Benefits and Rewards of Reciting Surah Ikhlas

Although every single word of Quran is poetic and a marvel in itself, however, there are different parts that are more reverend and more respected across the Muslim world. This preference and greater respect is not to be mistaken for personal liking of the Muslims, rather there are evidence from hadith and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that make a particular part of Quran gain more reverence than the other.

In this regard, in addition to the different other Surahs of Quran and important verses of Quran like Ayat ul Kursi, Surah e Yaseen, etc., one of the famous one is Surah Ikhlas. It is one of the most recited Surahs of Quran and Muslim all across the globe memorize it as one of the first Surahs when memorizing extracts from Quran.

Transliteration – “Qul huwa Allahu ahad. Allahu assamad. Lam yalid walam yoolad. Walam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad”.

Translation – “Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”

Rewards

The lines below discuss the major features that make Surah Ikhlas important for a Muslim and the benefits it entails in the light of hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Entering Paradise:

One of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to Him:

“I really love this Surah (Ikhlas).”

The Prophet (PBUH) replied:

“And your love for it will enable you to enter paradise.” (Tirmidhi)

This hadith of Prophet (PBUH)shows that loving Surah Ikhlas can become one of the major reasons for entering paradise. Therefore, a Muslim must try developing love for this Surah, which can be done in the form of memorizing it and then reciting it as frequently as possible.

One Third Of Quran:

In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Say : He is Allah, Absolute Oneness….., By Him in Whose hand my soul is, it is equal to one third of the Quran!” (Bukhari)

This hadith makes it evident that the recitation of Surah Ikhlas brings the benefit of reward equal to recitation of one third of Quran. Therefore, as much as the Muslim recites it, the more reward he or she gains.

This reward of one third of Quran is further emphasized upon by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in another hadith on another occasion in the following way:

“Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah would get the reward of reciting half the Quran. Whoever recited Surah al Kafirun would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Quran. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas would get a reward as if reading one third of the Quran.” (Tirmidhi)

Therefore, it in order to gain additional blessings and rewards a Muslim must try to recite Surah Ikhlas whenever reciting excerpts and extracts from Quran.

Protection:

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“When you recite Surah Fatiha and Surah Ikhlas upon lying on your bed, you will be safeguarded and should become fearless of everything except death.” (Tafseer Mazhari)

This hadith makes it evident the recitation of Surah Ikhlas in combination with Surah Fatiha before going to bed is a source of protection from all kinds of harms. Therefore, children who feel fear while going to sleep must be told to recite these two Surahs before going to sleep as it will help them in calming fear and will guard them during their sleep.

Pardon From Sins:

Prophet (PBUH) said:

“If anyone recites two hundred times daily, Qul huwallahu ahad the sins of fifty years will be wiped out, unless he is in debt.” (Tirmidhi)

From this hadith it becomes clear that besides other things, Surah Faitha can also help in seeking pardon from sins from Allah Almighty as well. Therefore, Muslims should try to make out some time in which they can recite Surah Ikhlas for two hundred times so that it could intercede with Allah Almighty for asking forgiveness for their sins.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, out of the numerous benefits of Surah Ikhlas, the major ones include protection, forgiveness from sins, entering into paradise and greater reward of Quran recitation. Therefore, it is imperative that every Muslim realizes the importance of Surah Ikhlas, memorize it and recite it on daily basis to receive numerous rewards.