The Opening Forth - Surah Al Fatihah

In the name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Merciful

Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;

Most Gracious, Most Merciful;

Master of the Day of Judgment.

Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.

Show us the straight way,

The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

This is the first Surah/Chapter to greet the reader when he or she opens the Holy Quran.

This Surah is recited in our daily prayers, supplications and also prior to zikirs. It is said that if you recite this Surah 41 times, God willing, your wishes will be granted. It is also recommended to recite this Surah when you are ill and wish to be well.

Next week is the beginning of Ramadan, a month of abstinence, brotherhood and reflection.

May your Ramadan be blessed.

In the meantime, I'm off to explore, and we - I am Muslim and I - will be back in a month. Selamat Berpuasa and Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

DINA ZAMAN lives in Kuala Lumpur with her family.