Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Glorious Qur`an 1: the Opening (fatihah) This initial or prefatory chapter is made up of seven verses from the period which the Prophet passed in Mecca. It was revealed after The Man Wearing a Cloak 74 and before The Flame 111. The chapter has classical expression, and is "simple in wording but full of meaning, " which eventually works into our consciousness as we repeat it dally.
This is the customary invocation used in Islamic ceremonies of all kinds, and it forms a true prayer, occupying somewhat the same place in Islam as the Lord's prayer does with Christians. The chapter is often said to contain the " essence of the Qur'an and in 15:VI it is called the " Seven Oft-Repeated Verses This chapter should be read attentively since many Islamic terms are introduced here and thus require explanation, especially as they are repeated daily by every Muslim.