Chapter 1, Verse 1
The name of this surah (chapter), namely, al-Fātiḥah, further has the distinction of being mentioned as a prophecy in past scriptures. Thus, in Revelations 10:2-3, it is written:
‘He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices.’
The name of this sūrah and the number of verses it contains are recorded as a prophecy. Owing to the translator’s unfamiliarity with the essence of the prophecy, the Hebrew word פּתוּחַ patuaḥ[1]has been translated as a book ‘having been opened’,[2]whereas the Hebrew word Patuaḥ i.e.Fātiḥah– was mentioned as the name to be designated for this sūrah. In this prophecy, the expression ‘seven thunders uttered their voices’ actually refers to the seven verses of Sūrahal-Fātiḥah. Christian authors admit that the prophecy referring to the second advent of the Messiah [Jesus Christ] is found in the aforementioned verses of Revelations, and indeed this is an established fact. It is clear from the words of the prophecy that [the true meanings of] this sūrahwould remain sealed until the time of the advent of the Messiah. In other words, a detailed exegesis of this sūrahwould be made manifest during the era of the Promised Messiah. Therefore, it is written in Revelations that the Prophet heard a voice from the heavens, saying: ‘Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.’[3]
I have enumerated the names of Sūrahal-Fātiḥahin detail to make it clear that these names have been designated by the Holy Prophetsahimself. As proven from some of the narrations regarding the names of Sūrahal-Fātiḥah, the Holy Prophetsagave these names on the basis of revelation from Allah the Almighty.
Secondly, in listing these names, my objective is to show that they shed light on the vast and profound meanings of Sūrahal-Fātiḥah. In fact, these nine names allude to the ten subjects which are explained in Sūrahal-Fātiḥah.
In short, my objective for listing these names has been that I should draw the attention of the readers to those vast meanings that have been elucidated by the Holy Prophetsathrough them. Indeed, the names alone of a sūrah, be they nine or even a hundred, can serve no purpose if they are devoid of meaning. Undoubtedly, it is impossible for the Holy Prophetsato have stated something futile; and therefore these names, for all those who ponder over them, possess a brilliant light and perfect guidance.
[1]The Hebrew word פּתוּחַ patuah is a passive participle referring to something that is opened or open.
[2]The Koine Greek in the book of Revelation reads avoíyw anoígōwhich is a perfect passive participle meaning ‘having been opened’.
[3]The Bible, Revelations 10:4. [Publishers]
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