"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, did not reveal in the Tawrah or the Injil anything like Umm Al-Quran (Al-Fatihah), which is the seven oft-recited, and (Allah said) it is divided between Myself and My slave will have what he asked for.'"
The Book of the Commencement of the Prayer - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 914
Excellence of Surah Al-Fatihah
This noble hadith establishes the unparalleled status of Surah Al-Fatihah, which Allah Almighty did not reveal in previous scriptures like the Tawrah (Torah) or Injil (Gospel) in this complete form. It is designated as "Umm Al-Quran" (Mother of the Quran) and "As-Sab' Al-Mathani" (The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses), indicating its comprehensive nature and central position in Islamic worship.
Divine Division of the Surah
The phrase "divided between Myself and My slave" refers to the unique spiritual conversation established during recitation. The first three verses are exclusively Allah's praise, while the latter verses contain the servant's supplication. When the servant recites "All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds," Allah responds: "My servant has praised Me." This divine dialogue continues throughout the surah, culminating in Allah's assurance: "This is for My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks."
Juridical Significance
Scholars derive from this hadith that recitation of Al-Fatihah is obligatory in every rak'ah of prayer. Its absence invalidates the prayer, as it constitutes the essential dialogue between Creator and creation. The hadith also emphasizes that no previous scripture contained a chapter with such comprehensive spiritual and legal significance, combining praise, acknowledgment of sovereignty, and earnest supplication in one concise passage.