Fatiha

American  

[fah-tee-hah] / ˈfɑ tiˌhɑ /

noun

Islam.

1. the first chapter of the Quran, recited at the beginning of every rakʿa.

---

Etymology

Origin of Fatiha

First recorded in 1820–30; from Arabic fātiḥa, fatḥa “opening, beginning,” from fataḥa “to open”

Example Sentences

Dghoughi came to the U.S. in 2012 from Morocco in search of a better education, his mother, Fatiha Haouass, told the Austin American-Statesman.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 10, 2022

She had entered the competition with her poem "This Is Me, Fatiha".

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2021

As doctors and soldiers looked on, Fuad recited the Fatiha, the opening verses of the Koran, over the body:

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2016

“We will never have the chance to read the Fatiha over our people,” he added, referring to a prayer of mourning.

From New York Times • Oct. 29, 2016

“Assalaamwalaikum. My name is Amina Khokar, and I’m going to recite surah Fatiha for you today,” I begin.

From "Amina's Voice" by Hena Khan