“The Opening” chapter (or sura) of the Quran (called al-Fatiha) is undoubtedly the most often recited portion of revealed scripture in the world. Its impact on the psyche and soul of more than a fifth of the human family cannot be overstated. One who comes close to the meaning and import of its seven sacred verses draws near indeed to understanding the religion of Islam and the Muslim men and women who seek to follow its “straight way.” In these pages, a leading scholar of the Quran (the Muslim scripture), Dr. Ahmad Zaki Hammad, takes the English-speaking reader through the gateway of the Quran and introduces him or her to the treasure trove of vivid meanings and penetrating themes of this concise sura and the Book it opens. A pilot to The Quran: Interpretation in Context, the premier endeavor of The QuranProject, The Opening to the Quran begins with an English “Interpretation” that keeps close to the original Text of the sura. It proceeds to an “Overview” that gives a brief explanation of al-Fatiha and summarizes its background and the circumstances and chronology of its revelation. An extended “Commentary” then elaborates the seven verses of al-Fatiha and highlights their collective message in the context of the whole Quran. A chapter on the “Rules and Facts” of the sura follows, bringing to light important rules (ahkam) and aspects related to al-Fatiha in terms of its application in worship and occasions for recitation. Finally, the “Vocabulary Reference” explicates the key words of al-Fatiha, examining the Arabic and Quranic usages of each term, with references to facilitate access to a wealth of scholarly sources. The Opening to the Quran is an essential guide for any who seek a deeper understanding of “the greatest sura of the Quran,” as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once called it, and for any who seek to open up afresh to the wonderful universe of the Quran.
