Revelation of Surah al-Fatiha

Surah al-Fatiha, 'The Opening,' was among the earliest complete surahs revealed. Known as Umm al-Quran (Mother of the Quran) and Umm al-Kitab (Mother of the Book), it is the most frequently recited passage in Islam, required in every unit of prayer. It encapsulates the essence of the Quran: praise of Allah, affirmation of His sovereignty, the Day of Judgment, the plea for guidance, and the straight path. The Prophet said: 'The prayer is not valid for one who does not recite al-Fatiha.'