for the abridged audio version.¹⁹⁊

Would you like me to provide additional details, such as the preface to Tafheem-ul-Qur’an or specific download links for the English translation?