Quran Garden

Welcome to an inspiring journey through Surah Al-Fatiha!  Prepare to be inspired as we dive into the heart of the Quran's opening chapter.  Together, we'll awaken our hearts, fuel our faith, and elevate our spirits.  Let's begin!

Session 8

Chapter 1

Verse 1

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

 In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Benevolent. 

From the first moment it was revealed, and through its first words, the Quran has been connected with the name of God.  In fact, the first words revealed to Prophet Muhammad were "Read! In the name of your Lord Who created" (96: Verse 1).  And, just as the Quran began its universal mission in the name of Allah, you, too, should begin reciting it the same way.

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was in the cave of حِراء Hira when Gabriel, the angel responsible for delivering the Quran, came to him for their first meeting. 

The first word of God was "Read!"

The command "read" requires the person to either have memorized something or have a text written in front of them.  But, at that moment, the Prophet had neither.  In fact, even if Muhammad had a book before him, it would have been pointless since he could not read nor write.

When جِبريل delivered God's command, "Read," the Prophet, aware of his own limitations, responded, "I cannot read." Gabriel repeated the command, and again, the Prophet replied, "I cannot read." Critics of Islam often highlight this moment to question, "How can the All-Capable God command His unlearned Messenger to read, only for him to respond, 'I cannot read'?  Isn't God's power so absolute that He merely says 'Be,' and it is?"

We reply: Yes.  God's command carries the power to make anything happen with the word "Be." Meanwhile, the Prophet's human nature led him to admit he could not read even a single word.  Yet, it was Allah's power, through the heavenly revelation of the Quran, that would transform this illiterate man into a teacher for all humankind until the Day of Resurrection.  While anyone can learn from a fellow human, Muhammad, peace be upon him, was taught directly by God.  He became a guide to the greatest scholars, who drew wisdom from him.  So, when the Prophet said, "I cannot read," God's answer came in the very next verse:

Read!  In the name of your Lord Who created, created man from a blood clot. (96:1-2)

There is a beautiful meaning behind this verse: Allah, Who created from nothing, would make you, Muhammad, able to read and deliver to people a message the likes of which the world's civilizations will fail to produce until the Day of Judgment.  God Almighty continued:

Read, for your Lord is Most Generous, Who taught by the pen.  (96:3-4)

Note that, in this Aya, God used the formula of emphasis "Most Generous." Why?  Because when another person teaches you, you learn through the mere generosity of God because He made it possible for you to learn from your peer.  But if Allah Himself is the One teaching you, Muhammad, then He is the "Most Generous" because He elevated you to the highest level.

God wants you to know that the Prophet, peace be upon him, did not recite the Quran because he had learned reading; rather, he recited it in God's name.  And, as long as he recited in the name of God, then it does not matter whether he was an educated man or not because God taught him above the standards of the entire humanity.

Likewise, you should begin reading the Quran with the name of Allah because He is the One Who allowed you to access its treasures through its revelation and recital.  He says:

Say: "If God had so wished, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you.  I lived a whole lifetime among you before it came to me.  Will you not use your intellect?" (10:16)

Here you may wonder, is the recital of the Quran the only task I am required to begin with God's name?  No: you are encouraged to begin every act in the God's name to honor His favors and bounties upon you in this universe.  For example, when you farm the land, you should begin with God's name because you did not create the land that you cultivate or the seed you sow, nor have you poured down rain for the plants to grow.  In fact, the farmer who plows and plants can be completely ignorant about the composition of the soil, the substances within each seed, and the effect of water on their interaction.  Our role in this scenario is limited to using our intellect and capabilities -which God created- to work these ingredients -which are also created by God- until the plants grow.   We have no power to coerce the earth to yield crops.  In fact, it is beyond our capability to create a single seed or sprout a single shoot.  Hence, when you begin your work with Allah's name, you acknowledge that He is the One Who has subjected the earth, the seeds, and the water to you.  In essence, you are declaring that these elements function in the name of their Creator.

God has subjected the entire universe to our benefit.  Sadly, we often fall under the misconception that we have power and autonomy in this world.  Moreover, due to the reliability and monotony by which everything functions for us, we often assume that the physical laws of cause and effect, action and reaction, are inherent properties of nature, independent of their Creator.  However, the truth is quite different.  God allows these laws to function and serve us but, if He wills, He can stop them at any time.  For example, God has subjugated some animals to our service, but not others.  A child can lead a domesticated camel or an enormous elephant, but even a strong man cannot domesticate a small snake.  If taming an animal were done through our own powers -such as our physical and intellectual advantages- then we should easily be able to domesticate a small snake or an insect.  God presents us these animals as proof, so we realize that He has subjugated what He willed and did not subjugate what He did not will.  He says,  

Do they not see the cattle, among the things We have fashioned by Our power, which they own and whom We made subservient to them, so that some of them they ride and some they eat?  (36:71-72)

You can now appreciate that the submissiveness of livestock is through their subjugation by God, not through your ability or mine.

Let's look at another example.  While scientists explain how clouds form and rain falls through the laws of physics in the atmosphere, God Almighty wants to draw our attention towards a higher power.  When there is a drought, we should realize it is not only happening through the procedures of the universe, but also through the will of the Creator.  If the universe functioned exclusively according to its procedures, what makes them ineffective at times!?  Conditions may be perfect for rain, and the forecast may call for plenty, yet no rain comes.  It is the will of Allah that is above the laws of the universe.  Therefore, everything in the world is in His name.  He is the One Who gives and withholds even in the matters where we have been given freedom of choice, as stated in the following verse: 

To God belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth.  He creates whatsoever He wills, bestows daughters on whomsoever He will, and gives sons to whom He chooses.  On some, He bestows both sons and daughters, and some He leaves barren.  He is all-knowing and all-powerful. (42:49-50)

This example reflects a familiar situation: trying to conceive a child. A perfectly healthy married couple might struggle to have children despite continually trying.  The man and woman may have all the required health attributes to conceive, and all the physical conditions for pregnancy are met, yet they fail.  Why?  Because conditions do not create a human being: Allah does.  If He wills, He allows the laws of human reproduction to work and, if He wills, He stops them.  

The lesson to take is: while you live your life through causes and effects, you should always keep in mind that the laws by which the world functions do not govern God, instead it is Him Who creates and controls them.  Hence, you should begin everything and every action with God's name.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Thank you for being part of our first session on Surah Al-Fatiha. As we wrap up, take a moment to reflect on the powerful insights we've explored.  Remember, this is just the beginning of our journey together.  Join us next time as we delve further into this sacred chapter.  Stay inspired, and see you soon!