A Tentative Guide to the Themes of the Surahs of the Qur’an

Surah al Fatiha is the greatest chapter of the Qur’an, its like is not found in the  rest of the Book or in the previous scriptures. It is a

Light that was granted to Prophet Muhammad (S) which had not been granted  to any other Prophet or Messenger before him; indeed

some of the  Salaf stated that when this chapter was revealed, Shaytãn l let out a great cry of lament.

It holds a central position in the daily Prayer hence the daily life of the Muslim.

The underlying theme, of al-Fatiha  is one of contemplation and serenity; pondering the Names and Attributes of Allah, pondering the creation , and acknowledging that He Alone deserves praise and Worship, that He Alone should be asked for help, that He Alone Should be feared and hoped in, that He Alone should be invoked, that there  is indeed a Day of Judgment, and that guidance has come to us and we are required to follow it.

It calls us to carefully scrutinise our  relationship with our Lord: are we living according to the dictates of  ‘none has the right to be worshipped save of Allah’ or not? This opening chapter, despite its brevity, calls man to fulfil the rights of Tawhid, the right that Allah has over us to worship Him Alone without any partner

A Summary of numerous Classical Commentaries of the Qur’an

at-Tabari, al-Baghawi, Az-Zamakhshari, ibn Atityyah, Ibn Jawzi, Al-Qurtubi, Ibn Qayyim, Ibn Kathir, as-Suyuti, Alusi, ash-Shawkani, as-Sa’di, ash-Shaqiti and many Others

Tafsir As-Sa’di is a straightforward, easy to read, easy to understand explanation of the meaning of Qur’anic Ayat and statements. In addition to the simplicity of Ibn Sa’di’s writing, it is also articulate and eloquent.

Consequently, for those newly acquainted with Tafsir and those new to Islam, this Tafsir provides an uncomplicated, deep and insightful comprehension into the meaning and explanation of the Qur’an.

The uniqueness of this Tafsir is in the style the Shaikh used to explain the Ayat in a way that it is similar to everyday writing, without listing the various prophetic sayings or statements of the scholars of Tafsir, which Shaikh Ibn Sa’di used as a basis of his Tafsir.