As-Salamu `alaykum dear brother Fayis,

Thank you very much for your question.

Umm Al-Qur’an is the name given to Surat Al-Fatihah (the first Chapter of the Qur’an). Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “The Umm (substance) of the Qur’an is the seven oft-repeated verses (Al-Mathani) and is the Great Qur’an (Al-Fatihah). (Al-Bukhari)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) also reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “If anyone observes prayer in which he does not recite Umm Al-Qur'an (the mother of the Qur’an), it is deficient [he said this three times] and not complete. It was said to Abu Hurairah: At times we are behind the Imam. He said: Recite it inwardly, for he had heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) declare that Allah the Exalted had said: I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks…” (Muslim)

Imam At-Tabari (may Allah have mercy upon him) in his tafisr (explanation of the Qur’an) said, “It is called so because it contains the essence of the Qur’an.”

Surat al-Fatihah has many names such as the Opening, the Mother of the Book, the Seven Oft Repeated Verses, the Praise, and the Great Qur’an.

If you want to know more about the Surah, you can read the following topic on our website:

Introduction to Surat Al-Fatihah

We hope this answers your query.