The Greatest Surah in the Quran

According to the hadith of the prophet (s) (see below), Surah Al-Fatihah is the greatest Surah in the Quran. This Surah has many benefits as was mentioned to us by the prophet (s). It can be used to ward off evil and as a general healing.

The reference to this Surah is also made in other parts of the Quran. Consider the following verse of Surah Al-Hijr:

“And indeed, We have bestowed upon you seven of Al-Mathani (the seven repeatedly recited Verses), (i.e. Surat Al-Fatiha) and the Grand Quran. [Quran: Surah Al-Hijr (87)]”

Narrated Abu Sa‘îd bin Al-Mu‘alla:

While I was praying in the mosque, Allah’s Messenger called me but I did not respond to him. Later I said, “O Allah’s Messenger, I was praying.” He said, “Didn’t Allah say – Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and His Messenger when he calls you.” (V.8:24). He then said to me, “I will teach you a Surah which is the greatest Surah in the Quran, before you leave the mosque.” Then he got hold of my hand, and when he intended to leave (the mosque), I said to him, “Didn’t you say to me, “I will teach you a Surah which is the greatest Surah in the Quran?” He said, ” Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘âlamîn [i.e. all the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)], Sûrat Al-Fâtihah which is As-Sab‘ Al-Mathâni (i.e. the seven repeatedly recited Verses) and the Grand Quran which has been given to me.” (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.6, Hadith No. 1).

Surah Al-Fatihah is the first chapter of the Quran and must be recited in every prayer. Narrated ‘Ubâdah bin As-Sâmit Allâh’s Messenger said,

“Whoever does not recite Sûrat Al-Fâtihah in his prayer, his prayer is invalid. (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.1, Hadîth No. 723).

 The Surah appears below in its entirety.

1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

2 All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Alameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

3 The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

4 The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)

5 You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).

6 Guide us to the Straight Way

7 The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray. [Quran, Surah Al-Fatihah]

What is the worst sin in front of Allah?

Associating partners will Allah is the worst sin in front of Allah. For a person to enter Islam and become a Muslim, he or she must first attest that there is NO ‘Ilah” or deity that is worthy of worship other than Allah.

There are numerous references in the Quran about this vital principle. The following verses from Surah Maryam are an example of verses where Allah shows His anger and strong displeasure with those who associate a “son” with Allah – or God.

Surah Maryam (verses 88 – 95)

88. And they say: "The Most Gracious (Allah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children)."
89. Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing.
90. Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins,
91. That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Gracious (Allah).
92. But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Gracious (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children).
93. There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Gracious (Allah) as a slave.
94. Verily He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting.
95. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender).

Reflections from this verse –

• The verses and the language used in them show Allah’s anger and displeasure with those who associate others with Allah.
• The verses are a strong reminder of the Day of Judgment from which there is no escape for anyone. On this day the pious believers in the Oneness of Allah will see Allah as their Most Gracious Benefactor.
• The verses emphasize the enormity of the crime of ascribing a son or offspring or daughters to Allah the Most Majestic. Although Allah may allow those committing this crime to enjoy the comforts of life, that doesn’t negate the approaching Day of Judgment when the Ultimate Truth will be unveiled.
• Allah asserts that all creatures whether in the Heaven or on earth are His slaves; they return to Him as slaves and He, the All-Knowing, knows each of His creations.
• The end of the verses make us aware of our individual accountability for all our actions, which will not be shared or supported by anyone. A false sense of assurance from a group of like-minded people, should not delude us into going against Allah’s Commands with impunity.

– End