ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Commentary on Prayer Surah al-Ikhlas The importance of Surah al-Ikhlas In the prayer, after Surah al-Fatihah , one of the surah s of the Qur’an must be recited. The person praying might choose any surah ; of course, with the exception of the four surah s in which prostration is obligatory.

Among the surah s recited in prayer, Surah al-Ikhlas (or at-Tawhid ) is preferable and in the traditions it is thus enjoined: “You have to read this surah in at least one of the rak‘ah s of prayer everyday so as to be among those who are praying.”[^1] In terms of importance, this surah is equal to one third of the Qur’an, nay one third of the Tawrah , Injil [^2] and Zabur .[^3] If this surah is also recited after the prayer as a prayer supplement, God shall give the person the goodness of this world and the hereafter.

This surah is short, yet its content is very sublime. As Imam as-Sajjad ( ‘a ) said, “Since He knew that meticulous and insightful individuals shall emerge in the future, God revealed this surah as well as the initial verses of Surah al-Hadid . Recital of this surah is enjoined not only in prayer. In fact, frequent recitation of it removes the evil of tyrants and ensures one’s house from mishaps and perils.

Sa‘d ibn Mu‘adh, one of the companions and commanders of the army of the Messenger of Allah (S), was buried in the cemetery of Baqi‘ in Medina.

The Prophet (S) participated in the burial rites for him barefooted and saying: “Ninety thousand angels have come to participate in the burial of Sa‘d.” The Prophet (S) asked Jibra’il (Archangel Gabriel) ( ‘a ): “What is the reason behind your coming down as well as that of all these angels for the burial of Sa‘d ibn Mu‘adh?” Jibra’il ( ‘a ) replied: “In whatever state—standing, sitting, riding, or walking—he used to recite the surah , “Say, ‘He is Allah, the One’.” Concerning the circumstances surrounding the revelation of this surah , we read that the Jews, Christians and the idol-worshippers asked the Prophet (S) about God: “Describe your God to us.” In reply to them, the Prophet (S) recited this surah .

This surah serves as the “identity card” of God. “Qul huwa’llahu ahad” Tawhid {monotheism} is the most fundamental principle of all heavenly religions and the prophets ( ‘a ) have come to eliminate the effects of polytheism, disbelief and idol-worship and to invite mankind toward God. Tawhid is the spirit and kernel of the teachings of the prophets ( ‘a ).