Tafsir - Semester 1 - Lecture 11 | Shaykh Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin | Zad Academy English

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Jazak Allah Khair. This lecture covers the book tafsir page 34 and 35 only.

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Introduction:
Introduction by the Sheikh: Praise is given to Allah, and peace is invoked upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, companions, and followers until the Day of Judgment.
Previous Lesson Recap: Last time, the lesson focused on the methodologies of Tafsir, specifically the two major categories:
Tafsir by report (Tafsir bil Ma’thūr): Explanation of the Quran based on narrations from the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.
Tafsir by opinion (Tafsir bil Ra'y): Interpretation using reasoning and Ijtihad (independent judgment).

Introduction to Surah Al-Fatihah:
Transition into Surah Al-Fatihah: This lecture covers the Tafsir of Surah Al-Fatihah, also called the Opening Chapter.
The Surah holds immense significance in the Quran. It was given to the Prophet ﷺ, unlike any revelation given to other Prophets before.

Virtues of Surah Al-Fatihah:
Hadith on the Greatest Surah:
The Prophet ﷺ told his companion, Abu Sa’id ibn al-Mu’alla, that he would teach him the greatest Surah in the Quran before leaving the mosque. He then taught him Surah Al-Fatihah, describing it as:
"The seven often-repeated verses (As-Sab' Al-Mathani) and the Great Quran that I was given" (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5006).
Surah Al-Fatihah encapsulates the essence of the Quran, as it encompasses Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah), worship, and supplication.
The Importance of Responding to Allah's Call:
Another Hadith mentioned: A companion was praying when the Prophet ﷺ called him. The companion did not respond immediately, as he was in Salah. The Prophet ﷺ reminded him of the verse:
Quran 8:24: “Respond to Allah and His Messenger when He calls you to that which gives you life."
This emphasizes the importance of being attentive to Allah's commands, even while in worship.

Names and Benefits of Surah Al-Fatihah:
Names: The Surah has several names reflecting its significance:
Al-Hamd: "The Praise, " because it starts with praising Allah.
As-Sab' Al-Mathani: "The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses."
Umm Al-Kitab (The Essence of the Book): It summarizes the Quran’s message of monotheism, worship, and guidance.
Benefits of Surah Al-Fatihah:
Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): It affirms the Lordship of Allah and His complete sovereignty.
Mercy of Allah: The Surah mentions two of Allah's most beautiful names: Ar-Rahman (The Most Compassionate) and Ar-Rahim (The Most Merciful).
Acknowledgement of the Day of Judgment: It reminds the believer of the accountability on the Day of Resurrection (Maliki Yawmid-Deen).
Exclusive Worship and Dependence on Allah: The verse "Iyyaaka na'budu wa iyyaaka nasta'een" (You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help) signifies the pure worship of Allah and reliance on Him alone for assistance.
Guidance to the Straight Path: The supplication for being guided to the Straight Path (Sirat Al-Mustaqeem) is a plea for staying on the right way as ordained by Allah, following the path of those whom Allah has favored, and avoiding the path of those who have gone astray.

Tafsir of Specific Ayahs:
Ayah 1: Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim:
This phrase is an introduction to most Surahs in the Quran (except Surah At-Tawbah).
The names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim highlight Allah’s immense and all-encompassing mercy.
Ayah 2: Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin:
All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.
This verse establishes Allah’s sovereignty over all of creation.
Ayah 3: Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim:
A repetition of Allah’s attributes of compassion and mercy. Allah’s mercy encompasses both this world and the hereafter.
Ayah 4: Maliki Yawmid-Deen:
Allah is the Master of the Day of Judgment.
This reminds the believer of accountability and justice, as everyone will be judged based on their deeds.
Ayah 5: Iyyaaka Na’budu wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een:
A declaration of pure worship for Allah alone.
It also shows the importance of seeking help from Allah in every aspect of life.
Ayah 6-7: Ihdinas Sirat Al-Mustaqeem:
The believer asks Allah for guidance on the Straight Path, the path of those blessed by Allah, and not the path of those who have incurred His anger or gone astray.

Closing Remarks:
Excellence of Surah Al-Fatihah: Surah Al-Fatihah holds a central place in the life of a Muslim. It is recited in every unit of prayer (Salah) and serves as a reminder of the key themes of Islam: Tawhid, worship, reliance on Allah, and the ultimate goal of guidance.
Next Lesson Preview: The upcoming lecture will further explore the virtues of Surah Al-Fatihah, using authentic Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and other reliable sources to delve into its deeper meanings.

This concludes the notes for Lecture 11. The Tafsir of Surah Al-Fatihah provides essential insights into monotheism, worship, and the comprehensive nature of Allah’s guidance.

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This lecture covers from ‘Surat al-Fatihah’ on page 33, until ‘The preposition li’ on page 37.
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Book: Surat al-Fatihah

It's virtues
They put this evidence here by mistake I think

It's names
- al hamd
- as sab' al-Mathani
- umm al-kitab
- umm al-quran
- al-Fatiha (most famous)

Lessons:
- His Lordship is accompanied by His vast mercy
- sovereignty belongs to Allah alone
- it exhorts people to do good

Important topics:
- praise of Allah
- Attribution of mercy
- He alone is to be worshiped / sought help from
- We should seek guidance from Allah

It is a Makki Surah

It is named like that because of the Quran opening with it, or that it was the first Surah to be revealed.

The first verse to be revealed was, "Recite in the name of your Lord who created."

The Virtues:
- it is one of two lights given to Prophet SAW
- greatest surah in the Quran
- it is the sab' al-Mathani wal Quran al-Adheem
- nothing like it in the four sacred books
- it is conversation with Allah (Hadith)
- prayer not complete without it

Verses (1-2):
- praise should be accompanied by love and veneration, and it is essential.
- praise without love and veneration can be called Madh but not Hamd
- Allah means al-Ma'luh
- li means He alone is deserving of it