Surah Al Ikhlas: Meaning, Prominence, and Benefits
The 112th Surah of the holy Quran is Surah Al-Ikhlas. It is among the first few Surahs which are taught to Muslims from a young age. The Arabic term Al-Ikhlas means ‘the Sincerity’ or ‘the Purity’. The name of the Surah is in reference to the oneness of Allah, The One and only God.
Importance of Surah Al Ikhlas
Although, each and every word is written in the holy Quran is significant, some parts or chapters of the Quran are of greater significance than others. This is evident from the hadith and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad; peace and blessings be upon him. Reciting Surah Ikhlas is believed to bring rewards that are as equal to reciting one-third of the Quran.
As all the teachings of the Quran are fundamentally based on three principles, of which the first one is the oneness of God. And it is Surah Al Ikhlas that emphasizes the idea of Allah’s oneness and disapproves of idol worshiping and polytheism. One who recites Surah Al Ikhlas has improved perception and intelligence and paves way for success.
It is said that this Surah was revealed when the Arab idolators questioned the holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) on Allah’s origin, in comparison to their idol gods. In the 6th century Arabia, people invoked and worshipped idols with the belief that idols substitute for God and therefore possess divine powers. And there was another section of people who worshipped individuals whom they claimed to be the sons or daughters of God.
It is Allah's revelation in this Surah that refutes those claims and provides clarifications on the question of Divinity for Muslims.
Surah Al Ikhlas Benefits
All the chapters of the Quran have benefits for those who read them. It is because all of Allah’s verses contain wisdom and secrets, some of which are revealed to humans through the Qur’an, and hadith. This is the reason if one doesn't know the meaning of the Quran, Allah will reward those who read it. The benefits derived from reading Surah Al Ikhlas are:
1. Equal reciting one-third of the Quran
The rewards received from reciting Surah Al- Ikhlas is uniform with that of reciting one-third of the holy Quran.
2. Protection from Evil and Black Magic
One who recites Surat al-Ikhlas regularly on daily basis, every day, or after every prayer with a certain amount will be saved from black magic. This Surah will destroy evil spells and destroy black magic (magic).
3. Entail one to enter the Paradise
Whoever recites Surah Al-Ikhlas with a pure heart secures a place in heaven.
4. Forgiven sins
Memorizing Surat al-Ikhlas provides an opportunity to seek forgiveness from Allah. With recitation, the powerful words of this Surah, and Allah will make it easy for us to repent and this will be the way to be forgiven our sins.
5. Reaching goals
A person's desires and ideals are fulfilled and made a reality by Allah the Almighty. So, in order to be successful, Surat al-Ikhlas should be recited diligently.
6. Success in business
With the recitation of more and more Surah al-Ikhlas every day with full confidence, God Almighty will help us.
7. Helps to Earn God’s Love
Increasing reciting Surah al-Ikhlas is means to reach the love of Allah.
8. Eliminate poverty
Regular recitation of Surah AL-Ilkhlas eradicates poverty and brings a lot of sustenance.
Surah Al-Ikhlas is not only one of the shortest Surahs in the Quran but is also among the most memorized Surahs in the Muslim world. This Surah contains virtues that may not be found in others.