09-29-2007, 04:22 AM
Surat Fatiha
Q. Muslims state that Quran is the word of Allah revealed to Mohamed, will Allah Say: You (Alone) we worship, And You (Alone) we ask for help. Guide us to the Straight Path? Will Allah Ask Himself and to Himself to be guided to the straight path? To whom Allah Is directing this supplication?
A. Praise be to Allah,
1st. It is very obvious how the one who raised this question is totally unaware of the Arabic language style, methods used by eloquent people, or their writing methodology. It is also clear how the one who raised the question has no clue about the aims and instructions contained in Quran which was revealed using the language of the Arabs.
2nd. Quran is an educational and instructional book that was revealed aiming to teach Muslims what to say during their Salat, and what to use while invoking upon their Lord. Allah revealed Surat Fatiha to used as a supplication and part of Salat that must be recited in each Rakaà (prayer unit). The Surah say: All praise and thanks be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds* The All-Merciful, the Mercy-giving* The Master of the Day of Recompense.
Actually, this is Allah’s statement about Himself, this is how Allah Describes Himself using those majestic and glorified adjectives. At the same time, Allah Teaches Muslims to recite during their Salah and supplication the following: ” You (Alone) we worship, And You (Alone) we ask for help.* Guide us to the Straight Path. *The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, Not (the path) of those who earned Your Anger, Nor of those who went astray.”
Thus, this Surah is seen as an educational and instructional piece from the Rub may He be Glorified and Exalted directed to His believing devotees. It is aimed that they use it during their Salah and supplication in each Raka`. This Surah contains incomparable form of eloquent, miraculous style, coupled with indepth meanings that such a brief message can not cover. In case an individual who is well versed in the Arabic language pondered and reflected upon this Surah, it shall suffice to stand as a challenge and a testimony that this Quran is revealed from Allah may He be Glorified and not the work of human beings.
The conclusion of this question, it is apparent that lacking the knowledge of Arabic language including the writing style and eloquence stand behind this inquiry. It is worth noting though, that there is a form of expression in Arabic called (Iltifaf: turning around). It means changing from the absent form to the address from and vice versa. It is used for multiple purposes including mitigating the blame, drawing the attention to the far item, bringing the scene closer to the minds, glorification or humiliation and other purposes used by the masters of the language. Thus, it is recommended for the one who raised this question to refer back and learn more about styles of the Arabic language, and forms of statements and Allah Is the Guide to success.