Surah al-Fateha

AlhamdulilLah! Mufti Ismail ibn Musa Menk outlined the significance of Surah al-Fateha, which is also known as As-Swolah. QS al-Mu’minoon 23: 1-2 states, “Successful indeed are the Believers, who are humble (khashi’un) in their prayers”.

Khashi’un comes from the root words Kha-Shiin-Ayn = Lowly, humble, submissive, still and low, to lower the eyes or voice, become lean, feign lowliness or humility in demeanour or voice or eyes, bow or bend down the head and body, be fearful.

There are many levels of khushu’, the bare minimum is to establish the 4 rukun in swolah. I’m reminded of what Ummi said about the manner in which a lover speaks to the Beloved i.e. not to rush the process of the direct communion subhan-Allah!

How can we rush it when Hadith Qudsi highlights Allah’s response to our supplication? – “Allah SWT have divided the prayer (Al-Fatehah) into two halves between Myself and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks for.

If the servant says, ‘All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of existence’, Allah says, `My servant has praised Me.'

If the servant says, ‘The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful’, Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me.'

If the servant says, ‘The Owner of the Day of Recompense’, Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me,' or `My servant has related all matters to Me.'

If the servant says, ‘You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help’, Allah says, `This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he sought.'

If the servant says, ‘Guide us to the straight path. The way of those on whom You have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray’, Allah says, `This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.' '' 

Wa-Allahu a’lam :)