If one deeply reflects over Surah Fatihah, which is a subtle outline of the Holy Quran and known as the “Mother of the Book”, one will find that it encompasses in brief all the insights of the Holy Quran. As such, the chapter begins with اَلْحَمْدُ لِلہِ which means that all laudable qualities belong to Allah.
This teaches us, that all the advantages and all the benefits that one reaps in daily life springs forth from Allah alone. For when it is He who is worthy of all forms of praise, then only He can be the true Bestower of all. Otherwise, it will have to be accepted that there are certain types of praise and admiration of which He is not deserving, and this is blasphemy. Therefore, what a completely comprehensive teaching of God’s unity is contained within the words اَلْحَمْدُ لِلہِ (All praise belongs to Allah).
This teaching moves one to understand that everything in this world is bound to the servitude of God and does not possess any inherent ability to be of benefit themselves. Further, it clearly and categorically impresses on one’s mind that every benefit and advantage truly and inherently comes forth from God Almighty, because it is He alone who is worthy of all commendable attributes. Hence, give precedence to God Almighty over all benefit and advantage; there is no one other than Him who can come to your aid. If God so wills, even your own children can become enemies, and this does actually happen.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 201-202)
