Al-Fatihah 1:2
The Opener · Meccan · Juz 1 · Page 1
Praise
ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ ٢
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.
Translation: Marmaduke Pickthall
Meaning
All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all beings. He is the One who creates, sustains and nurtures the worlds.
Insight
Elmalılı explains hamd as distinct from both praise and thanks: you can admire a beautiful pearl, but you do not offer it hamd. Hamd is directed at one who does good knowingly and willingly. Thanks, by contrast, answers only a blessing already received.
Reflect
Can you offer praise for a good you hope for but have not yet received?
This short note is based on Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır’s Turkish commentary and has not yet been reviewed by a scholar.
Elmalılı’s commentary
An English translation of Elmalılı’s full commentary is coming soon. Read the original Turkish ›