Tafsir of Surah Al-Ikhlas is known to all Muslims by the words “Say: He is God, the One.” The surah is short, but its message is the foundation of Islamic belief: tawhid. In this article we read its translation and its simple, practical messages.
Text and translation
“قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ * اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ * لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ * وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ”
“Say: He is God, the One. God, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. And there is none comparable to Him.”
Reason for revelation
Some narrations say that the polytheists asked the Prophet ﷺ to describe his Lord, and this surah was revealed. It is a short and clear definition of the One God.
Verse-by-verse tafsir
“Say: He is God, the One”
God is one and has no partner in His essence or attributes. “Ahad” means a oneness that has no parts and no likeness.
“God, the Eternal Refuge”
As-Samad means the One to whom everyone turns in need while He needs no one. In hardship we take refuge in Him alone.
“He neither begets nor is born”
God has no child and is no one’s child. He is far above resembling creation and above its needs.
“And there is none comparable to Him”
Nothing is like Him in essence, attributes or actions.
Messages of the surah for life
- Ask only God for help and do not tie your heart to anything else.
- Declare God free from every flaw and likeness.
- Pure faith is the basis of peace of heart.
Surah Al-Ikhlas and children
Because it is short and clear, it suits the beginning of memorization for children. Tell your child: “God is One, and everyone needs Him.” For memorization methods, read Memorizing the Quran for Children, see the Quranic Deputyship for classes, and for more verses read Meaning of Ayat al-Kursi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many verses does Surah Al-Ikhlas have?
Four verses.
Why is it called Al-Ikhlas?
Because it is about pure tawhid and knowing the oneness of God.
What does As-Samad mean?
The One to whom everyone turns in need, while He needs no one.
Conclusion
In four verses Surah Al-Ikhlas explains tawhid: God is One, self-sufficient, neither begets nor is born, and has no equal. The better we understand its meaning, the more alive our prayer becomes.