Surah al-Ikhlas and Monotheism in Islam

Surah al-Ikhlas is the 112th Surah of the Quran. It gives the concept of Monotheism in Islam. Surah al-Ikhlas asserts the fact that Allah/God is the Only One truly worthy of worship. This Surah further stresses the concept of Oneness of Allah, as well as His Being and His Attributes.

Virtues and Importance of Surah al-Ikhlas

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

إِنَّهَا لَتَعْدِلُ ثُلُثَ الْقُرْآنِ

this Surah (al-Ikhlas) is equal to one-third of the Qur’an.

Reference: Bukhari 5013

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that recitation of this Surah is equivalent to the one-third of the Quran. Reciting Surah al-Ikhlas is a medium for attaining the Love of Allah.

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

Say: “He is God, the One,”

— Quran 112:1

The first verse of Surah al-Ikhlas negates partnership with Allah in every sense, whether it concerns His Self or Attributes. Being Unique is a fundamental Attribute of Allah. He is One, He has no equal.

اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ

God, the Absolute.

— Quran 112:2

The second verse signifies that Allah is the One on Whom all depend. It is Him on Whom the whole world is dependent for fulfillment of its needs, while He is in need of no one.

لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ

He begets not; nor was He begotten.

— Quran 112:3

The third verse states that Allah was not born, nor did He give birth. This verse is an answer to those polytheists and idolaters who wrongfully ascribe partners and even propose children for Him . No offspring came out of Him nor did He come out of anything.

وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

And there is nothing comparable to Him.

— Quran 112:4

The last verse proclaims the Uniqueness of Allah and His Attributes. He has no equal, and there is nothing like Him or similar to Him. There is none in the entire universe, nor ever was, nor ever can be, that is similar to Allah. Nothing and no one can even remotely resemble Him.