Surah Al-Fatiha In the beautiful heart touching recitation of Sheikh Noreen Mohamed Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) Al-Fātiḥah (Arabic: الفاتحة: [al faːtiħah]; meaning: "The Opening" or "The Opener". George Sale translates simply as The Preface, or Introduction) is the first chapter (surah) of the Quran. Its seven verses are a prayer for the guidance, lordship and mercy of God. This chapter has an essential role in Salat. Quranic chapter titles are a human fabrication and are not consider