Surah Al-Ikhlas in Arabic with Translation and Transliteration

Table of Contents

Surah Al-Ikhlas, also known as "The Purity" or "The Sincerity," is one of the shortest yet most profound chapters in the Quran. Comprising just four verses, this surah holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. Its brevity should not be underestimated, for within these few lines lies a profound message that encapsulates the core of Islamic faith and belief.

Surah Al-Ikhlas is the 112th chapter of the Quran and is located in the 30th Juz (section) of the holy book. It is a Meccan surah, meaning it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his early years of prophethood in the city of Mecca. This surah is part of the larger Quranic revelation and plays a pivotal role in conveying the central message of Islam.

Content of Surah Al Ikhlas

The Surah begins with the Arabic phrase "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Raheem," which translates to "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful." This phrase is a common preamble in the Quran and signifies seeking the blessings and guidance of Allah before delving into the content.

1. Verse 1 - Tawheed (Monotheism)

The first verse of Surah Al-Ikhlas boldly proclaims the essence of monotheism in Islam. It says: "Say, 'He is Allah, [Who is] One." In this verse, the oneness of Allah is emphasized. It rejects any notion of multiple gods or deities and affirms that Allah is the one and only God, unique in His essence and attributes.

2. Verse 2 - Absolute Self-Sufficiency

The second verse continues to emphasize the uniqueness of Allah: "Allah, the Eternal Refuge." This verse highlights Allah's eternal nature and His role as the ultimate refuge and source of all creation. It conveys the message that everything in the universe relies on Allah, but Allah is in need of nothing.

3. Verse 3 - Unbegotten and Unbegettable

The third verse deepens our understanding of Allah's uniqueness: "He neither begets nor is born." This negates any concept of Allah having offspring or being born Himself, rejecting any notion of a divine family or lineage. It reaffirms the transcendence of Allah beyond human attributes.

4. Verse 4 - No Equal or Equivalent

The final verse of Surah Al-Ikhlas states: "Nor is there to Him any equivalent." This verse underscores that there is nothing comparable to Allah. His attributes, power, and nature are beyond human comprehension, making Him incomparable to any created being or object.

The Key Message:

Surah Al-Ikhlas delivers a succinct but powerful message: the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah. It rejects any form of polytheism, associating partners with Allah, or attributing human-like qualities to Him. It underscores that Allah is self-sufficient, eternal, uncreated, and incomparable—a message that forms the very core of Islamic belief.

Key Themes and Teachings

1. Tawheed (Monotheism)

   Surah Al-Ikhlas serves as a cornerstone for the concept of Tawheed in Islam. Tawheed refers to the belief in the absolute oneness of Allah in His lordship, divinity, and names and attributes. This surah makes it unequivocally clear that there is no god but Allah, and He is unique in every sense.

2.Rejecting Polytheism

   By emphasizing Allah's oneness and incomparability, Surah Al-Ikhlas categorically rejects all forms of polytheism, idolatry, and the association of partners with Allah. It is a reminder to Muslims to worship Allah alone and not to deviate into shirk (associating others with Allah).

3. Simplicity and Clarity

   Surah Al-Ikhlas's brevity and simplicity make it accessible to people of all ages and levels of understanding. Its clear and concise message ensures that anyone, regardless of their knowledge or background, can grasp the fundamental concept of monotheism.

4. Theological Foundation

   This surah lays the theological foundation for the entire Islamic faith. It encapsulates the beliefs that underpin the Muslim creed and serves as a starting point for understanding Allah's nature and His relationship with His creation.

Virtues and Merits of Surah Al-Ikhlas

Surah Al-Ikhlas holds a special status within Islam, not just for its theological significance but also for the virtues attributed to its recitation and memorization. Some of the key virtues include:

1. Equal to One-Third of the Quran

   It is narrated in a hadith that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Say: He is Allah, [Who is] One' is equal to one-third of the Quran." (Tirmidhi) This indicates the immense reward and significance of reciting this surah.

2. Protection from Shirk

   Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas helps protect believers from falling into polytheism or associating partners with Allah. It reinforces the concept of Tawheed and helps maintain a pure and sincere belief in Allah.

3. Forgiveness of Sins

   It is believed that reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas sincerely can lead to the forgiveness of sins. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned that it cleanses the heart and soul when recited regularly.

4. A Key to Paradise

   The Prophet also said, "Whoever recites Surah Al-Ikhlas ten times, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise." (Ahmad) This emphasizes the spiritual and eschatological significance of this surah.

Surah Al-Ikhlas is a concise but profound chapter of the Quran that encapsulates the essence of Islamic monotheism. Its four verses serve as a powerful reminder of the oneness and uniqueness of Allah, rejecting any form of polytheism or anthropomorphism. Beyond its theological significance, the surah offers numerous virtues and rewards for its recitation, making it a beloved and cherished part of the Quran for Muslims worldwide. It is a testament to the Quran's ability to convey profound truths in the simplest of words, making its message accessible to all. Muslims are encouraged to recite and reflect upon the meaning of Surah Al-Ikhlas regularly, not only as an act of worship but also as a means of deepening their faith and connection with Allah.

If you want to listen to the recitation of Surah Al Ikhlas, please watch the video below:

If you want to read Surah Al Ikhlas, please read below:

بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

 

Yusuf Ali:
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful

Abul Ala Maududi:
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate

Muhsin Khan:
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful

Pickthall:
In The Name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful

Dr. Ghali:
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy!

Abdul Haleem:
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy!

Muhammad Junagarhi:
شروع کرتا ہوں اللہ تعالیٰ کے نام سے جو بڑا مہربان نہایت رحم واﻻ ہے

Suhel Farooq Khan:
अल्लाह के नाम से जो रहमान व रहीम है।

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Dengan nama Allah, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani.

قُلۡ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

1.    Qul huwal laahu ahad

Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One,

 

Yusuf Ali:
Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;

Abul Ala Maududi:
Say: “He is Allah, the One and Unique;

Muhsin Khan:
Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)): “He is Allah, (the) One.

Pickthall:
Say, “He is Allah, The Only One,

Dr. Ghali:
Say, ‘He is God the One,

Abdul Haleem:
Say [Prophet], ‘I seek refuge with the Lord of daybreak

Muhammad Junagarhi:
آپ کہہ دیجئے کہ وه اللہ تعالیٰ ایک (ہی) ہے

Suhel Farooq Khan:
(ऐ रसूल) तुम कह दो कि ख़ुदा एक है

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad): “(Tuhanku) ialah Allah Yang Maha Esa;

ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ

2.    Allah hus-samad

Allah, the Eternal Refuge.

 

Yusuf Ali:
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;

Abul Ala Maududi:
Allah, Who is in need of none and of Whom all are in need;

Muhsin Khan:
“Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks).

Pickthall:
Allah, The Everlasting Sovereign (The Arabic word is sometimes taken to mean all that is mentioned in verses 3 and 4).

Dr. Ghali:
God the eternal.

Abdul Haleem:
against the harm in what He has created,

Muhammad Junagarhi:
اللہ تعالیٰ بے نیاز ہے

Suhel Farooq Khan:
ख़ुदा बरहक़ बेनियाज़ है

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
“Allah Yang menjadi tumpuan sekalian makhluk untuk memohon sebarang hajat;

لَمۡ يَلِدۡ وَلَمۡ يُولَدۡ

3.    Lam yalid wa lam yoolad

He neither begets nor is born,

 

Yusuf Ali:
He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;

Abul Ala Maududi:
He neither begot any nor was He begotten,

Muhsin Khan:
“He begets not, nor was He begotten;

Pickthall:
He has not begotten and has not been begotten,

Dr. Ghali:
He begot no one nor was He begotten.

Abdul Haleem:
the harm in the night when darkness gathers,

Muhammad Junagarhi:
نہ اس سے کوئی پیدا ہوا نہ وه کسی سے پیدا ہوا

Suhel Farooq Khan:
न उसने किसी को जना न उसको किसी ने जना,

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
“Ia tiada beranak, dan Ia pula tidak diperanakkan;

وَلَمۡ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدُۢ

4.    Wa lam yakul-lahoo kufuwan ahad (section 1)

Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”