Before we start talking about the meanings of Al-Fatihah, something that ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya has mentioned in his books is that Allah (SWT) has revealed one hundred scriptures and four major books. The knowledge that…
The word “hamd” in the Arabic language is used for a very specific type of praise. This praise is for something which is in the control of the one who is being praised, and praise,…
We discussed a little bit about the word “hamd” and realizing that all of the good in this world comes from Allah (SWT). After this, Allah (SWT) mentions some of his names and attributes. The…
The word “Alameen” is plural of the word “Alam”, and “Alam” is a form of a noun that is used to denote a tool that is used for something. An example of this is khatim.…
Once a person has established their connection with Allah (SWT) by believing in him and acknowledging his attributes and expressing those attributes, it comes time for the slave who has recognized his master to pledge…
One of the important aspects of iyyaka na’budu is that we realize that various things will be required from us at various times, and some things will be more important than others. At any given…
“إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ” implies that the person who is saying it is yearning primarily for Allah (SWT). It is their greatest objective in life to reach Allah (SWT), and it is their greatest objective…
The last aspect of “إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ” that I would like to mention before moving on includes a pledge to remain obedient to Allah (SWT) in even the most adverse circumstances. In other words,…
The word “نَسْتَعِينُ” is derived originally from the root word “awn,” which consists of the letters “ع”,“و”, “ن”.This word is used in the Qur’an to refer to assistance that is used or given to achieve…
We pledge to Allah (SWT) that we will seek assistance from him. The best way to do that would be do follow his instructions for seeking assistance. Allah (AWJ) says in the Qur’an, “O believers,…
The second component of seeking the help of Allah (SWT) that is mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah is salah. Salah is one of the greatest means of seeking assistance from Allah (SWT), and this is why…
After going through the beginning portion of Al-Fatiha, the slave is finally ready to present a request to Allah (SWT). Because of who he is asking from and because of the occasion that has been…
We are asking Allah (SWT) to guide us as individuals and groups. It could be because the person is reciting by themselves and reciting for themselves, we could say “guide me”, but Allah (SWT) has…
We ask Allah (SWT) to guide us or take us onto the “الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ”. We spoke very briefly about the word "sirat" and its implications. This word, “مُسْتَقِيمَ”, is derived from the root “qama”. One…
In asking Allah (SWT) for “الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ”, we are acknowledging that this is a specific path. The alif and laam on “الصِّرَاطَ” and “الْمُسْتَقِيمَ” denotes that this is something specific and designate and it is…