Reciting Fatiha is an Islamic ritual where certain verses of the Quran are recited to seek blessings and convey rewards to the deceased. It is important to perform it properly so that the worship is accepted and fulfills its true purpose. Below is the detailed method of reciting Fatiha:
1. Intention (Niyyah):
Before reciting Fatiha, it is necessary to make an intention. From the heart, intend to please Allah and convey rewards to the deceased. The intention can be as follows:
"O Allah! I recite this Fatiha intending to convey its reward to (mention the deceased's name). Please accept it."
2. Place and Cleanliness:
• Fatiha should be recited while seated in a clean and pure place.
• Wear clean clothes and perform ablution (wudu).
• If possible, Fatiha can be recited at a shrine or graveyard, but it is also acceptable to do so at home.
3. Materials (Necessary Items):
Arrange food or drinks. Commonly, fruits, sweets, water, or sherbet are used for Fatiha. Keep the food clean and pure and place it in front during Fatiha.
4. Quran Recitation (Verses to Recite):
In Fatiha, the following verses are commonly recited:
3. Surah Falaq and Surah Nas: Recite Surah Falaq and Surah Nas (once each).
Surah Falaq:
Bismilla-hirrahma-nirrahim
Qul A'uzu Bi Rabbil-Falaq
Min Sharri Ma Khalaq
Wa Min Sharri Ghasiqin Iza Waqab
Wa Min Sharri Naffathati Fil Uqad
Wa Min Sharri Hasidin Iza Hasad
Surah Nas:
Bismilla-hirrahma-nirrahim
Qul A'uzu Bi Rabbin-Naas
Malikin-Naas
Ilahin-Naas
Min Sharri Waswaasil Khannaas
Allazee Yuwaswisu Fee Sudoorin-Naas
Minal Jinnati Wan-Naas
4. Durood Sharif: Recite Durood Sharif upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) three times.
Durood-e-Ibrahim (Most Common):
Allahumma Salli 'Ala Muhammadin Wa 'Ala Aali Muhammad
Kama Sallaita 'Ala Ibrahima Wa 'Ala Aali Ibrahima
Innaka Hamidum Majid
Allahumma Barik 'Ala Muhammadin Wa 'Ala Aali Muhammad
Kama Barakta 'Ala Ibrahima Wa 'Ala Aali Ibrahima
Innaka Hamidum Majid
5. Make Dua:
After recitation, pray to Allah. Ask for forgiveness for your sins and pray for the deceased to enter Paradise. The prayer can be as follows:
"O Allah! Convey the rewards of this Fatiha to (mention the deceased's name). Forgive them, grant them a place in Jannatul Firdaus, and make their grave bright and easy. Ameen."
6. Offer Fatiha Over Food:
• Place your hand over the food or keep it in front of you.
• Convey the rewards of the Quranic verses recited during Fatiha to the food or sherbet.
• Then, distribute it among people. It is not necessary to restrict it to the poor; it can also be shared with family or friends.
7. Important Points to Remember:
• Avoid showing off (Riya) in Fatiha. Do it solely for Allah's pleasure.
• During Fatiha, focus your heart and mind on Allah's remembrance.
• Do not use anything haram (forbidden), such as alcohol or impure items.
The Significance of Fatiha:
• The primary purpose of Fatiha is to convey rewards to the deceased and seek Allah's forgiveness for them.
• It acts as a bridge of rewards between us and the deceased and is a means of attaining Allah's mercy and blessings.
Conclusion:
This method of reciting Fatiha is simple and correct according to Islamic teachings. Perform it with sincerity and purity of intention. May Allah accept your worship and grant your deceased loved ones a high place in Paradise.