Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, is a fundamental and essential component of Islamic prayers. Comprising seven verses, it is recited in every unit of the Muslim daily prayers, emphasizing its central role in worship. The Surah begins with the invocation "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim," signifying the start of seeking Allah's mercy and compassion.
The first verse acknowledges Allah as the Lord of all worlds, establishing the foundation of monotheism and expressing gratitude for His sovereignty. The subsequent verses highlight Allah's attributes, emphasizing His mercy, compassion, and role as the Master of the Day of Judgment.
The fourth verse is a supplication for guidance, affirming exclusive worship of Allah and seeking His help. It encapsulates the principle of tawhid, the oneness of God, and the reliance on divine guidance in all aspects of life.
The fifth verse pleads for guidance on the Straight Path, the path of righteousness and moral conduct. This aligns with the broader theme in the Quran of urging believers to stay on the righteous path that leads to spiritual well-being.
The sixth verse contrasts the Straight Path with the paths of those who have gone astray or earned Allah's wrath, serving as a reminder of the consequences of deviating from righteousness.
The final verse concludes with the word "Ameen," signifying agreement and acceptance of the supplications made in the Surah. This word is recited by Muslims at the end of Al-Fatiha during prayers, expressing sincerity in seeking Allah's guidance and mercy.
Beyond its role in daily prayers, Al-Fatiha holds significance in various Islamic rituals and occasions. Its verses encapsulate core beliefs, emphasizing monotheism, accountability, guidance, and submission to Allah's will. This Surah, revered for its brevity and depth, serves as a timeless source of spiritual guidance for Muslims worldwide.
https://youtu.be/6QDpuVYRv4Q?si=tF3Oydl6PZxs4L0F
Geoff and Naomi are dead, and they're depressed, but when Geoff's cat Bernie dies as well, they embark on a wild journey to find it in the underworld.
*****
When Geoff dies, alongside his girlfriend Naomi, they end up sharing an apartment in the Underworld as skeletons. But after a few years, Geoff starts suffering a mid-death crisis. What's the purpose of going through the motions as a skeleton if you can't really live? Then he gets word that his cat, Bernie, just died and he can collect him and bring him home! Geoff and Naomi hurry to get Bernie only to discover that, due to a clerical error, their cat has been lost. With the hunt for Bernie giving new purpose to Geoff's un-life, he and Naomi begin a quest to get back their cat. Battling skeleton pirates, climbing the sky ladder and facing off against the villain who took Bernie, Geoff is determined to find his purpose - or die a second time trying!
[[2018 Wattys Winner - The Originals]]
[[word count: 30,000-40,000 words]]