This is known as the Opening Chapter, since it inaugurates the Book. It has several other names, including Ummu’l-Kitāb (the Mother of the Book), since it is the sum of everything that is detailed in the rest of the Book; al-Asās (The Foundation), al-Kāfiyah (the Sufficient), and also as-Sabʿ al-Mathānī (The Seven Oft-repeated Verses).
The Prophet (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) taught that: “The ṣalāh (ritual prayer) of anyone who does not recite Sūratu’l Fātiḥah is not valid,” and for this reason it is recited in each cycle (rakʿah) of every ritual prayer. The Fātiḥah is often recited for the sick, to help cure them, in the funeral prayer for the dead, and offered for both the living and dead on other occasions. In fact, Sūratu’l Fātiḥah is the most important Muslim supplication and prayer, used in every occasion of life.
The guiding principles of the Qur’ān, revealed to help mankind along the Straight Path, are summed up in this sūrah (chapter).
In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Compassionate.1, I