<P> Sūrat al - Fātiḥah ( Arabic : سُّورَةُ الْفَاتِحَة ‎ ‎ ) is the first chapter ( surah ) of the Quran . Its seven verses ( ayat ) are a prayer for the guidance , lordship and mercy of God . This chapter has an essential role in Islamic prayer ( salāt ) . The primary literal meaning of the expression `` al - Fātiḥah '' is `` The Opener , '' which could refer to this Surah being `` the opener of the Book '' ( Fātiḥat al - kitāb ) , to its being the first Surah recited in full in every prayer cycle ( rakʿah ) , or to the manner in which it serves as an opening for many functions in everyday Islamic life . Some Muslims interpret it as a reference to an implied ability of the Surah to open a person to faith in God . </P>
<P> Sūrat al - Fātiḥah ( Arabic : سُّورَةُ الْفَاتِحَة ‎ ‎ ) is the first chapter ( surah ) of the Quran . Its seven verses ( ayat ) are a prayer for the guidance , lordship and mercy of God . This chapter has an essential role in Islamic prayer ( salāt ) . The primary literal meaning of the expression `` al - Fātiḥah '' is `` The Opener , '' which could refer to this Surah being `` the opener of the Book '' ( Fātiḥat al - kitāb ) , to its being the first Surah recited in full in every prayer cycle ( rakʿah ) , or to the manner in which it serves as an opening for many functions in everyday Islamic life . Some Muslims interpret it as a reference to an implied ability of the Surah to open a person to faith in God . </P>
what is the first chapter of the quran
what is the first chapter of the quran
Sūrat al - Fātiḥah
Sūrat al - Fātiḥah