Muhammad Nabil Islam (American Muslim Center, Everett, MA) recites verses from Surat al-Fatiha, The Opening, and Surat al-Baqara, The Cow from the Qurʾan. These are the suras that open the Qur’an.

Listen to the recitation of verses from Surat al-Fatiha and Surat al-Baqara here, or visit the Arts of Islamic Cultures gallery to see them in calligraphic form (object record).

The selection from al-Fatiha translates: “In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy! Praise belongs to God, Lord of the Worlds, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy, Master of the Day of Judgement. It is you we worship; it is you we ask for help.Guide us to the straight path:the path of those You have blessed, those who incur no anger and who have not gone astray.”

The selection from al-Baqara translates: “Alif Lam Mim. This is the scripture in which there is no doubt, containing guidance for those who are mindful of God, who believe in the unseen, keep up the prayer, and give out of what we have provided for them; those who believe in the revelation sent down to you [Muhammad], and in what was sent before you, those who have firm faith in the Hereafter. Such people are following their Lord’s guidance and it is they who will prosper.”

Translation is adapted from M.A.S. Abdel Haleem’s translation.

Image

Calligrapher Ahmed Kâmil Akdik, page of calligraphy, Bismillah and part of the first two suras of the Quʾran, 1927. Ink and gold on paper. Helen and Alice Colburn Fund.