Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran, is a source of immense spiritual wealth for Muslims. Beyond its role in daily prayers, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized specific benefits and virtues associated with reciting this profound Surah.

Let’s explore some of the Prophetic traditions that highlight the extraordinary benefits of Surah Al-Fatihah.

1. The Essence of Prayer:

In one hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated, “Whoever performs a prayer and does not recite the Opening of the Book (Al-Fatihah) in it, his prayer is incomplete.” (Hadith Narrated by Imam al-Bukhari)

This emphasizes the integral role of Surah Al-Fatihah in the completeness and validity of our prayers, reinforcing its significance in every unit of Salah.

2. Al-Fatihah as a Cure:

The Prophet ﷺ described Surah Al-Fatihah as a cure. Abu Sa’id al-Khudri r.a. once reported that some of the companions went on a journey and landed at a place where a woman came to them and asked for help because their chief was bitten by a scorpion.

One of the companions then recited Surah Al-Fatihah, and the chief then regained his health. The incident was reported to the Prophet s.a.w. because they were unsure whether they could accept the reward from Ruqyah (a type of spiritual healing).

He ﷺ then said: “How did you come to know that this (Surah al-Fatihah) could be used as a Ruqyah? So distribute them (amongst those who had been present there with him) and allocate a share of mine also.” (Hadith Narrated by Imam Muslim) 

3. Surah Al-Fatihah a light from the Heavens:

Ibn ‘Abbas r.a. reported that upon hearing a sound above him, Jibril a.s. said to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “This is a gate which has been opened in the Heavens today. It was never opened before.” Then an angel descended through it, he said: “This is an angel who has come down to earth. He never came down before.” He sent greetings and said: “Rejoice with two lights given to you. Such lights were not given to any Prophet before you. These (lights) are: Fatihah-til-Kitab (Surah Al-Fatihah), and the concluding Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. You will never recite a word from them without being given the blessings it contains.” (Hadith Narrated by Imam Muslim)

4. Allah s.w.t. responds to each verse of Surah Al-Fatihah

In a Hadith Qudsi, one of the Prophet’s companions, Abu Huraira r.a. had heard the Rasulullah ﷺ declared that Allah the Exalted had said: 

I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks. 

When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. 

And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. 

And when he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified Me. and sometimes He would say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. 

And when he (the worshipper) says: You (alone) we worship and You (alone) we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. 

Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us along the Straight Path. The Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for.  (Hadith Narrated by Imam Muslim) 

In conclusion, Surah Al-Fatihah is not merely an obligatory recitation in prayer but a treasure filled with spiritual benefits as highlighted by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.