Surah Al-Hamd is another name for Al‑Fatiha, the first chapter of the Qur’an. It is the most recited surah in Islam because Muslims read it in every unit (rak‘ah) of prayer.
Surah Al-Hamd is another name for Al‑Fatiha, the first chapter of the Qur’an. It is the most recited surah in Islam because Muslims read it in every unit (rak‘ah) of prayer.
Surah Al-Hamd (Surah Al-Fatiha)
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ
غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
English Meaning
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Master of the Day of Judgment.
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Guide us to the straight path.
The path of those whom You have blessed,
not of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray.
Why It Is Called Surah Al-Hamd
It is called Al-Hamd because it begins with the words:
“Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil ‘alamin”
(All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds).
The surah is also known by several names, including:
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Al-Fatiha (The Opening)
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Umm Al-Kitab (Mother of the Book)
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As-Sab‘ Al-Mathani (The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses)
Importance of Surah Al-Hamd
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It is recited in every prayer.
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It summarizes the core message of the Qur’an.
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It is a supplication asking Allah for guidance.
The Prophet ﷺ said that no prayer is valid without reciting Surah Al-Fatiha.