Salatul Fatih

Arabic, Transliteration and Translation

Video

About Salat al-Fatih

The virtues of Salat al-Fatih have been mentioned by numerous scholars and spiritual masters throughout Islamic history. One of the most detailed discussions appears in the commentary of the renowned Egyptian scholar and gnostic Shaykh Ahmad al-Sawi (d. 1241 AH/1825 CE) on the litany of his teacher, Shaykh Ahmad al-Dardir (d. 1204 AH/1786 CE), in which he relates a number of reports concerning the merits of this blessed prayer.

Shaykh Ahmad al-Sawi

Shaykh Ahmad al-Sawi writes:

Among its virtues is that whoever recites this prayer even once during his lifetime will not enter the Hellfire.

He further relates:

Some have said that a single recitation of this prayer is equal to 10,000 other prayers, while others have said 600,000.

He also reports:

Whoever recites this prayer continuously for 40 days, Allah will accept his repentance for all of his sins.

He further mentions:

Whoever recites this prayer 1000 times on the night preceding Thursday, Friday, or Monday will be gathered with the Prophet ﷺ. It should be preceded by four units of prayer in which Surah al-Qadr is recited in the first rak’ah, Surah al-Zalzalah in the second, Surah al-Kafirun in the third, and Surah al-Falaq together with Surah al-Nas in the fourth. After completing the recitation, one should burn aloeswood (‘oud). Try this, if you wish.

Sayyid Ahmad Dahlan

The virtues of Salat al-Fatih were also mentioned by Sayyid Ahmad Dahlan (d. 1304 AH/1886 CE) in his collection of prayers. He writes:

This prayer is attributed to my master, the perfect pole and noble descendant of the Prophet ﷺ, Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani. It benefits those at the beginning of the spiritual path, those progressing upon it, and those who have reached its end. Many of the gnostics have spoken of its secrets and wonders that leave minds in awe.

He further says:

Whoever recites it consistently 100 times each day will have many veils lifted from him, will receive divine lights, and will find his needs facilitated in ways known only to Allah.

Shaykh Habib Muhammad al-Haddar

Shaykh Habib Muhammad al-Haddar (d. 1418 AH/1997 CE) of the blessed city of Madinah said:

Whoever recites Salat al-Fatih 100 times on Thursday night will see the Prophet ﷺ in a dream. This has been tried and tested, praise be to Allah. Whoever recites it 100 times every day with steadfastness will have many veils lifted, will receive divine lights, and will find his needs fulfilled by the permission of Allah.

He also advised:

Whoever faces a difficulty or obstacle should perform ablution after the ‘Isha prayer, pray two units of prayer, ask Allah for openings, and recite Salat al-Fatih 10 times. They should continue this practice with perseverance until Allah grants relief.

Habib Umar bin Hafiz

Habib Umar bin Hafiz recommends reciting Salat al-Fatih 10,000 times throughout the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal.

Reported Virtues

According to the reports transmitted by the scholars cited above, the recitation of Salat al-Fatih has been associated with:

• Spiritual illumination and the lifting of veils.
• Divine lights and spiritual openings.
• Facilitation of lawful needs.
• Acceptance of repentance through sustained recitation, according to the report transmitted by Shaykh Ahmad al-Sawi.
• Being gathered with the Prophet ﷺ, according to the specific practice transmitted by Shaykh Ahmad al-Sawi.
• Seeing the Prophet ﷺ in a dream, according to the report of Habib Muhammad al-Haddar.
• Relief from difficulties and obstacles through persistent recitation.
• Numerous spiritual secrets and wonders reported by the gnostics.

Recommended Recitation

Scholars and spiritual masters have recommended the following recitations:

• For spiritual illumination and the lifting of veils: Recite 100 times each day.
• For the fulfilment of one’s needs: Recite 100 times each day.
• To see the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in a dream: Recite 100 times on the night preceding Friday (Thursday evening).
• To be gathered with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: Recite 1000 times on the night preceding Thursday, Friday, or Monday. It is traditionally recommended to precede this recitation with four units of prayer in the manner described by Shaykh Ahmad al-Sawi.
• During times of difficulty or hardship: Perform ablution after the ‘Isha prayer, pray two units of prayer, ask Allah for openings, then recite Salat al-Fatih 10 times. Continue this practice with perseverance until Allah grants relief.
• During the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal: Habib Umar bin Hafiz recommends reciting Salat al-Fatih 10,000 times throughout the month.