Fatiha – the opening

1. In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace

2. All praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds

3. The Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace

4. Lord of the Day of Judgment

5. You alone do we worship; and You alone do we turn for help

6. Guide us the straight way

7. The way of those You have blessed and not the way of those who have drawn your anger and have chosen misguidance

This is my most favourite chapter of the Quran. It is both an introduction to the entire Quran and all encompassing supplication. It only contains seven verses yet has the most amazing capacity to articulate every aspect of Islam. It may appear short as the opening prayer but it says all that my heart wishes to say, it asks for all the things that I wish to ask for and it provides me the clarity I need to continue on the simple yet most profound path of spiritual and material balance.

I read this chapter at least seventeen times a day and each time I read it, it fills my heart with faith, hope and life’s compass. I am able to understand and connect with God in the way He wishes me to know Him. I am able develop a relationship based on more disarming Divine titles and personalised touch. He is the most Gracious, compassionate and merciful God. It is as though he is extending a hand of friendship to me and waiting for my response.

God introduces Himself to me as the life giving, sustaining and nurturing Lord of the universe. Under his domain I feel reassured that I will be dealt with kindness and compassion. I feel extremely at ease knowing that He is the most Merciful and Giver of Mercy instead of the authoritarian ruler of the universe. He has the power and reach, yet He choses His name the Most Merciful as the icebreaker between Him and me. It is like God saying to me, “I am God, the Most Merciful, would you like anything from me?” He wishes me to have His name and attributes become synonymous in my heart and mind. He wishes me to ask him as He waits in eagerness to grant my wishes.

In this chapter I put all my cards on the table. I state my intention but before I launch into my wish list I must confirm my absolute trust in God. If I truly want God’s favours I must declare my total faith is God alone and I dedicate all my worship to Him alone. My prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all dedicated to Him. When I have totally dedicated my entire being for God alone I become ready to receive God’s total Grace.

I ask him for help in times of difficulty and I thank him at times of joy. I seek His help when I am in distress and I show my gratitude when I am at ease. I turn to God alone for cure to my ailments, relief from the financial burdens, misery in my heart, confusion in my mind and troubles in my relationships. I seek God’s help in everything that I do.

I seek God’s help in choosing the right path that will be filled with His blessings. I seek His assistance in remaining in the straight path that will lead me to prosperity. I request His aid in continuing a life of uprightness so that I will be successful in this world and the next.

In my opening prayer I make it empathically clear that I do not want to be a looser in this world by leading a life without aim or purpose. I do not want to be like those who have drawn upon themselves the wrath of God by their belligerent rejection of God and His path. I do not wish to lead a life immersed in the depth of darkness, spiritual emptiness and moral bankruptcy. I do not want to be lost or misguided!

This chapter is my personal prayer and bespoke introduction to the Quran – my life’s penultimate guide