Opening Sura


The 'Opening' Sura, Al-Fatihah, is recited on all occasions for prayer. It is perhaps a Muslim equivalent to the Lord’s prayer:

‘In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds;
Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
Master of the Day of Judgement,
Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
Show us the straight way,
The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose [portion] is not wrath, and who go not astray.’

(‘The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an’; 7th Ed; A. Yusuf Ali)


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