The Quran is an ocean of knowledge and guidance for humanity. It’s very first chapter, an ardent invocation to Allah, embodies the essence of the Quran and the connection between man and his Creator. Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening of the Quran, is also referred to as Ummul-Quran (the Mother of the Quran). Indeed, Surah Al-Fatiha is so significant that without its recitation in every Rakah (cycle) of our prayers (Salat), those prayers are considered incomplete.
Therefore, Surah Al-Fatiha can be seen as a chapter enclosing the entire Quran, with the remaining chapters serving as commentaries on this exalted Surah. We must always bear in mind the profound importance of this Surah, as it holds the key, the solution, and the remedy to many seemingly insurmountable challenges, hardships, problems, and ailments. Reflect also on how, in Surah Al-Baqara, Allah declares: This is a perfect Book, containing no doubt, and it is guidance only for the “Muttaqi” (those who are pious, fear Allah and are conscious of Him).
When one becomes a Muttaqi, they strive
to please Allah in every possible way. To remain close to Allah, a believer makes
efforts to reduce his shortcomings and avoid sin. He does all that is necessary
to earn Allah’s pleasure and ensure that His message and Tawheed (Oneness)
reach as many people as possible. A Muttaqi transforms his reverential
fear of Allah into a driving force to perform as many good deeds as they can – not
for the approval of people but solely to attain Allah’s favour.
Surah Al-Fatiha is the key to righteousness and
the passport to the realm of Allah’s blessings. Comprising only seven verses,
each verse carries immense significance and impact on the life of a Muttaqi.
Let us briefly explore the meaning of each
verse of this exalted Surah. You will find a more detailed commentary in the
Al-Azim Tafsir’ul Quran and my other Friday sermons, but such is the importance
of this Surah that every one of you should take the time to sit and reflect
upon each verse and truly understand what you are asking of Allah.
With the advent of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
(as), the Promised Messiah and Mahdi of the last century, the first Messiah
sent within the Ummah of Muhammad (pbuh), and particularly with the rise of his
Promised Son, Khalifatul-Masih II and Musleh Ma’ud, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin
Mahmud Ahmad (ra), the second Caliph and Reformer, Allah enlightened them
regarding the immense significance of Surah Al-Fatiha. Through divine guidance,
the Musleh Ma’ud (ra) highlighted that the verse “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim”
is so important that it should be counted as a verse at the beginning of every
Surah of the Quran, except Surah At-Tauba, which is a continuation of Surah
Al-Anfal.
Although “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” exists
in every Quran of Islam, the majority of Muslims do not count it as a verse
that is part of the Quran, except for in Surah Al-Fatiha and Surah Al-Naml.
Nevertheless, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, particularly the
Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, regard “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” as a distinct
verse before each Surah, except Surah At-Tauba, within the Holy Quran.
This practice is not an innovation introduced
into the Holy Quran but rather a clarification. There is a significant
difference between a clarification and an innovation. The fact that the Jamaat
Ahmadiyya, following the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) and
his Promised Son Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra), considers “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim”
as a verse does not imply that the rest of the Ummah has erred in not counting
it as such. It is a matter of understanding and perception, and those blessed
with this understanding by Allah are indeed fortunate.
Thus, it is entirely permissible for an Ahmadi
Muslim, and particularly my disciples, to read the Holy Quran from other
Jamaats’ publication, especially the Sunnat-e-Jamaat, because the Arabic text
of the Quran remains the same, except for a small percentage of copies (from
the entire Ummah in the world) where different Arabic words are used. These cases
often become the focus of the enemies of Islam. However, the vast majority of
what Allah decreed to remain intact is the Quran we read, preserved through the
ages, with no errors in the original Arabic text.
Human errors may arise in certain publications
of the Quran, but once such errors are identified, they are corrected.
Unfortunately, enemies of Islam often exploit such isolated errors to malign
the (true Islamic) faith. Yet, the truth remains that the Quran in its original
Arabic is still among us today. Regardless of whether “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim”
is counted as a verse or not [speaking for the entire Ummah of Muhammad (pbuh)],
this is not a significant issue. All Muslims are required to recite “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim”
before each Surah, except for Surah At-Tauba. It is important to reflect on the
need for Muslim unity rather than division. Let us not allow such matters to
divide the Ummah or lead one Muslim to accuse another of not being a Muslim.
Remember, faith is not granted by human beings; it is a gift from Allah.
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) himself was displeased
when his companions judged the faith of others. For instance, he reprimanded
his adopted son’s son [grandson], Usama Ibn Zayd (ra), for killing someone who
had professed “La ilaha illallah” just as he was about to strike him
with his sword.
It is clear that it is not our place to judge
the faith of others. Even as the Khalifatullah of this era, I do not possess
the authority to judge another’s faith unless Allah grants me a clear
revelation that a particular person is a non-believer or hypocrite.
Muslims must be defenders of Islam and the
Quran. In today’s world, some people invent verses and add them to the Quran,
but such fabrications will have grave consequences before Allah. When the curse
of Allah befalls such people, they will realise the seriousness of forging lies
against Allah and His sacred laws and Book, the Holy Quran. As I mentioned in
my previous sermons, it is for a very specific reason that Allah revealed
verses to His noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), cancelling some and replacing them
with better ones [as you will find in Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 107]. Allah has
carefully selected, over centuries, the verses that were to be included in His
Quran, which He promised to protect until the Day of Judgement.
The preservation of the Quran is of utmost
importance. I hope that even if minor errors slip into publications of the
Al-Azim Tafsir’ul Quran, my disciples and other brothers and sisters in Islam
will point them out so they can be corrected [and not use them as points of
criticism]. Errors are human, and sometimes typos occur or certain details are
overlooked. I encourage everyone to unite in the effort to keep the Quran and
its commentary in this era free from errors, Insha-Allah.
Now let us reflect on what Allah says after
encouraging all believers to begin the recitation of the Quran and Surah Al-Fatiha
with His name and His blessed attributes, “Ar-Rahman” (The Most
Gracious) and “Ar-Rahim” (The Most Merciful).
Every Muslim must bear in mind that “Allah” is
the personal name of Allah, a name that cannot be exclusively used by anyone
else. Thus, no one can call themselves “Allah.” The name Allah literally means
the One God, without partners, and no other deities exist besides Him. No one
but Allah is worthy of worship. And it is Allah, the Rahman, who is so
filled with grace and mercy that He provides His servants with sustenance
without them even asking. For instance, Allah placed mankind on Earth, equipped
them [us] with the means for survival, and created plants, animals, and rivers
to supply provisions. He causes rain to fall, grants humans the ability to
build shelter, and provides refuge from the elements.
And Allah is Rahim (The Most Merciful),
so full of compassion that if a servant turns to Him with sincerity of heart,
He can change their destiny (whether for a man or woman, boy or girl),
transform their difficulties into ease, and grant them provisions that align
with their desires. This Rahimiyyat (attribute of mercy) varies for each
person, as it depends on the connection one has with their Creator. The closer
a person draws to Allah, and the closer Allah draws to them, the more this Rahimiyyat
intensifies. Allah responds to some of their requests and grants them what they
seek, in accordance with His divine wisdom – knowing the day, the date, and the
hour He will grant the believer’s devoted supplications. Allah tests His
servant and observes how patiently they remain faithful to Him, without losing
hope in their Duahs (prayers).
Thus, as Muslims, we seek Allah in Surah
Al-Fatiha. We seek His eternal mercies in this world and the Hereafter. We
implore Him for the spiritual guidance that He granted to nations before us,
prior to the advent of Islam. We seek Allah’s assistance to ensure we do not
fall among those who incur His wrath and His curse. Reflect upon the fact that
those who attract Allah’s anger and curse, and die in that state, are truly
doomed. Their souls will endure great torment in the Hereafter. On the other
hand, those who enrich their souls with righteousness and accept all the guides
Allah sends for the reformation of the physical and spiritual world – those
souls are indeed blessed. It is not enough to merely recognise a Messenger; a
true believer must accept and obey him to properly follow the divine messages
sent from Allah.
Many Muslims, whether born into Islam or young
converts (or reverts) who have recognised the truth of Islam and embraced it,
fail to grasp the importance of the Sunnah (traditions) of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh).
They believe the Quran alone suffices for their guidance. However, let it be
clear that Allah Himself declares in the Quran: “Wati’ullah
Wati’ur-Rasul” (Obey Allah and obey the Messenger). The prophetic
guidance of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) represents the Quran in practice. While the
Quran’s teachings are indeed present, a teacher is necessary to show us, as
Muslims, how to practically implement those commands – such as Salat (prayers),
Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). Most importantly, a
teacher is needed to help us understand the true essence of “Laa Ilaaha
Illallahu Muhammadur Rasulullah” (There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad
is His Messenger). And the teacher chosen by Allah to impart the Quran’s
teachings to others is none other than Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). Now, all
guidance remains inherently tied to the Quran and Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh).
Therefore, spiritual and prophetic guidance did
not end with Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). Yes, the guidance of divine law concluded
with him, as no further divine laws will be revealed and the Quran stands as
the final book of divine laws for all humanity until the Day of Judgement.
Here, I speak of spiritual guides who come with the Ruh’il Quddus (Holy
Spirit), walking in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh),
to restore Islam’s glory in the world. And this begins with inviting people to
the One God, Who has no partner – ALLAH.
When Allah declares Himself “Maaliki Yawmid-Din”
(Master of the Day of Judgment), He forewarns humanity that this life they are
living, which He has given them as a gift – an opportunity to strive and
ultimately attain Him as their reward – will come to an end. When they become
conscious of Allah as their Creator, Allah reminds them, reminds us all: “Reflect
carefully! Everything I have provided for you on this earth, and even your very
existence, will come to an end. And each of you, without exception, will return
to Me. So establish yourselves upon all that I command you to do, and avoid all
that I prohibit you from.”
Here, we find the wisdom of Allah and His
boundless love for humanity. Allah grants mankind ample opportunities to accept
His signs, messengers, prophets, revelations – in short, all the tools that
will bring them closer to Him so they may earn His pleasure and His immense
reward in the Hereafter. He makes it clear in the Opening Chapter, in the
Exalted Invocation, that whether one likes it or not, they will one day return
to Him (Allah), and this life on Earth is but a fleeting stay. What matters is
that mankind recognises their Creator, worships Him alone, accepts all the
guides and messages He sends, performs all the good they can to earn His
pleasure, and steers clear of Satan’s impurities. This is the very essence of
what Allah seeks from us. Yet humanity, unfortunately, often falls prey to
Satan’s temptations, allowing the delusions of this world to distract them,
causing them to forget the Hereafter and drift into ruin. But those who love
Allah, love the truth, and seek guidance from Allah to know the truth that
comes from Him – those are the ones whom Allah inspires in their hearts and
shows the straight path. Each time He sends a messenger, He reveals his
truthfulness so that they may join his ranks and strive in spreading Tawheed
(Oneness of Allah) in the world. As a result, Allah shields them from becoming
among those who have earned His wrath and gone astray from His path.
This is where I stop (for today). If we were to
delve into Surah Al-Fatiha, we would never exhaust its depths, for it is truly
a vast ocean of knowledge. I take this opportunity to wish all my disciples and
the Ummah of our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) a blessed Ramadan
Mubarak. May Allah have mercy on His faithful servants, eradicate the reign of
Satans, and grant Islam and the Muslims sovereignty in this world and in the
Hereafter. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 28 February 2025~ 28 Shabaan 1446 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius].