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If you have been searching for the correct Sunni tarika (method) of reciting Surah Al-Fatiha—whether for your Namaz, Du'a, or sending Isal-e-Sawab (reward to the deceased)—you have come to the right place.

Many Muslims, especially those who are not fluent in Arabic script, struggle with pronunciation. That is why this post provides a Roman English transliteration and a downloadable PDF guide.

A: Incense is cultural, not religious. It does not invalidate Fatiha, but it is not required. Focus on recitation and dua.

Fatiha (also known as Eesal-e-Sawab) is a beautiful Islamic tradition practiced by the Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat. It is a way to send the reward of good deeds (Sawab) to the souls of deceased Muslims, such as parents, relatives, friends, or the Ummah.

Many people ask, "Fatiha kaise di jati hai?" or "Fatiha ka tarika kya hai?" Below is the step-by-step Sunni method of performing Fatiha written in Roman English.

"Fatiha" refers to the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening Chapter of the Holy Quran) with the intention of conveying the reward (Sawaab) to deceased Muslims (parents, relatives, saints, or the Ummah). In the Sunni tradition (specifically the Hanafi school), this act is known as Eesaal-e-Sawaab.

The belief is that the reward of good deeds, charity, and Quran recitation can be gifted to the souls of the departed.

Fatiha dena means reciting Surah Al-Fatiha (the Opening Chapter of the Quran) and other short surahs or dhikr, then asking Allah to send the spiritual reward (sawab) to the soul of a deceased Muslim. This act is done during Qul, Chehlum, Urs, or whenever visiting graves.

Note: In mainstream Sunni Islam (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali), this is permissible when done with the right intention (niyyah). However, some Salafi/Wahhabi views consider it an innovation (bid’ah). This guide follows the traditional Sunni understanding.

Before learning the method, it is important to understand that mainstream Sunni scholars (including Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali) agree that Isaal-e-Sawab (sending rewards to the dead) is permissible. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him." (Sahih Muslim)

Fatiha falls under "righteous child praying for him," extended to any Muslim praying for another. However, the method and specificity of a gathering called "Fatiha" are cultural practices of South Asian Sunnis, supported by general principles of charity and dua.

Follow these steps for proper recitation: