Riyad as-Salihin, 1009

Hadith text · Matn

عن أبي سعيد رافع بن المعلى رضي الله عنه قال ‏:‏ قال لي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏‏"‏ألا أعلمك أعظم سورة في القرآن قبل أن تخرج من المسجد‏؟‏ فأخذ بيدي ، فلما أردنا أن نخرج قلت ‏:‏ يا رسول الله إنك قلت لأعلمنك أعظم سورة في القرآن ‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏الحمد لله رب العالمين هي السبع المثاني، والقرآن العظيم الذي أوتيته ‏"‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه البخاري‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

English translation

Abu Sa'id Ar-Rafi' bin Al-Mu'alla (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Shall I teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur'an before you leave the mosque?" Then he (ﷺ), took me by the hand, and when we were about to step out, I reminded him of his promise to teach me the greatest Surah in the Qur'an. He (ﷺ) said, "It is 'Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil 'Alamin (i.e., Surat Al-Fatihah) which is As-Sab' Al-Mathani (i.e., the seven oft- repeated Ayat) and the Great Qur'an which is given to me." [Al-Bukhari].

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Book 8, Hadith 19

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadith: 1) Surat al-Fātihah is the greatest Surah in the Qur’an, for it is the Mother of the Book, and all the meanings of the Qur’an refer back to this Surah. 2) It was called the seven oft-repeated verses because it consists of seven verses, which are recited in each Rak‘ah in every prayer. 3) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) attracted his Companions’ hearts by benefiting them and teaching them in a good way. Look how he took that Companion by the hand and walked with him to the mosque’s door. Such attitude creates harmony and love.

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