The merit of Surah Al-Fatihah

Q 1: Is Al-Fatihah (Opening Chapter of the Qur'an) the pinnacle of the Qur'an, the greatest of its Surahs and Al-Sab`-ul-Mathany (Seven Oft-recited Verses) and the Glorious Qur'an?

A: It has been authentically reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari and other books, on the authority of Abu Sa`id ibn Al-Mu`alla (may Allah be pleased with him), that he said: I was praying when the Prophet (peace be upon him) called me. I did not go to him until I had finished Salah. When I went to him, he (peace be upon him) asked, 'What prevented you from coming to me?' I said, 'I was praying.' He (peace be upon him) said, 'Did Allah not say: Answer Allâh (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) calls you to that which will give you life. ' Then he added, 'Shall I tell you of the most superior Surah in the Qur'an before I leave the Masjid (mosque)?' When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was about to go out, (Part No. 3; Page No. 136) I reminded him. He (peace be upon him) said, 'It is Al-Hamdu-Lillahi Rabbi-l-`Alamin (All praise and thanks are Allâh's, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn [mankind, jinn and all that exists]). It is Al-Sab`-ul-Mathany and the Grand Qur'an given to me. As for saying that Al-Fatihah is the pinnacle of the Qur'an, we do not know any legal evidence from the Sunnah to support this.