Surah Al-Ikhlas is a Mecca chapter of the Quran, consisting of 4 verses. It is the 112th chapter in the Mus’haf and is located in the 30th Juz. This Surah begins with a command and is known for its numerous virtues and holds a special place in Islamic teachings.
Its virtues are highlighted in numerous Hadiths, emphasizing its noble objectives, meaningful content, and immense rewards for recitation. In this article we will delve into discussing the benefits of surah Al-Ikhlas and know more about its numerous virtues:
What Are the Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas?
Surah Al-Iklas describes the attributes of the Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman) and is among the Prophet’s regular remembrances. He would recite it before going to bed, during the Witr prayer, and after every obligatory prayer. The Prophet also instructed that it should be recited along with the two Mu’awwidhat (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) after each prayer.
Additionally, the Prophet encouraged the recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas and the Mu’awwidhat three times in the morning and evening, stating that their recitation suffices a person in all matters. This makes us talk about the benefits of reciting Surah Al-Iklas:
1- Affirmation of tawheed
Surah Al-Ikhlas focuses entirely on the concept of the oneness of Allah (Tawheed), summarizing the essence of Islamic belief. Reciting and reflecting upon it strengthens faith and devotion to Allah.
Allah said:
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ [الاخلاص:1]
He is Allah, the One. [Al-Ikhlas:1]
2- Equivalent to one-third of the Quran
One of its notable virtues is that reciting it is equivalent to reading one-third of the Quran. Many hadiths highlight the importance of surah Al-Iklas. This hadith affirms this importance:
قال رسول الله ﷺ: أيعجز أحدكم أن يقرأ في ليلة ثلث القرآن؟ قالوا: كيف يقرأ ثلث القرآن؟ قال: (قل هو الله أحد) تعدل ثلث القرآن. وهذا لفظ مسلم.
The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessing be upon Him) said:”Are any of you incapable of reciting one-third of the Qur’an in one night?” They considered it burdensome and said: “O Messenger of Allah, which of us can afford to do that?” He (ﷺ) said, “Surat Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah (the) One] is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.”
3- An integral part of worship and easy to memorize
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a frequently recited chapter in daily prayers, reflecting its vital role in a Muslim’s worship and spiritual practice. Its brevity makes it easy to memorize, encouraging consistent recitation and reflection on its profound meanings.
4- Encourage a closer relationship with Allah
Surah Ikhlas highlights Allah’s attribute “As-Samad” (The Self-Sufficient One), emphasizing His independence from creation and the dependence of all beings on Him. This understanding fosters a deep reliance on Allah, especially during hardships, as believers instinctively turn to Him for help.
Recognizing His self-sufficiency strengthens faith and encourages consistent prayer and supplication, reinforcing the intimate relationship between the believer and the Creator.
5- The calming effects of surah Al-Ikhlas
The rhythmic and beautiful recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas from the Quran has a calming effect on the mind and soul, inducing a sense of peace and tranquility that makes it a preferred choice for those seeking solace. Additionally, regular recitation can alleviate anxiety and stress, providing psychological comfort and serving as a reminder of Allah’s constant presence and support.
6- A cause for God’s love
The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessing be upon Him) said: of a man who regularly recited Surah Al-Ikhlas in his prayers,”Tell him that Allah loves him.”(Narrated by Al-Bukhari).
This surah highlights Allah’s oneness and unique attributes, showing the receiver’s love and belief in Him. Regular recitation reflects sincerity and intention, leading to Allah’s love, which stems from genuine worship and connection to His words.
7- A cause for entering paradise
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said to a man who loved Surah Al-Ikhlas, “Your love for it has admitted you to Paradise.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).
This highlights that loving Surah Al-Ikhlas is not merely a passing feeling but a sincere act that brings one closer to Allah. It reflects loyalty, faith, and a deep connection to the principles of Islam, especially the concept of Tawhid (pure monotheism).
Loving this surah is considered an act that leads to entry into Paradise, as it signifies a heart devoted to Allah’s oneness and sincere worship. This love is a model of devotion, inspiring consistent recitation and a closer relationship with Allah, ultimately earning eternal reward.
8- Recited in supplication (Dua)
Surah Al-Ikhlas emphasizes Allah’s oneness, mentioning attributes like “The One” and “The Self-Sufficient Master.” Using these attributes in supplication reflects sincere monotheism, strengthens the prayer, and increases its chances of acceptance. This aligns with the concept of invoking Allah by His Greatest Name, as mentioned in the hadith:
عن عبد الله بن بريدة عن أبيه قال :
” سمع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم رجلا يدعو ، ويقول :
اللهم إني أسألك بأني أشهد أنك الله الذي لا إله إلا أنت ، الأحد الصمد ، الذي لم يلد ولم يولد ، ولم يكن له كفوا أحد ،
فقال : والذي نفسي بيده ، لقد سأل الله باسمه الأعظم ، الذي إذا دعي به أجاب ، وإذا سئل به أعطى “
قال الترمذي : حديث صحيح .
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Buraidah from his father states: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) heard a man making a supplication, saying: ‘O Allah, I ask You, as I bear witness that You are Allah, the One who has no deity but You, the Eternal, the Self-Sufficient, Who neither begets nor is begotten, and there is none comparable to Him.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, he has asked Allah by His Greatest Name, which, when invoked, He answers, and when asked by it, He gives.’”
Read more about: BENEFITS OF RECITING SURAH MULK
What Is the Miracle of Surah Al-Ikhlas?
The miracle of Surah Ikhlas lies in its profound brevity and its comprehensive articulation of the core of Islamic belief: the Oneness of God (Tawhid).
1- Conciseness and clarity
In just four short verses, Surah Ikhlas encapsulates the fundamental principle of Islam, affirming that God is One, without partners, begetting nor begotten, and unlike anything else in existence. This concise yet profound message is a testament to the Quran’s eloquence and its ability to convey profound truths in a remarkably succinct manner.
2- Addressing core beliefs
Surah Ikhlas directly addresses the fundamental concept of Tawhid, which is the cornerstone of Islamic faith. It refutes any notion of polytheism or associating partners with God, emphasizing the absolute oneness and uniqueness of the Divine Being.
3- Enduring relevance
Despite its brevity, Surah Ikhlas remains a timeless and universally relevant message. Its core message of the Oneness of God transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, resonating with seekers of truth across generations.
Read more about: Surah Yaseen benefits
What Does Surah Al-Ikhlas Protect You From?
Surah Al-Ikhlas is considered one of the greatest chapters of the Quran and holds significant virtue in reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas and the Quran regularly, protecting against evils and achieving blessings. Based on what has been mentioned in religious texts and hadith, Surah Al-Ikhlas protects from the following:
1. Protection from Harm
Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas with the two Mu’awwidhat (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) three times in the morning and evening is sufficient to protect a person from all kinds of harm, as the Prophet Muhammad said:
قال رسول الله ﷺ:”قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ وَالمُعَوِّذَتَيْنِ حِينَ تُمْسِي وَتُصْبِحُ ثَلاثَ مَرَّاتٍ تَكْفِيكَ مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ.”
“Say: ‘He is Allah, [Who is] One, and the two Mu’awwidhat when the evening comes and when the morning comes three times will be enough for you from everything.”
2- Protection During Sleep
The Prophet Muhammad used to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas along with the Mu’awwidhat before going to bed, and he would blow into his hands and wipe his body with them, thereby protecting himself from any harm or evil.
“Whenever the Prophet went to his bed, he would gather his palms, blow into them, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas, and then wipe his body as much as he could.”
3- Protection from Shirk (Polytheism)
Surah Al-Ikhlas emphasizes the Oneness of Allah and denies any form of shirk (associating partners with Allah). Regular recitation strengthens a person’s faith and protects it from deviation or falling into polytheism.
4- Protection from Fear and Anxiety
The repeated recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas brings serenity to the heart, fostering closeness to Allah and alleviating fear and anxiety. It is a source of inner peace and a reminder of Allah’s absolute power.
What Happens If You Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas?
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a powerful and revered chapter of the Qur’an, holding deep spiritual significance for Muslims, as it is frequently recited for seeking protection, earning rewards, and fostering closeness to Allah.
However, it is crucial to clarify misconceptions surrounding its recitation, particularly regarding the avoidance of innovations (Bid’ah), as adding unverified beliefs or practices to acts of worship can compromise their sincerity.
Muslims must adhere strictly to what has been authentically narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to ensure that their worship remains true to Islamic teachings without any additions or omissions.
Clarification of Misconceptions About Surah Al-Ikhlas
Most narrations promoting specific benefits of repeating Surah Al-Ikhlas a set number of times are weak or unreliable. There is no authentic evidence in Islamic teachings to support such claims, rendering them baseless, such as:
- benefits of Surah Al-Ikhlas 200 times
- benefits of Surah Al-Ikhlas for wealth
- Surah Al-Ikhlas 100 times benefits
- Surah Al-Ikhlas 10,000 times benefits
- Surah Al-Ikhlas 500 times benefits
- Surah Al-Ikhlas 1000 times benefits
- Surah Al-Ikhlas 41 times benefit
- Surah Al-Ikhlas 313 times benefits
People believe that these misconceptions reflect on their lives:
1- Repeating the Surah for Increased Sustenance or Forgiveness
Some believe that repeating Surah Al-Ikhlas a specific number of times can lead to increased sustenance or forgiveness of sins; however, the reality is that forgiveness requires sincere repentance and righteous deeds, and no specific number of repetitions guarantees such forgiveness.
2- Protection from Poverty and Safety in the Grave
Unsubstantiated claims suggest that reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas a certain number of times can protect one from poverty or ensure safety in the grave; however, there are no legitimate Islamic texts supporting these notions, and such claims lack any foundation in authentic Sunnah.
3- Healing from Diseases
It is a misconception that repeating Surah Al-Ikhlas can heal illnesses; while the Qur’an is indeed a source of spiritual and emotional healing, there is no evidence to support that repeating this surah a specific number of times guarantees physical healing.
Embrace the Power of Recitation Of Surah Al-Ikhlas
Engage with others in your community who share a passion for the teachings of Islam. Discussing the virtues and benefits of Surah Al-Ikhlas and other Quran surahs can inspire each other to deepen your understanding and commitment to this important chapter of the Quran. Whether through Quran courses or Quran recitation groups.
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Conclusion
Surah Al-Ikhlas encapsulates the essence of Tawheed, offering spiritual benefits, protection, and a closer connection with Allah. Authentic Hadiths highlight its virtues, but unfounded claims about specific repetitions should be avoided. Sincere recitation and reflection strengthen faith, enhance worship, and bring peace.
