-
English_Boxer_Muhammad_Ali_Prayer_Book, page : 20
A Comment on Al-Fatiha
The Opening
First comes that beautiful Surah from the Holy Qur'an, The
Opening Chapter of seven verses, rightly called the essence of the
Book. It teaches us the perfect prayer. If we pray aright, it means
that we have some knowledge of Allah, His Attributes, His Rela-
tions to us and His Creation, which includes ourselves. If we pray
aright, we get a glimpse of the source from which we come, and
that final goal which is our spiritual destiny under Allah's True
Judgment. This is why we offer ourselves to Allah and seek His
Light.
Prayer is the heart of religion and faith, but how shall we pray?
What words shall convey the yearnings of our miserable, ignorant
hearts to the Knower of all? Is it worthy of Him, or of our spiritual
nature to ask for vanities, or even for such physical needs as our
daily bread? The Inspired One, Prophet Muhammad sg taught us
a prayer that sums up our faith, our hope, and our aspirations in
things that matter. We think in devotion of Allah's Name and His
The Opening
First comes that beautiful Surah from the Holy Qur'an, The
Opening Chapter of seven verses, rightly called the essence of the
Book. It teaches us the perfect prayer. If we pray aright, it means
that we have some knowledge of Allah, His Attributes, His Rela-
tions to us and His Creation, which includes ourselves. If we pray
aright, we get a glimpse of the source from which we come, and
that final goal which is our spiritual destiny under Allah's True
Judgment. This is why we offer ourselves to Allah and seek His
Light.
Prayer is the heart of religion and faith, but how shall we pray?
What words shall convey the yearnings of our miserable, ignorant
hearts to the Knower of all? Is it worthy of Him, or of our spiritual
nature to ask for vanities, or even for such physical needs as our
daily bread? The Inspired One, Prophet Muhammad sg taught us
a prayer that sums up our faith, our hope, and our aspirations in
things that matter. We think in devotion of Allah's Name and His