fātiḥa (Sufism Glossary)

The Fātiḥa has two sides, that is, it consists of a middle part, two introductions (muqaddima), and a rābiṭa (spiritual connection). It is open to manifest (wāḍiḥ) theophanies. Because it gathers meanings related to lordship (rubūbiyya) and ʿubūdiyya (servitude), it is called mathānī (oft-repeated). Since it contains both trial (imtiḥān) and ʿāfiya (well-being), it is called kāfiya (sufficient). Because its meanings are specific to attributes, it is sabʿ al-mathānī (the seven oft-repeated [verses]). It encompasses both the Pre-eternal (al-Qadīm, the eternal being) and also