While I was praying, the Prophet (ﷺ) called me but I did not respond to his call. Later I said, "O Allah's Apostle! I was praying." He said, "Didn't Allah say: 'O you who believe! Give your response to Allah (by obeying Him) and to His Apostle when he calls you'?" (8.24) He then said, "Shall I not teach you the most superior Surah in the Qur'an?" He said, '(It is), 'Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. ' (i.e., Surat Al-Fatiha) which consists of seven repeatedly recited Verses and the Magnificent Qur'an which was given to me."
Virtues of the Qur'an - Sahih al-Bukhari 5006
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari contains profound wisdom regarding the excellence of Surah Al-Fatiha and the proper etiquette when called by the Prophet during prayer.
The Priority of Responding to the Prophet's Call
The companion's initial failure to respond during prayer demonstrates that even acts of worship do not supersede responding to the Prophet's call. This establishes the principle that obedience to the Messenger takes precedence over voluntary acts of devotion.
The Prophet's citation of Surah Al-Anfal, verse 24 emphasizes the obligation to respond immediately to both Allah and His Messenger, indicating that responding to the Prophet is equivalent to responding to Allah Himself.
The Excellence of Surah Al-Fatiha
The Prophet described Surah Al-Fatiha as "the most superior Surah in the Qur'an," indicating its unique status. This superiority stems from its comprehensive nature - containing praise, worship, and supplication.
The description "seven repeatedly recited Verses" (Sab' al-Mathani) refers to its seven verses that are recited in every rak'ah of every prayer, making it the most frequently recited portion of the Qur'an.
The phrase "the Magnificent Qur'an which was given to me" connects Surah Al-Fatiha to the entire Qur'an, suggesting it serves as both an introduction and essence of the complete revelation.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note that this hadith establishes Surah Al-Fatiha's primacy over all other chapters. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that its superiority lies in containing all fundamental Islamic doctrines: tawhid, worship, and the path to salvation.
Al-Qurtubi explains that the title "Sab' al-Mathani" indicates its seven verses contain meanings that are reiterated throughout the Qur'an, making it a comprehensive summary of Islamic teachings.
The incident also teaches important fiqh principles regarding interrupting prayer for important matters and the proper manner of educating through gentle correction rather than harsh rebuke.