It is called alFaatihah  (The Opening) because the Qur'an opens with it as does the prayer, Faatihah alKitaab  (The Opening of the Book) because it is the first chapter in the Qur'an, Ummu alKitaab  (The Mother of the Book). It is also called AlHamdu   because of the first word in the second verse: AlHamdu Lillahi.. All praise be to Allah... It is also known as AsSalat  (The Prayer), and without it one's salat is considered incomplete. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) referred to it as Umm alQur'an  or "the foundation of the Qur'an itself." Its teachings aptly touch upon and summarize the entire spectrum of Islamic teachings. It is therefore essential for all Muslims to thoroughly understand the meaning of this important surah. In this treatise, author Muhammad S. Dabbas explains Surah AlFaatihat, one verse at a time, illustrating the relationship between Allah and His servants. He also goes on to address its merits and virtues. This is a short but excellent book that delivers a concise explanation of the first chapter in the Quran. - from Amzon