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Benefits of Surah Al-Ikhlas: Insights on A Powerful Chapter
Surah Ikhlas is the 112th chapter of the Holy Quran. It is the profound yet shortest Surah in the Holy Quran. There are different benefits of Surah Al-Ikhlas for every reader and listener, such as spiritual protection and comfort in hard times. It is important to remember that Surah Ikhlas has only four verses that emphasize the importance of Tawheed (oneness of Allah Almighty). It is important to explore the immense practical, theological, and spiritual benefits for Muslims worldwide.
What is Surah Al-Ikhlas?
Surah Al-Ikhlas (الإخلاص) translates into “The Purity” or “The Sincerity.” It is the 112th Surah of the Quran was revealed in Makkah. The verses of this Makki Surah are as follows:
قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
Translation:
Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begets not, nor was He begotten;
And there is none like unto Him.
Therefore, Surah Al-Ikhlas has brilliant practical and spiritual benefits while also considering the benefits of Surah Naba.
Benefits of Surah Al-Ikhlas
Surah Ikhlas Equals One-Third of the Holy Quran
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, it is equal to one-third of the Quran!” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6643]
The Holy Quran is thematically divided into Aqeedah (theology and belief), Ahkam (rulings and laws), and Qasas (parables and narratives). Therefore, Surah Ikhlas covers the entire theology section by describing who Allah Almighty is:
- Unity: “Say, He is Allah, One”
- Self-Sufficiency: “Allah, the Eternal Refuge”
- No family lineage: “He neither begets nor is born”
- No comparison: “There is nothing like Him”
Reading Surah Ikhlas once ensures the rewards of reciting one-third of the Holy Quran due to its phenomenal message. Therefore, you can read Surah Al-Ikhlas three times to leverage reading the entire Quran. It is also recommended to leverage the benefits of Surah Ad-Dukhan.
Affirmation of Tawheed (Oneness of God)
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a concise summary of Islamic monotheism, affirming that Allah Almighty is self-sufficient, eternal, and unique.
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Ikhlas is as though he has read one-third of the Quran.” [Hadith: Sahih Muslim]
This Hadith emphasizes the significance of understanding the foundation of Islam. Surah Ikhlas eliminates the misconceptions about God’s nature; He has no resemblance to the creation or humans. Allah Almighty has no need of anyone, and He has no kids, parents, or partners.
It addresses the antidote to Shirk, forming the primary Islamic belief. Muslims need to internalize this divine message to purify their Aqeedah (creed). Affirmation of the oneness of Allah Almighty is the first and primary foundation of Islamic belief.
Spiritual Shield and Protection
Divine protection is one of the spiritual benefits of Surah Al-Ikhlas, like the benefits of Surah Fath. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended the recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas alongside Surah An-Nas and Surah Al-Falaq before sleeping for spiritual safety.
“Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas three times in the evening and in the morning. They will suffice you in all respects.” [Hadith: Abu Dawood]
Love of Allah Almighty
Surah Al-Ikhlas is beloved to Allah Almighty. A familiar narration about loving this short chapter in the Quran is mentioned below:
A man would often recite Surah Al-Ikhlas in every prayer. When asked why, he replied, “Because it describes the Most Merciful, and I love to recite it.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Your love for it will admit you to Paradise.” [Hadith: Bukhari]
This hadith highlights that loving this chapter and internalizing the divine message can offer eternal rewards.
There is also another hadith mentioning the reward for those who love Surah Al-Ikhlas.
“Your love for it will admit you to Paradise.” [Sahih Bukhari 6827]
A companion would recite this chapter in every Rak’ah (unit) of the prayer. You can also understand how many rakats are in each prayer. When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was asked, he approved and said that love for Surah Ikhlas could be a reason for entering into Jannah.
It teaches Muslims about the greater rewards for ensuring the sincerity (Ikhlas) in worship. Moreover, loving Allah Almighty also leads to salvation and saves the readers through divine safety.
Ease in Worship
Surah Al-Ikhlas is an ideal chapter for recitation and memorization because of its shorter length. You can include this chapter in your daily prayer (salah) and reading before going to bed. Moreover, you can also add this Surah to your dhikr and dua routine. Making a routine of reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas offers the consistent spiritual rewards.
Ideal for Spiritual Reflection and Dhikr
The benefits of Surah Ikhlas make it an ideal choice for the daily Dhikr, focusing on the remembrance of Allah Almighty. You can read this Surah with contemplation to boost your belief system while calming your heart, particularly in times of stress and doubt.
It is good to consider the wird ot tasbeeh to leverage the advantages of Surah Al-Ikhlas just like the benefits of Surah Taha. You can read this chapter in the evening, morning, or after the daily prayers. You can reflect on each verse of Surah Al-Ikhlas, particularly “Allahus-Samad,” translating into He is enough for all.
Sunnah of Reciting Before Sleeping
The Prophet ﷺ would recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas before sleeping, then blow into his palms and wipe his body. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
This recitation practice is a strong recommendation because of Sunnah Mu’akkadah. Reading this Surah before sleeping acts as a nightly spiritual protection against anxiety, evil spirits, nightmares, or unconscious fear. Therefore, you can make a habit of the psychological reassurance and spiritual calm before sleep, which are benefits of Surah Al-Ikhlas.
Comfort during Hardships
Surah Ikhlas affirms that Allah Almighty is always there, Who is self-sufficient and not dependent on anybody. People who are struggling spiritually or emotionally can recite Surah Al-Ikhlas for inner peace and comfort.
A qualified Quran teacher helps you read this chapter ideally for spiritual grounding. This Surah has become a reminder that Allah Almighty is enough. Every Muslim can reflect on this chapter to restore their trust in Allah Almighty during the hard times.
Promote Sincerity in Faith
The meaning of Al-Ikhlas is purity or sincerity in intention. Reading and understanding this Surah purifies your belief. It also removes the hidden forms of pride, shirk, and dependence on others. The benefits of Surah Al-Ikhlas remind Muslims to rely only on Allah Almighty. Therefore, Surah Ikhlas has become a spiritual mirror allowing Muslims to refine their inner belief system.
Multiplies Rewards
Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Is any one of you unable to recite one-third of the Quran in a night?” They said, “Who among us can do that, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Say: He is Allah, the One…” [i.e., Surah Al-Ikhlas] is equivalent to one-third of the Quran. [Hadith: Bukhari]
eLearning Quran is an initiative for online learning and encourages you to recite this Surah three times, which is equal to the rewards of reading the entire Holy Quran. It means Surah Al-Ikhlas is a powerful incentive for busy believers.
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Ikhlas ten times, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.” [Musnad Ahmad]
There are enormous rewards of reading Surah Al-Ikhlas:
| Reading Times | Rewards |
| 3 Times | Rewards of reading the full Quran |
| 10 Times | A palace in Paradise (Jaannah) |
| 100 Times | Enormous spiritual upliftment |
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a perfect option for busy individuals, allowing them to leverage spiritual advantages by reciting the short chapter in a short time.
Easy to Recite and Memorize
There are only 4 ayahs in Surah Al-Ikhlas that ensure the easy recitation and memorization for new Muslims and children. Its shortness makes it a go-to Surah for prayer and useful when you are short on time and eager to gain spiritual rewards.
The best Quran memorization course allows you to quickly memorize this impactful and short chapter. Moreover, it is a practical Surah for ill or elderly people who are unable to memorize the longer chapters.
Make a Daily Habit of Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas
Surah Ikhlas has been a spiritually powerful Surah that focuses on the Tawheed, divine love, protection, and sincerity. Therefore, you can integrate this Surah into your dua, sleeping routine, reflection, morning/evening dhikr, and daily salah. Let’s learn this chapter from Mahad Al Islami Lil Banat and leverage the benefits of Surah Al-Ikhas!
FAQs
Answer: The benefits of Sura Ikhlas are affirmation of Tawheed, safety from harm, and forgiveness of sins.
Answer: It is believed that your past sins (at least 25 years) will be forgiven, except for usurping people’s properties and killing people.
Answer: Surah Ikhlas is very powerful because of its focus on Tawheed.
Answer: You can recite Surah Ikhlas in two Sunnah rakats of Fajr and Maghrib prayers.
