Al-Ikhlas is the 112th chapter or surah of the blessed Quran. Positioned in juz number 30, Al-Ikhlas has a total of 4 verses and is the third shortest surah in the Quran. The surah was revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) during the early stage of his residence in Mecca when detailed verses that addressed the attributes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) had not yet been revealed. The surah is a Makki/Meccan surah and deals with the attributes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Al-Ikhlas is also the title of the contents of its surah as it deals with the significant concept of Tawhid (oneness of Allah). The surahs in the Quran generally contain words after which they are titled. However, in surah Al-Ikhlas, the word Ikhlas has not been mentioned. The name is given to the surah due to its theme and subject matter. Al-Ikhlas means "sincerity." However, it is also known as the declaration of the oneness of God.
١١٢ - ٱلْإِخْلَاص
112 - Al-Ikhlas
English
Ahmed Ali
3
Surah Al-Ikhlas deals with the major concept of monotheism. Every type of idolatry and polytheism have been deemed forbidden as they do not have any place in Islam. Allah has been referred to as "Ahad" in the surah, which translates to "the One," meaning there is only one God (Allah), and it is forbidden to associate any partners with Him. The attributes of Allah's oneness have been emphasized heavily. Allah also says that He is the Lord of the throne and is so magnificent that nobody can fathom or begin to explain it. Moreover, it has also been ordered that there is no God one must worship but Allah.
Another one of Allah's flawless qualities has been mentioned in surah Al-Ikhlas – As-Samad. As-Samad is also one of Allah's 99 names. As-Samad translates to "the Eternal," "the Absolute," and "the Satisfier of Needs." Allah being As-Samad means that it is He who is eternal and the most supreme; He does not depend on anyone, nor does He need anyone. Instead, it is mankind that needs Allah. It also highlights the fact that it is only Allah who has the power to satisfy our wants and needs. He says to be, and it is! "Truly, my Lord is free from all wants and supreme in honor."
Surah al-Ikhlas also highlights how Allah is absolutely eternal. Allah is the creator of all things, and the entire universe was created by Allah alone. Therefore, practicing polytheism and associating any partners with Allah is absolutely forbidden and pointless. The surah also emphasizes the fact that there is no one like Allah. No one in the universe or any of His creations is similar to Allah or the powers he possesses. Not in His attributes, actions, or names. Allah is the most powerful, and He is One.
Surah Ikhlas is a significant surah that has been discussed in several Ahadith. Each hadith emphasizes the importance and virtue of this short surah. In summation, recitation of the surah Ikhlas has been made to equal the recitation of 1/3rd of the Quran and the preferred surah in daily salah.
Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported: A man heard another reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas repeatedly. The next morning, he came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and informed him about it as if he considered it to be of little reward. On that, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,
"By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, this Surah is equal to one-third of the Qur'an."[Al-Bukhari].
Narrated Abu Hurairah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ): The Prophet (ﷺ) recited Surat al-Kafirun, and Surat al-Ikhlas in the two (voluntary) Rak'at of the Fajr (prayer). [Reported by Muslim]
It was narrated that Ibn' Umar said (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ): "The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite in the Maghrib:
'Say: O you disbelievers!' [Al-Kafirun (109)] and 'Say: He is Allah, (the) One.'” – [Sunan Ibn Majah 833]
Surah al-Ikhlas is an impact surah. Even though it is one of the shortest surahs of the Quran, it is highly regarded by Muslims due to the important subject matter and theme it carries. It articulates the concept of Tawhid – one of the five pillars of Islam in detail, along with the flawless attributes and sovereignty of Allah.
Surah Ikhlas also warns those who worship any Lord other than Allah or any deity about the grave sins they are indulging in, as shirk has no place in Islam. It is also encouraged to recite surah al-Ikhlas regularly and reflect upon the significant message it carries.