For the third lecture on prayer, I tried to give some comprehension to go with the minimum that a new muslim would need to learn to be able to make the full salaat in Arabic. The commentary notes on Fatihah are a straight lift from Al-Ghazali.
ISLAMIC OUTREACH - Lesson Twelve
Prayer - Words
Al-Ghazali's commentary on Fatihah
Beginning/Opening - Key to the Eight Doors of Paradise[if supportFields]>PRIVATE
Bi-smi-llahi-rrahmani-rrahim
Gives information with regard to God's essence
Attribute of mercy requires all other attributes like knowledge, power, etc. Connects with mankind, filling them with longing for God, and encouraging them to obey, unlike anger which grieves men, excites fear, and depresses the mind instead of delighting it.
Al-Hamdu-lilahi-rabb-il-alameen
Hamd - Basis of praise in gratitude, beginning of the straight path. Practical faith has 2 halves, patience and gratitude
Rabb - God's relationship to his works
Alameen - Worlds material and immaterial - worlds of knowledge
Arrahmani-rrahim
Not a repetition, but relates to phrases before and after, showing channels of mercy. Created all things perfectly and provided all it needs.
Maliki-yaumi-ddin
Indication of the meaning of the kingdom and the Master
Iyyaka-na-'abudu-wa-iyyaka-na-sta'in
Worship with sincerity.
Ihdina-ssirat-al-mustaqim
The marrow of worship
Siraat-aladzina-an'amta-aleihim-ghair-ilmaghdoubi-aleihim-wa-la-daaleen
Reminder of God's favour to friends and anger towards enemies, to give encouragement and put awe in the hearts of the people.
Fatihah contains eight of the ten divisions of the Qur'an, hence the eight doors of paradise.
Al-Ghazali's division of Quranic verses
1. Knowledge of God's essence
The most rare to find; the narrowest in scope; the most difficult to acquire; the most puzzling in thought; the furthest from discussion. Quranic references to absolute sanctity and absolute greatness.
2. Knowledge of God's attributes
Wider in scope, numerous verses describing divine knowledge, power, life, speech, wisdom, hearing, seeing, etc.
3. Knowledge of God's works
Limitless as the drops of an ocean, but the Qur'an includes the most obvious, such as the heavens, the stars, the earth, mountains, trees, animals, seas, plants, and life giving water.
4. Knowledge of the Afterlife
5. Definition of the path towards God
Supported by two matters, perseverance in remembrance of God, opposition to whatever diverts from God.
6. Definition of man's condition when attaining to God
Repose and delight of Paradise
7. Condition of those who have travelled the path to God
Stories of the prophets etc.
8. and those who denied Him and deviated from it
Stories of Pharaoh, the people of Lot, etc.
9. Unbelievers arguments against the Truth and refutations
Speaking of God in unfitting terms. "God has daughters", "God has a child", "God has partners", "God is one of three". Calling Muhammad a sorcerer or a liar
10. The bounds of legal judgements for orderly travel through material existence.
Preservation of the body through food, drink, shelter, and material wealth.
Only two divisions fall outside Fatihah - 9 and 10 - from which the sciences of theology and jurisprudence stem off. From this it becomes clear that in reality these two subjects fall into the lowest of the grades of religious sciences. It is only the love of wealth and influence obtainable by them which has raised them to a higher status.
Discuss the meaning of Ikhlas.
Along with the remaining few words of the Takbir, the Salaams etc., these words are enough for you to make a full salaat in Arabic. And may God bless all our efforts.
Astaghfirallah.