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SURAH 1: AL-F’ATIHA

  1-2              Reflecting upon the harmonious working of the universe, it becomes manifest that everything in it is continuously receiving means of nurture, unearned, and is, thereby, enabled to actualise its potentialities. This amazing system of Rabubiyyat begets involuntary appreciation from all discerning persons who cry out: “O Our Sustainer! You have created nothing in this universe without purpose, or for ill use” (3/189-90). These persons with knowledge and conviction are truly engaged in the Hamd of Allah (35/27-28, 9/112). 

 3           For the fulfilment of Allah’s Plan, it is necessary to render ineffective, oppressive forces which hinder development of His creation. This would result in the ushering in of a system in which no one would be subservient to another. In this system, all matters will be decided in accordance with the Divine Laws (82/18-19, 17/111, 43/84), and it is this system which must eventually and inevitably supersede all man-made systems (9/33). 

4            Such a system will be introduced by those who will declare (and also prove in practice) “We do not accept or acknowledge any authority but that of Allah, nor do we seek alliance with any system which disregards the Divine Laws.” 

5-7         When these Momineen begin life’s journey, their aspirations and yearnings rise to their lips as the prayer 

“O Allah! make that path clearly apparent to us which would lead us, without fear and danger, to our destination. Blessed nations of the past following this path achieved prosperity, happiness and eminence amongst their contemporaries (through the harnessing of the forces of nature and their utilisation in accordance with the Divine Laws) (31/20, 2/47).

 As long as these nations followed the path ordained by You, they were successful and happy. But when they changed their course they lost Your blessings (8/53), suffering disgrace and ignominy (2/61, 7/152). All their efforts and actions were rendered in vain, and, since the true path had become obscured from them, they became entangled in speculations. Sometimes, they blindly followed the antiquated ways of their ancestors (37/69-71), and, sometimes, they were misled by their baser desires (45/23). Dismayed by their goal-less journey, they deceived themselves by saying: ‘It was not Allah’s will to show us the right path’ (6/149).

O Allah! we beseech You to enable us to follow the path prescribed by You so that our end is not like those who lost their way and thus destroyed themselves. We are aware that no one can show the right path to a people who turn away from Your Guidance (61/5). At the same time, we also know that the right path is discovered only by those who strive to find it (29/69). Therefore, grant us the strength for that search.”