Fatiha

Meanings

1. 1proper nounproperreligion

   The first chapter of the Quran, a short seven-verse opening that Muslims recite in every cycle of the daily prayers.

   Grammar: Usually used with the: recite the Fatiha. Also written Al-Fatiha.

   Patterns

   • recite the Fatiha

   Children learn to recite the Fatiha at an early age.

   The imam began the prayer with the Fatiha.

   She whispered the Fatiha at her grandmother's grave.

2. 2proper nounproperreligion

   The act of reciting this chapter as a blessing, for example at a funeral, a grave, or a gathering of remembrance.

   Grammar: Used with read or recite: they read the Fatiha for him.

   Patterns

   • read the Fatiha for someone

   The family gathered to read the Fatiha for the dead.

   Visitors recited the Fatiha at the shrine.

   After the meal, everyone joined in the Fatiha.

Common combinations

recite the Fatiha

Worshippers recite the Fatiha in every prayer unit.

read the Fatiha

They read the Fatiha before the meeting.

Surah Al-Fatiha

Surah Al-Fatiha is the opening chapter of the Quran.

learn the Fatiha

New converts often learn the Fatiha first.

Fatiha for the deceased

A Fatiha for the deceased was offered.

Synonyms and how they differ

the Opening

The Opening is the English translation of the name and is used in explanations, not in daily speech among Muslims.

Al-Fatiha

Al-Fatiha is the full Arabic name with the article, and is interchangeable with Fatiha.

Umm al-Kitab

Umm al-Kitab, meaning mother of the book, is another traditional name for this chapter.

Word family

Quran proper noun

the holy book of Islam

surah noun

a chapter of the Quran

salat noun

the formal Islamic prayer

ayah noun

a verse of the Quran

Commonly confused: Fatiha or Shahada? Fatiha or Fatwa?

Practice

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