Al-Fatiha — The Hamd Surah
The opening: Al-Fatiha is called Surat al-Hamd — because its second verse (al-hamdu lillahi rabb al-alamin — praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds) is the opening act of praise that establishes the frame for everything that follows. Every salat begins with al-Fatiha; every rak’a begins with al-Fatiha: hamd is the gateway to Islamic worship.
Hamd and the divine names: Al-Fatiha’s hamd is immediately followed by three of Allah’s attributes: Rabb al-Alamin (Lord of the worlds), al-Rahman (the Infinitely Compassionate), al-Rahim (the Especially Merciful). Hamd flows naturally into recognition of divine attributes — to know who Allah is, is to praise.
See also: Understanding Namaz, Why The Quran, Five Pillars Of Islam, Dhikr
Hamd as Life Orientation
The phrase that covers everything: Al-hamdu lillah is said: after sneezing (and the hearer replies yarhamukallah); after eating; upon waking; after completing any task; upon receiving good or difficult news — because hamd is not limited to good news. The hadith tradition records that the Prophet said al-hamdu lillah even in difficulty — the recognition that Allah’s praiseworthiness transcends the servant’s momentary experience.
Hamd vs. shukr: Classical scholars distinguished: shukr (thanks) is specifically for benefits received from Allah; hamd is wider — it is praise for who Allah is regardless of one’s current experience. One can have shukr without hamd (if one is grateful only for the benefit, not for the Giver); but genuine hamd naturally encompasses shukr. Hamd is more fundamental.
See also: Al Taqwa, Dhikr, Al Shahadatan, Salawat On The Prophet, Al Du A
Ismaili Ta’wil of Hamd
The ta’wil of al-Fatiha: The Ismaili tradition developed an extensive ta’wil of al-Fatiha, beginning with the Basmala and the first verse of hamd. Al-hamdu lillahi rabb al-alamin: in the esoteric reading, the one who truly praises Allah recognizes the entirety of the divine lordship — including the Imam as Allah’s hujja in the world. The hamd of the mumin is a hamd that sees the divine in its fullness, including in the walayah hierarchy.
See also: Tawil Esoteric Interpretation, Understanding Walayah, Imamah, Wali Al Asr, Dai Al Mutlaq Institution
See also: Understanding Namaz, Why The Quran, Five Pillars Of Islam, Dhikr, Al Taqwa, Al Shahadatan, Salawat On The Prophet, Al Du A, Tawil Esoteric Interpretation, Understanding Walayah, Imamah, Wali Al Asr, Dai Al Mutlaq Institution