Al-Ihlas Chapter: Meaning, Recitation, Tafsir, and Circumstances of Revelation
Surah Al-Ihlas is an important chapter that concisely expresses the fundamental principle of Islamic belief, the concept of Tawhid (monotheism). In this article, we will examine the meaning, recitation, tafsir (interpretation), and circumstances of revelation of Surah Al-Ihlas in detail.
What is the Meaning of Surah Al-Ihlas?
What does Ihlas mean? Ihlas means to be sincere and to connect with religion wholeheartedly. How many verses are in Surah Al-Ihlas? Surah Al-Ihlas was revealed during the Meccan period and consists of 4 verses.
SURAH AL-IKHLAS (ARABIC)
Arabic Text of Surah Al-Ihlas
قُلْ هُوَ اللّٰهُ اَحَدٌۚ اَللّٰهُ الصَّمَدُۚ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْۙ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا اَحَدٌ
RECITAL OF SURAH AL-IKHLAS IN TURKISH
(Reciting the verses in Turkish is not recommended. It has been added to our site for search purposes as the verses are searched in Turkish.)
- Kul huwallahu ehad.
- Allahussamed.
- Lem yelid wa lam yuولد.
- Wa lam yekun lahu kufuven ahad.
MEANING OF SURAH AL-IKHLAS
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
- Say: He is Allah, One [Allahul Wahid].
- Allah is As-Samad (the Self-Sufficient Master).
- He begets not, nor is He begotten.
- And there is none equal to Him.
Where is Surah Al-Ihlas Recited in Prayers?
Surah Al-Ihlas can be recited as a supplementary (zamm) surah after Surah Al-Fatiha while standing (qiyam) in all prayers.
TAFSIR OF SURAH AL-IKHLAS
Allah, the Exalted, uses this chapter to clearly express the most fundamental evidences and attributes of His Oneness. Here are some important explanations regarding the tafsir of Surah Al-Ihlas:
1. Say: He is Allah, One
Allah, the Exalted, is One, unique. He is not like the Trinity (“Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”) believed by Christians. Nor is He like what the polytheists who believe in many gods believe.
The meaning of Allah being described as “One” includes: He is one; there is no second god beside Him; He is unique; He has no equal or partner; Allah is one; indivisible, not fragmented.
As Junayd al-Baghdadi (may Allah be pleased with him) stated, the Sufi’s end is like his beginning. Tawhid is a station where the mystic remains alone. This belief in Tawhid, which contains these profound meanings, forms the essence of Islam.
2. While everything is dependent on Him, He is not dependent on anything
Allah is As-Samad; He is the Being to Whom all things are indebted for their existence and continuation, and who is independent of all beings in terms of existence. This expresses His absolute power and majesty.
3. He begets not, nor is He begotten
Allah has not taken any offspring. He is neither the child of a father nor the child of a mother. For every being that is born comes into existence afterward. The Exalted Allah is eternal and primordial.
4. Nothing resembles Him
Nothing from His essence, attributes, or actions resembles Him. This emphasizes that He is unique and unparalleled.
INFORMATION ABOUT SURAH AL-IKHLAS
Surah Al-Ihlas was revealed during the Meccan period. Surah Al-Ihlas consists of 4 verses. Ihlas means “to be sincere, to connect with religion wholeheartedly.”
The chapter has more than twenty names identified in sources. One of its common names is (Kul huwallahu ehad). It is also known by names such as (As-Samad), (At-Tawhid). According to the mushaf order, it is the 112th surah, and according to the order of revelation, it is the 22nd.
The Virtue of Surah Al-Ihlas
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expressed the virtue of this chapter as follows:
- “I swear by Allah in whose hand is my soul that this surah equals one-third of the Qur’an.”
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave the glad tidings to a companion who recited Surah Al-Ihlas in every prayer: “May Allah love you and lead you to Paradise.”
Circumstances of Revelation of Surah Al-Ihlas
The polytheists asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “Tell us about the genealogy of your Lord,” whereupon Allah, the Exalted, revealed this chapter to introduce Himself.