Foreword

The opening chapter of the Qur’an, Sūrah al-Ḥamd—also known as Sūrah al-Fātiḥah—stands as the cornerstone of divine revelation and the essence of the Qur’anic message. In ʿAyatollah Jawādī Āmulī’s insightful Tafsīr al-Tasnīm, the profound significance of this chapter is illuminated in ways that deepen our understanding of its pivotal role in guiding humanity. The chapter, described as the Mother of the Book (Umm al-Kitāb) and The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses (al-Sabʿ al-Mathānī), encapsulates the essence of the Qur’anic teachings and serves as a comprehensive road map for spiritual wayfaring.

The Qur’an itself accords Sūrah al-Ḥamd unparalleled significance, equating it with the entirety of the Great Qur’an: “And We have certainly given you seven of the oft-repeated [verses] and the Great Qur’an” (15:87). This equivalence highlights its pivotal role in summarizing the vast ocean of Qur’anic wisdom within just seven verses. ʿAyatollah Jawādī, through his meticulous exegesis, unpacks the layers of meaning contained within this chapter, drawing from both the Qur’an and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) to reveal its spiritual, theological, and practical dimensions.

Central to Sūrah al-Ḥamd is its articulation of the three foundational principles of faith: the knowledge of the Origin (mabdaʾ), the knowledge of the Return (maʿād), and the knowledge of prophethood (risālat). These principles not only underpin the structure of this chapter but also form the basis of the Qur’anic worldview. The opening verses exalt God’s majesty and mercy, pointing to the Origin and the Creator’s attributes. The verse “Master of the Day of Judgment” highlights the concept of the Return, reminding humanity of the ultimate accountability and the reality of resurrection. The subsequent verses, which articulate servitude to God and the plea for guidance, highlight the necessity of prophethood and divine revelation as the means to traverse the Straight Path.

The spiritual depth of Sūrah al-Ḥamd lies in its dual nature as both divine speech and the voice of the wayfarer. While it is God’s revelation, it is recited from the perspective of a servant in intimate conversation with the Creator. This duality reflects the transformative journey of the believer, who, through this chapter, learns how to praise, seek assistance, and submit wholly to God. It is for this reason that Sūrah al-Ḥamd has been made an integral part of daily prayers, recited repeatedly as a reminder of humanity’s reliance on divine guidance and mercy.

ʿAyatollah Jawādī emphasizes the extraordinary status of Sūrah al-Ḥamd in both the Qur’anic and Prophetic traditions. The narrations from the Prophet (s.a.w.) and the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) extol this chapter as the greatest treasure of the Divine Throne, a cure for all ailments, and the best chapter revealed in the Qur’an. The Prophet’s statement, “If the Opening of the Book was placed on one side of the scale and the [rest of the] Qur’an was placed on [the other] side, the Opening of the Book would outweigh it seven times,” emophasizes its unparalleled value. Similarly, its designation as the Mother of the Book reflects its role as the foundation upon which the rest of the Qur’an is built.

One of the remarkable aspects of Sūrah al-Ḥamd, as highlighted in Tafsīr al-Tasnīm, is its ability to encapsulate both the grandeur of divine majesty and the intimacy of the human-divine relationship. It begins with praise for the Lord of all worlds, acknowledging His mercy and justice, and progresses to the servant’s humble plea for guidance. This transition from glorification to supplication reflects the servant’s journey from recognition of divine greatness to the realization of their own dependence on God. The verse “You [alone] do we worship, and You [alone] do we ask for help” represents the pinnacle of servitude and reliance, encapsulating the essence of Islamic monotheism.

The chapter also teaches the essential etiquette of supplication, guiding the believer on how to approach God. The progression of verses—from praise and gratitude to acknowledgment of divine authority and, finally, to the request for guidance—demonstrates the proper manner of addressing the Creator. This structure emphasizes that seeking divine assistance must be preceded by recognition of God’s majesty and an understanding of one’s own position as a servant.

The names and titles of Sūrah al-Ḥamd, as elaborated by ʿAyatollah Jawādī, further reflect its multifaceted nature. Known as The Healing (al-Shifāʾ), The Light (al-Nūr), The Sufficient (al-Kāfiya), and The Whispered Prayer (al-Munājāh), among others, these names highlight its comprehensive role in addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of humanity. Whether as a source of guidance, a cure for spiritual and moral ailments, or a means of intimate communication with God, this chapter serves as a cornerstone of faith and practice.

Moreover, Sūrah al-Ḥamd is deeply rooted in the practice of prayer, to the extent that the Prophet (s.a.w.) declared: “There is no prayer except with Fātiḥat al-Kitāb.” Its recitation in every unit of prayer underscores its centrality to Islamic worship, serving as a constant reminder of the believer’s relationship with God. The chapter’s repeated recitation fosters a continuous connection with the divine, reinforcing the principles of faith and the quest for guidance.

ʿAyatollah Jawādī also draws attention to the chapter’s coherence and internal unity. Each verse flows seamlessly into the next, creating a harmonious progression of thought and emotion. The initial verses focus on God’s attributes and authority, paving the way for the servant’s plea for guidance and support. The final verses encapsulate the believer’s ultimate aspiration—to walk the Straight Path alongside those who have been blessed by God, avoiding the paths of those who have gone astray. This coherence not only enhances the spiritual experience of reciting the chapter but also reflects the interconnectedness of its teachings.

The exegetical insights of ʿAyatollah Jawādī highlight the transformative power of Sūrah al-Ḥamd. It is not merely a chapter to be recited but a guide for spiritual growth and a means of attaining proximity to God. By internalizing its teachings, believers are invited to embark on a journey of self-purification, gratitude, and reliance on divine guidance. The chapter’s ability to address the core principles of faith while also serving as a personal supplication makes it a unique and indispensable part of the Qur’anic corpus.

In conclusion, Sūrah al-Ḥamd stands as a beacon of divine wisdom and a testament to the Qur’an’s transformative power. Through his meticulous commentary, ʿAyatollah Jawādī Āmulī has illuminated its profound significance, offering readers a deeper appreciation of its role in shaping the spiritual and moral dimensions of human life. As the gateway to the Qur’an, Sūrah al-Ḥamd invites believers to reflect on their relationship with God, seek His guidance, and strive toward the Straight Path. It is a chapter that encapsulates the essence of the Qur’anic message, serving as both a foundation of faith and a source of inspiration for the journey toward divine proximity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed translator, Alexander Khaleeli, whose skillful rendering of the text has made this profound commentary accessible to a wider audience. Our appreciation also goes to the editors and all those who have contributed their time, effort, and expertise to bring this work to fruition. Their dedication has ensured that this book, Tafsīr al-Tasnīm: Sūrah al-Ḥamd, is presented with clarity and precision, embodying the spirit of collaboration and scholarship. May this work serve as a source of enlightenment for all who seek to deepen their understanding of the Qur’an and its timeless teachings.