Into the wild kashmir

Never think of al-Faatihah as 'just another Surah'. When you're reciting it in Salah, remember that is a conversation between you and Allah. We tend to overlook what a magnificent and beautiful Surah it actually is because we repeat it so often and it's become almost robotic in Salah. But read the following hadeeth, and always keep it mind whenever you're reciting al-Faatihah:

"Allah (the Mighty and Sublime) has said: I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.

When the servant says: All praise belongs to Allah the Rabb of all the Worlds.

Allah (Mighty and Sublime is He) says: My servant has praised Me.

And when he says: The Most Gracious the Most Merciful.

Allah (Mighty and Sublime is He) says: My servant has extolled Me.

And when he says: Master of the Day of Judgement.

Allah says: My servant has glorified Me.

And when he says: You alone do we worship and from You alone do we seek help.

He says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.

And when he says: Guide us to the Straight Path, the Path of those whom you have favored, not of those upon whom is your anger, nor of those who are astray.

He says: This is for My servant, and My servant shall have what he has asked for."

- Hadith Qudsi [Reported by Muslim, Malik, at-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah]

There is a reason why Allah has chosen this to be the opening of His book. There is a reason why it is called Ummul Qur'an. And there is a reason why is not valid without its recitation.