Surah Ikhlas is one of the most well-known Surahs of the Holy Quran, and with good reason! The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Surah Al-Ikhlas is equivalent to one-third of the Holy Quran.” Riyad As-Salihin: 1012.
Surah Al-Ikhlas was revealed during a time when the polytheists and pagans questioned Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about the authenticity of Allah. This exemplary Surah has the most profound implications despite being one of the shortest Surahs.
Another narration about this Meccan Surah states that “A man said to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that he loves Surah Al-Ikhlas to which the prophet replied that your love would admit you to heaven.” Riyad as-Salihin 1013
Surah Al-Ikhlas with English Translation
قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌۢ
- “Say, ˹O Prophet, ˺ “He is Allah—One ˹and Indivisible˺.
- Allah—the Sustainer ˹needed by all˺.
- He has never had offspring, nor was He born.
- And there is none comparable to Him.”
When we look at Surah Ikhlas in Arabic, it becomes clear that “Ikhlas” is derived from the root word “kh-l-s”, which means purified or refined. The Surah is central to the message of Islam and is the essence of the religion as it declares the oneness of Allah.
Other Names of Surah Al-Ikhlas
Surah Al-Ikhlas has various nicknames, as mentioned below:
- Surah Tawheed: Surah that declares the unification or oneness of Allāh.
- Surah Muqashkish: Surah that removes the disease, further elaborating the significance of the word “Ikhlas” and the fact that God removes shortcomings and impurities in one’s faith, such as evil desires and shirk. The same name has been given to Surah Kafirun.
- Surah Tafreed: Surah that highlights Tafreed, i.e., the individuality or aloneness of Allah. Allah is alone; there is no one like Him.
- Surah Tajreed: Surah that removes all misconceptions and purges faith. Surah Ikhlas provided all answers to the non-believers and cleared any doubts the Muslims had.
Each of the above names provides greater insight into the Surah and its role. The placement of the Surah is also of immense importance. As Surah Kafirun speaks about how Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was told to speak to the unbelievers that they do not worship whom he worships, which led to them wondering whom the Holy Prophet (PBUH) prays to, which was answered in Surah Al-Ikhlas.
Surah Ikhlas Benefits
There are many benefits of Surah Ikhlas benefits, and they will convince you to recite the Surah every day. The most notable of them are:
1. Forgiveness of Sins
One of the main benefits of Surah Ikhlas is the forgiveness of sins – Allah doesn’t return those who recite Surah Tawheed and seek Allah’s forgiveness empty-handed. Anyone who recites Surah Ikhlas regularly will benefit from Allah’s mercy. There is no better Surah for asking for forgiveness from the Lord. Hence, we must get in the habit of reciting it regularly.
2. Barakah in Livelihood
Those who recite Surah Ikhlas regularly and in abundance will see their fortune grow. Not only does the one who recites the Surah witness an increase in sustenance, but those that live near them benefit too. Hence, daily recitation of Surah Ikhlas is a source of Barakah in your livelihood.
3. Safeguards One from the Evil Eye
Although Surah Nas and Surah Falaq should be recited for safeguarding against the evil eye, Surah Ikhlas is also a known safeguard against the evil eye, magic and sorcery. By reciting the Surah every day, you can expect to lead a happier life, one that is protected from those that may wish you ill.
4. Allah (SWT) Loves the Recitation of Surah Ikhlas
If there is one benefit of reciting Surah Ikhlas, it is that God loves the one who recites the Surah. Since it is a short Surah that can be easily memorized in Arabic and English, you should be able to recite it daily to receive God’s love.
As a Muslim, you must strive towards seeking Divine love. Our life in this world is only temporary, so we must make the most of every moment to please Allah and prepare for the eternal life.
5. Perfects Our Faith
What makes Islam a perfect religion is that it acknowledges the oneness of Allah, and renewing our faith in the unity of Allah perfects our faith. With each repetition, our faith grows stronger, and we become better Muslims.
Each verse of Surah Ikhlas perfects our faith by encouraging us to accept God as He intended. We must understand that God is one, He is eternal, He is not begotten, nor does He beget, and He is incomparable. Only then can we become a Muslim or Muslimah whom He wants us to become.
Surah Tawheed covers the basics of Shahada which is why it should be recited along with the Shahada. The Surah allows us to strive towards perfecting our faith and fulfilling our basic requirements as Muslims.
Conclusion for What Is the Meaning Behind Surah Ikhlas of the Holy Quran?
As Muslims, we need to be sincere monotheists, which is why Surah Ikhlas plays a huge role in our lives. It ensures we do not mix our belief in God with other things. To be a true Muslim, we must only believe in there being one God and no other deity.
The truth is that if anything pure is mixed with even the slightest impurity, it will lose its purity. Hence, we must adhere to sincere monotheism in all our actions and beliefs, whether apparent or hidden.
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