The Key (Al-Fatehah)

Why do we recite it only while standing in our Contact Prayers (Salat)?

Al-Fatehah means “The Opening” or “The Key”. It forms the essence of the “prayer” portion of our Contact Prayers (Salat). The word Salat itself is derived from the root word “wasl” which means to contact or connect. Let us evaluate this connection from the time of Adam.

How was Adam created?

God tells us in the Quran

[32:7] He is the One who perfected everything He created, and started the creation of the human from clay.

[32:8] Then He continued his reproduction through a certain lowly liquid.

[32:9] He shaped him and blew into him from His spirit….

The other instance when God directly blew from His spirit is

the example of the creation of Jesus

[21:91] As for the one who maintained her virginity, we blew into her from our spirit, and thus, we made her and her son a portent for the whole world.

[66:12] Also Mary, the Amramite. She maintained her chastity, then we blew into her from our spirit….

[3:59] The example of Jesus, as far as GOD is concerned, is the same as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him, "Be," and he was.

The "equality" of the creation of Jesus and Adam is confirmed mathematically; Jesus and Adam are mentioned in the Quran the same number of times, 25 times each.

Who are we all?

We are all children of Adam

[7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness….

[7:27] O children of Adam, do not let the devil dupe you as he did when he caused the eviction of your parents from Paradise, and the removal of their garments to expose their bodies. He and his tribe see you, while you do not see them….

[7:35] O children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among you, and recite My revelations to you, those who take heed and lead a righteous life, will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

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