Lessons from Al-Fatiha (the Opening)

Disclaimer: The takeaways from the Quran are entirely based on my understanding and interpretation, which could help me better understand the Commandments of Allah and try to implement them in my life. May Allah guide us to the straight path. Ameen! 


Gratitude to Allah

With being bestowed upon with a myriad of blessings, be it in terms of worldly pleasures or enlightenment towards learning the difference between right and wrong as per the commandments of Allah, acknowledging Allah with gratitude in every aspect of our life should deeply be ingrained as a habit (being practised multiple times a day). Whatever the case, "Alhamdulillah" should be as often as breathing. It comes from noticing and appreciating the little things in life, not only when something grand or on a fulfilment of a yearning desire but also for the things that go unnoticed to be considered as a blessing, like waking up on a brand new day, for not going to bed on an empty stomach, for having a shelter, a family, for being able enough to walk, hold the phone in hand and read and a capability to comprehend and communicate. The list would go on and on. Gratitude starts from acknowledging and appreciating everything bestowed on us in this mortal world.


Praise Allah

Glorifying Allah is an act of worship and an approach to express gratitude. He is the Lord of the worlds. The intricacies with which the world is designed, with each and every being interconnected, are evidently enough to feel the awe and wonder for the glorification of Allah. The compounding impact of minor actions and changes is evidence of the perfect planning of the Creator, deserving nothing but all the praises. Glorify Allah by praying, reciting the Quran, dhikrs, etc.

Being Consistent with Prayers

Even though Allah is all-knowing, whatever happens in the world, yet, we cannot use our communication technologies or social media as a tool to have a direct conversation with Allah. The only tool that has also been made obligatory by Him is salah. It cannot be emphasised enough that Allah's commandments have hidden wisdom behind them, some of which we are well aware of, while there are others that Allah has kept only to His knowledge. There is a wisdom behind Salah. There are theories on burnout and exhaustion; meditation is a highly recommended action; the purpose of Salah is to protect us from that, to help us relax; things which people seek outside of Salah are what they will get if they start becoming regular in their prayers. It is a direct connection with Allah, a reminder of our purpose in life, and a way to maintain spiritual discipline.

Asking Allah for Guidance

Seeking Allah’s guidance is fundamental to submitting and recognising His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through His guidance, we find clarity amidst confusion and the strength to make righteous decisions in worldly and spiritual matters. The Quran emphasises this in Surah Al-Fatihah, where we are taught to continuously pray, "Guide us to the straight path," underscoring our reliance on Allah for navigating life's complexities. By seeking guidance, we align our choices with the divine will, ensuring our actions lead to ultimate success in this life and the Hereafter. Turning to Allah fosters humility, trust, and a deeper connection to our Creator, reminding us that He is the bestower of light in moments of darkness.

Asking Allah for Help

Asking Allah for help is an expression of complete reliance and trust in Him as the ultimate source of assistance. It acknowledges our human limitations and Allah’s infinite power and wisdom. Turning to Allah in times of need reinforces the belief that no challenge is too great and no difficulty is insurmountable with His support. The Quran beautifully reassures us of this in Surah Al-Baqarah: "And seek help through patience and prayer" (2:45), reminding us that divine help is always near for those who turn to Him sincerely. By asking for His help, whether through prayer, supplication, or quiet reflection, we strengthen our bond with Allah, renew our faith, and find the courage to face life’s trials with grace and hope.

Being God-conscious

God-consciousness, or Taqwa, is the state of being constantly aware of Allah’s presence in every aspect of life. It involves aligning one’s thoughts, actions, and intentions with what pleases Allah while diligently avoiding what displeases Him. Taqwa is more than a feeling; it is a guiding principle that shapes decisions and behaviours, serving as a moral compass in personal and social contexts. This mindfulness fosters a deeper connection with Allah, reminding us of His omnipresence and our accountability to Him. As the Quran describes, those who possess Taqwa are promised success and Allah's protection, making it a cornerstone of a faithful and righteous life.

Seeking Forgiveness

Seeking forgiveness, or Istighfar is a profound act of humility and devotion that purifies the soul and brings one closer to Allah. It acknowledges human imperfection and the limitless mercy of the Creator, who loves those who sincerely repent to Him.  Regularly engaging in Istighfar cleanses our hearts of the burden of sins, renews our faith, and strengthens our bond with Allah. This practice is not limited to significant transgressions but extends to everyday moments of forgetfulness or error, making it a powerful tool for self-improvement and spiritual growth.

Accountability

Accountability in Islam begins with self-reflection—a conscious effort to evaluate one’s actions and intentions in light of Allah’s guidance. It involves pausing to ask oneself if daily choices and behaviours align with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. This regular practice fosters self-awareness and helps identify areas for improvement, encouraging a proactive approach to personal growth. By holding ourselves accountable, we cultivate sincerity in our worship and interactions, striving to correct mistakes and renew our intentions for the sake of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised this practice when he said, "Take account of yourselves before you are taken to account." This reminder underscores the importance of self-reflection in preparing for the ultimate accountability in the Hereafter.


In conclusion, by embracing practices such as gratitude, praise, prayer, seeking guidance and help, God-consciousness, forgiveness, and accountability, we strengthen our connection with Allah and align our actions with His will. These principles guide us toward a life of righteousness, helping us navigate challenges with faith and humility. May Allah grant us the strength to implement these practices and accept our efforts. Ameen.

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