Al-Fâtiha, Key to the Koran, by Odile Meriam Tourki

What is Surah Al-Fatiha? Many people are still unaware that it is the first sura of the Koran, the most important. Its name comes from the root fataha which means "to open". The Fatiha was described by the Prophet (sws) himself as "Mother of the Book". Its seven verses in fact condense the expression of faith, they dispose believers to stand in all humility before the Most High, to magnify him, celebrate his mercy and to implore him to guide them step by step on the straight path. ... The Fatiha "sets the tone" of the daily ritual prayer (practicing Muslims reciting it at least 17 times a day), it "establishes the connection" between the creature and its Creator, in an effort of sincere dialogue with the One who infinitely surpasses us and gives what he wants to whom he wants. This is why it seemed to us that the Fatiha should be the guiding thread of a first exploration of the Koran. Each of the words constituting its seven verses is indeed heavily loaded with meaning, referring to essential notions for a good understanding of the Muslim religion. We have therefore looked throughout the Koran for the use of terms from the same linguistic family as those of this noble sura, in order to allow the French-speaking reader to better access their meaning.

We hope in this way to make a modest contribution to the immense work of renovation of Muslim thought which is under way today. Muslim scholars have already invested in it and others will in turn bring new insights...

About the Author: Odile-Meriam Tourki

Odile-Meriam Tourki is French. Born in 1949 in a Catholic family, she married a Muslim, then after a few years chose to enter Islam. Normalian and associate professor of physical sciences now retired, she lives in the country of her husband and her in-laws, where she has been able over the years to improve her knowledge of the Koran and the Tradition of the Prophet in contact with Muslims. .

Eager to share what she had learned, she has already published Words from the Koran for today.