Surah Al-Ikhlas is one of the surahs that have great merit and great reward when read, as it modifies a third of the Qur’an, and perhaps the interpretation of Surat Al-Ikhlas is one of the interpretations that clarify the oneness and greatness of Allah, as it consists of four verses that summarize the meaning of monotheism and the importance of faith, and in this article we review the virtue, importance and interpretation of this great surah.
History of Surah Al-Ikhlas
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a Quranic chapter that discusses the oneness of Allah and His supreme attributes. It has great virtues, and its recitation is equivalent to one-third of the Quran. As for the exact date, place, and reason for its revelation, there are differences in narrations and opinions among scholars and interpreters. The majority of scholars state that it was revealed in Makkah during the early years of the Prophet’s mission because it is a concise surah that emphasizes the concept of monotheism, which was the initial message of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
One of the reasons for its revelation, as narrated by Ibn Abbas, is that the Jews asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about his Lord, and in response, Allah revealed this surah to answer their question. Abu Hurairah also narrated that the polytheists asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to describe his gods, so Allah revealed this surah to clarify that there is no god but Him alone.
Reasons for the Revelation of Surah Al-Ikhlas
1- Refuting Doubts and Clarifying Theology
Surah Al-Ikhlas may have been revealed to refute the doubts and arguments raised by the polytheists in Makkah regarding the oneness of Allah and the rejection of polytheism. At that time, Makkah was filled with idols and various teachings that promoted polytheism. Surah Al-Ikhlas clarifies the fundamental creed in Islam and rejects polytheism.
2- Reinforcing Monotheism and Pure Oneness of Allah
Surah Al-Ikhlas was revealed to reinforce the oneness of Allah and emphasize that He is the One and Only without any partners. During that period, Muslims in Makkah faced conflicts and persecution, and this surah came to strengthen their faith and reinforce their conviction in Allah, the One, the All-Powerful, and the Self-Sufficient.
3- Emphasizing the Core Theological Essence of Islam
Focusing on Surah Al-Ikhlas is part of the core message of Islam, which is the oneness of Allah and the rejection of polytheism. This surah was revealed to remind Muslims of the core theological essence of Islam and reaffirm the transcendence and uniqueness of Allah, while distancing themselves from the pre-Islamic customs of idol worship.
Read also about: Tafsir of Surah Al-Falaq
The Importance of Surah Al-Ikhlas in Islam
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a very important chapter in the Quran and one of the short surahs that contain deep and fundamental meanings in Islam. It is also known as “Al-Tawhid,” which reflects its main content of affirming the oneness of Allah and His transcendence. Surah Al-Ikhlas consists of only four verses, but it carries profound meanings and great significance. Some of the key aspects highlighting the importance of Surah Al-Ikhlas are:
1- Tawhid (Monotheism)
Surah Al-Ikhlas is one of the prominent surahs that teach us about the oneness of Allah, the rejection of polytheism, and the belief that Allah is One without any partners. This surah reminds us that Allah has no equal, no beginning, and no end. He is the One and Only who deserves pure worship.
2- Warning against Shirk (Polytheism)
Surah Al-Ikhlas warns against polytheism and cautions against believing in other deities alongside Allah. It emphasizes the importance of correct belief and pure monotheism. It teaches us that polytheism is the greatest sin in Islam, and it is a sin for which Allah does not forgive.
3- Concise and Comprehensive Surah
Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas once is equivalent to reciting one-third of the entire Quran in terms of reward. This makes it a concise, comprehensive, and easily memorizable surah. Repeated recitation and contemplation of its meanings are recommended acts of worship for Muslims.
4- Directing Hearts towards Allah
Surah Al-Ikhlas reminds us that our hearts should always be inclined towards our Lord in actions and words. We should worship Allah sincerely and with utmost devotion. It encourages us to purify our hearts from any form of hidden polytheism and to cleanse ourselves from the practices of polytheists who associate partners with Allah in their worship.
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Hadiths on the Virtues of Surah Al-Ikhlas
Numerous virtues of Surah Al-Ikhlas have been mentioned, some of which are authentic and others are less authenticated. In the following points, we will review all the authentic Hadiths that highlight the virtue of Surah Al-Tawhid (Ikhlas):
- Surah Al-Ikhlas as a Attribute of the Most Merciful
Narrated Aisha: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) sent a man on a mission and when he recited Surah Al-Ikhlas in his prayer, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Ask him what prompted him to recite it.’ So they asked him, and he replied, ‘Because it describes the attributes of the Most Merciful, and I love to recite it.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Inform him that Allah loves him.'” [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
- Love for Surah Al-Ikhlas as a Love for Allah
Ibn Mas’ud said, “Whoever loves the Quran, then he loves Allah.” [Sahih]
- Entry into Paradise
Ubaidullah narrated from Thabit, who narrated from Anas: “There was a man from the Ansar who used to lead them in prayer in Quba Mosque. Whenever he started a Surah, he would recite it to them in prayer, starting with Surah Al-Ikhlas until he completed it, then he would recite another Surah along with it. He used to do this in every Rak’ah. The people mentioned this to the Prophet (peace be upon him), and they said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what makes him adhere to this Surah in every Rak’ah?’ He said, ‘Ask him.’ So they asked him, and he said, ‘I love it.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Tell him that Allah loves him.'” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
- Equal to One-Third of the Quran
In Sahih Al-Bukhari, Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri narrated that a man heard another man reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas repeatedly. In the morning, he came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and informed him about it. The man who recited it was brought to the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, it is equal to one-third of the Quran.”
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Gather, for I will recite to you one-third of the Quran.” Many people gathered, and then the Prophet (peace be upon him) came out and recited Surah Al-Ikhlas. Then he entered and said, “I told you that I would recite to you one-third of the Quran. Verily, it is equivalent to one-third of the Quran.” [Sahih Muslim]
- Protection from Evil
It is mentioned in Sahih Al-Bukhari that Aisha narrated: “Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to bed, he would recite Surah Al-Ikhlas along with Al-Mu’awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) and then blow on his hands and wipe his body as much as possible.”
- Supplication (Du’a) with Surah Al-Ikhlas is Accepted
In Abdullah bin Buraida’s narration from his father, he mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) heard a man supplicating in his prayer, saying, “O Allah! I ask You, bearing witness that there is no god but You, the One, the Self-Sufficient Master, who begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, he has supplicated to Allah with His Greatest Name, which if He is asked by, He gives, and if He is called upon by it, He answers.” [Authenticated by the Four Sunan]
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Tafsir of Surah Al-Ikhlas
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a concise and miraculous surah consisting of four verses that summarize the meanings of monotheism and belief. Whoever recites it purifies their heart and frees their mind from impurities and illusions. It begins with freeing oneself from anything other than the One, the Unique. Allah the Almighty says:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, the One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'”
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ (1) اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ (2) لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ (3) وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ (4)
“Say, ‘He is Allah, the One'” (1)
This is the name of the One who is unique in His essence, as well as His attributes, and the One who is unique in His words and actions. There is no partner with Him, and no one shares in this.
“Allah, the Eternal Refuge” (2)
As-Samad, meaning the Perfect in His attributes, the One whom creation is in need of, while He is free of need. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Master who is perfect in His dominion, the Great who is perfect in His greatness, the Noble who encompasses all types of honor and perfection. This is Allah, glorified and exalted, and this is His attribute that is befitting only for Him.”
“And there is none comparable unto Him” (3)
Meaning, He has no offspring nor parents. Allah is not a father to anyone, nor does He have a son. Exalted is He above what they attribute to Him. And Allah is not born to perish, nor is He created, but rather this verse came in response to some who attributed offspring to Him, so it refutes their falsehood and cuts off their path of fabrication.
“And there is none comparable unto Him” (4)
Meaning, He has no spouse. This verse is interpreted as Allah, glorified and exalted, having no equivalent, no likeness, and no similitude. There is no one comparable to Him in His uniqueness, eternality, and His exclusivity in His attributes, names, words, and actions.
How does Surah Al-Ikhlas Equal One-Third of the Quran?
Scholars have different interpretations regarding the Hadith that states Surah Al-Ikhlas is equivalent to one-third of the Quran. There is a question about whether this refers to the reward earned or the meanings encompassed.
- The first opinion is that Surah Al-Ikhlas equals one-third of the Quran in terms of reward. Whoever recites it will be rewarded as if they recited one-third of the Quran.
- The second opinion is that it equals one-third of the Quran in terms of the types of meanings it encompasses. This is because the Quran contains narratives and rulings related to monotheism, and Surah Al-Ikhlas concisely summarizes these aspects.
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