Tafsîr al¬-Fâtihah

Ahmad Yasin bin Asymuni al¬-Jaruni, Tafsîr al-¬Fâtihah, 81 pages, published and interpreted to pesantren version by al-Ma’had al-Islami as-Salafi Hidayatuth Thullab of Petuk Islamic Boarding School (Pondok Pesantren Petuk), Semen Sub-district, Kediri District, no year of publication; obtained from Pondok Pesantren Petuk. [Koran Interpretation]

This book discusses the interpretation, wisdom, benefits, and the numbers contained in surat al-¬Fatihah. According to the author, the verses in holds a number of benefits: (1). Al-hamdulillâh contains 17 benefits (faidah); (2). Rabb al-‘âlamîn contains 6 benefits; (3). Al-¬Rahmân al-¬Rahîm contains 6 benefits; (4). Mâliki yawm al-dîn contains 4 benefits; (5).Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyâka nasta’în contains 7 benefits; (6). Ihdinâ al¬-shirâth al-mustaqîm contains 3 benefits; (7). Shirâth al¬-ladzîna an’amta ‘alayhim contains 3 benefits; (8). Ghayr al-maghdhûbi ‘alayhim wa lâ al-dhâllîn contains 10 benefits.

In general, the author divides the book into three parts. First, the part explaining the reasoning and rationale behind the al-Fatiha interpretation. Second, the part explaining about ‘doors’ in man that can be entered by evil. There are at least three doors, through which evil can enter from: (1). Lust, the sexuality drive in human beings which asks to be chanelled to someone other than one’s husband/wife, also known as adultery. And the devil always encourages man to commit adultery. Lust should not be killed and removed, but chanelled through husband/wife relationship, in accordance with Islamic law; (2). Ghadhab (anger). Self-control is essential for humans. Because if one is unable to control it, then lust and anger will take over and bring harm to oneself and for others; (3). Carnality. These three doors must always be vigilantly guarded so as not to give a chance for evil to get through it.

Third, The author emphasizes that al-Fatihah is a surah that contains all guidance in understanding the beginning of creation, the process of consciousness, and the final resting place man. [Mukti Ali el¬-Qum]