Meaning of Surah Al Ikhlas and Its Virtues, Muslims Must Know

Kapanlagi.com - Reading the holy verses of the Quran is one of the most recommended worship practices in Islam. In addition, memorizing short chapters of the Quran is also a requirement. This is because reading short chapters is part of the pillars of prayer. Al Ikhlas is one of the short chapters that is often recited during prayer. It is not only about memorizing, but also understanding the meaning of the Al Ikhlas chapter for Muslims.

Like other chapters in the Quran, Al Ikhlas also contains a very important meaning to be understood. Broadly speaking, the meaning of the Al Ikhlas chapter is related to the oneness of Allah SWT. Meanwhile, as we know, monotheism is one of the main and fundamental teachings in Islam. That is why it is important to understand the meaning and significance contained in the Al Ikhlas chapter.

In addition to its meaning and significance, the Al Ikhlas chapter also has its own virtues. To understand these matters, let's take a look at the following summaries from various sources.

1. Reading and Meaning of Surah Al-Ikhlas

Surah Al-Ikhlas is the 12th surah in the Quran. This surah, revealed in Makkah, consists of four verses. Therefore, Surah Al-Ikhlas is considered a relatively easy surah to memorize. Although it is easy to memorize, not many people know and understand the true meaning of Surah Al-Ikhlas. Here is the recitation and meaning of the verses in Surah Al-Ikhlas.

1. Say, "He is Allah, the One."

2. Allah is the Eternal Refuge.

3. He neither begets nor is born.

4. And there is none comparable unto Him."

2. The Virtue of Reciting Al-Ikhlas in Removing Sins

The Virtue of Reading Al Ikhlas (credit: freepik)

As mentioned earlier, Surah Al-Ikhlas is an important surah. The concept of monotheism contained in the meaning of Surah Al-Ikhlas must be understood by every Muslim. In addition, it is important to know the virtues of reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas. One of the virtues is that it can remove sins. This is mentioned in the following hadith:

"Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) entered the mosque and suddenly there was a person who had finished his prayer and was in the tashahhud. He said: 'O Allah, I ask of You that You are the One, the Self-Sufficient Master, who begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none comparable unto Him. Forgive my sins, for indeed You are the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.' Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Indeed, he has been forgiven (his sins).' He repeated this statement three times."

3. Bedtime Reading

Besides during prayer, before going to sleep is also a suitable time to read Surah Al Ikhlas. This is because it is a habit that has been directly exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This was conveyed in a hadith narrated by A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), which states:

"Indeed, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) wanted to lie down (to sleep) on his bed every night, he would gather both his palms, then he would spit a little on them while reciting the Surahs 'Qul Huwallahu Ahad' and 'Qul A'udhu bi Rabbin Naas' and 'Qul A'udhu bi Rabbil Falaq,' then (after that) he would wipe his entire body that he could reach with both his palms. He would start from his head, face, and front part of his body. He would do it three times."

4. Equivalent to One-Third of the Readings in the Quran

The Virtue of Reading Al Ikhlas (credit: freepik)

The meaning of Surah Al Ikhlas is indeed deep and important to be practiced by every Muslim. It is not surprising that this Surah has a special position. The uniqueness of Surah Al Ikhlas can be seen in its virtues. One extraordinary virtue is that reciting Surah Al Ikhlas is rewarded the same as reciting one-third of the readings in the Quran.

This is as conveyed by the Prophet Muhammad in the Hadith narrated by Abu Sa'id al Khudri Radhiyallahu 'anhu, as follows:

"Indeed, when someone hears another person reciting Surah Al Ikhlas repeatedly, then in the morning, he approaches the Prophet and tells him about it, and it seems as if the person belittles the Surah, then the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, says: 'By the One in whose hand is my soul, indeed, this Surah is equivalent to one-third of the Quran.'"

5. Becoming a Practice to Enter Heaven

Reading Surah Al Ikhlas becomes a separate practice that receives many rewards. In fact, in one of his hadiths, Prophet Muhammad mentioned that one of the virtues of reading Surah Al Ikhlas is becoming a practice to enter heaven. As stated by the Prophet in the Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu 'anhu:

"I came with Rasulullah Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam, then he heard someone reciting Surah Al Ikhlas. So Rasulullah Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: 'It is obligatory,' I asked: 'What is obligatory?' He said, "(It is obligatory for him) to enter paradise.'"

6. Providing Protection

The Virtues of Reading Al Ikhlas (credit: freepik)

The meaning of Surah Al Ikhlas must be understood by every Muslim. Because by doing so, we will also find it easier to understand its virtues. Another virtue of reading Surah Al Ikhlas is that it can provide protection. Especially when Surah Al Ikhlas is recited together with Surah Al Falaq and An Naas.

This virtue is as mentioned by the Prophet in the Hadith of Uqbah bin 'Amir al Juhani Radhiyallahu 'anhu, he said:

"When I was leading Rasulullah Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam's vehicle in a battle, suddenly he said: 'O Uqbah, say,' I listened, then he said (again): 'O Uqbah, say,' I listened. And he said it three times, then I asked: 'What did I say?' He said: 'Say 'qul huwallaahu ahad', then he recited it until the end. Then he recited 'qul a'udzu birabbil falaq', and I recited it with him until the end. Then he recited 'qul a'udzu birobbinnaas', and I recited it with him until the end. Then he said: 'No one seeks protection (from all evil) like those who seek protection with these (three surahs).'"

Those are some explanations regarding the meaning of Surah Al Ikhlas along with its virtues. Hopefully, it is beneficial and can increase knowledge and faith.

(kpl/psp)