Al-Fatikhah, or the opening Chapter *)
Surah al-Quran is the first surah of al-Quran.
*) By universal consent it is rightly placed at the begining of the Qur'an, as summing up, in marvellously terse and comprehensive words , man's relation to God in contemplation and prayer. In our spiritual contemplation the first words should be those of praise. If fhe praise is from our inmost being, it brings us into union with God's will.
Then our eyes see all good, peace, and harmony. Evil, rebellion , and conflict are purged out. They do not exist for us, for our eyes are lifted up above them in praise.
Then we see God's attributes better (verses 2-4).
This leads us to the attitude of worship and acknowledgment (verse 5). And finally comes prayer for guidance , and a contemplation of what guidance means (verse 6-7).
God needs no praise, for He is above all praise; He need no petition , for He knows our needs better than we do ourselves ; and His bounties are open without asking, to the righteous and the sinner alike. The prayer is for our own spiritual education , consultation, and confirmation.
