“Guide us to the straight path.” Chapter 1 Al Fatihah, verse 6.
This is a supplication asking Allah, the Exalted, to guide one down the path which is pleasing to Him namely, Islam. This path has also been mentioned in another verse of the Holy Quran. Chapter 4 An Nisa, verse 69:
“And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger – those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favour of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous…”
This path is none other than the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. All other paths to Allah, the Exalted, are closed except his path. In fact, the forgiveness and love of Allah, the Exalted, is not possible to obtain without following the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Chapter 3 Alee Imran, verse 31:
“Say, [O Muḥammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins…”
It is important to note, in order to follow someone down a path one must first obtain knowledge of the guide’s journey, for example, which direction they are travelling in. Without this information it is not possible to follow them. Similarly, one can only follow the path of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, after obtaining knowledge and acting on his traditions. It is the reason why obtaining this type of beneficial knowledge has been made a duty on all muslims. This is confirmed by a Hadith found in Sunan Ibn Majah, number 224.
This verse encompasses three requests. The first is for Allah, the Exalted, to show one the correct path. The second is for Allah, the Exalted, to provide them with the strength to journey down the path. And finally, it requests the protection of Allah, the Exalted, from straying off the path after setting down it. All three are important as one may discover the path but not journey down it. The one who journeys down it may eventually stray from it. Only the person who fulfils all three elements, through the mercy of Allah, the Exalted, will obtain success in this world and in the next.
This verse also reminds Muslims not to become proud of any success they obtain as it is clear that this is only possible through the guidance and mercy of Allah, the Exalted. Without this guidance success is simply not possible. This guidance is needed with every breath as it only takes one moment to fall into perdition. This is why it is important to recite this chapter and specifically this verse often. In fact, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, has declared the prayer to be defective if Chapter 1 Al Fatihah is not recited in it. This is confirmed in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 756. Chapter 3 Alee Imran, verse 8:
“[Who say], “Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”
The straight path is sincerely obeying Allah, the Exalted, by fulfilling His commands, refraining from His prohibitions and by facing destiny with patience. The one who strays off this straight path through disobedience must swiftly sincerely repent and re-join the righteous on their journey towards the presence of Allah, the Exalted, in the everlasting abode of peace and comfort. Chapter 54 Al Qamar, verse 55:
“In a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability.”
PodTafseer: Al-Fatihah – Part 6: https://youtu.be/U6DgcF5XjXc
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