ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ 2
Translations
[All] praise is [due] to Allāh, Lord of the worlds -
Transliteration
Al-hamdu lillahi rabbi al-'alamin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah expresses absolute praise and gratitude to Allah alone, acknowledging Him as the Lord and Sustainer of all creation. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, 'al-hamdu' (praise) encompasses thanksgiving for blessings and recognition of Allah's perfection, while 'rabb al-'alamin' (Lord of all worlds) emphasizes Allah's complete dominion over all realms of existence—the seen and unseen, material and spiritual. This opening statement establishes the foundation of monotheistic belief and servitude.
Revelation Context
Al-Fatihah was revealed in Mecca as a complete surah and serves as the opening chapter of the Quran. This particular ayah sets the thematic tone for the entire revelation, positioning praise of Allah and recognition of His lordship as the fundamental principle upon which all Islamic belief and practice are built.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever says Alhamdulillahi Rabbi al-Alamin (praise be to Allah, Lord of all worlds), Allah records for him and his family ten rewards.' (Tirmidhi) Additionally, the Quran itself states that the denizens of Paradise will say this very phrase (10:10).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that genuine faith begins with acknowledging Allah's absolute lordship and responding with sincere gratitude and praise for His countless blessings. In our modern lives, we should cultivate awareness of Allah's sustenance in all aspects of our existence and make gratitude a constant practice rather than a mere occasional emotion.