ONLY FOUR SHORT VERSES, BUT THE IMPACT IS ATOMIC!!! (Part 2)

 بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

“LOVE ALLAH. LOVE THE HOLY PROPHET, LOVE THE QURAN. LOVE YOUR PARENTS, LOVE AL IKHLAS”.

“WE WILL BE LOVED BY ALLAH”

 

ONLY FOUR SHORT VERSES, BUT THE IMPACT IS ATOMIC!!!

SURAH AL IKHLAS

(CHAPTER NUMBER 112)

By

Abdul Wahap Bin Abdul Hamid

Dear readers I apologies for the late uploading this second part of Surah Ikhlas. I hope you will really appreciate my time and efforts. Please refer to the series of articles for better understandings between articles relations. Thank you

UNIQNESS OF SURAH AL IKHLAS

                            According to Ustadz Abu Bakar Zoud, a prominent freelance Islamic preacher from the United States of America, said in one of his lectures, entitled “Amazing-Understanding Surah Al Ikhlas” that Surah ikhlas was unique. Unique because this Surah describes exclusively only about Allah SWT. This Surah is also unique in its form and approach. There are new meanings in this Surah that are not found anywhere else in the Quran, only exclusively in Surah Al Ikhlas.

                     As an example, the sentence “Allah huss Samad’, does not appear ANYWHERE in the whole Quran, except in this Surah.

                                 Islamic religious scholars are of the opinion that this surah has 20 names. However, the name Surah Al Ikhlas given personally by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is the one most popularly used. The Islamic religious scholars also agree that the more names that is given to a surah, the more noble or higher is it’s status

                            Ustadz Abu Bakar Zoud is also of the opinion that there are two main reasons why this Surah was specially named by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) named it as Surah Al Ikhlas. This Surah is basically related to “SINCERITY”.

                                According to him, if one really understands the meaning and embraces this Surah in one’s heart, we can be sure that one will achieve a very high degree level of sincerity in one’s worship of Allah SWT.

                                Ustadz Abu Bakar Zoud further explains that Surah Al Ikhlas originated from an old Arabic word “khalasa” which means, “liberating something from something else” or “separating something from something else”.

                                He further says that if one is confused about Allah SWT, and unsure about the existence of Allah SWT, this Surah will be able to liberate one from this thought i.e the state of confusion and uncertainty, at the same time instill confidence in one’s concrete believe in the existence of Allah SWT in one’s mind and heart. That is how powerful this Surah is!.

                                Sheikh Abu Bakar Omar, another prominent Islamic preacher in U.S. has said in his lecture entitled “Secret of Surah Al Ikhlas “has described the word “SAMAD” is mentioned only ONCE in the entire Al Quran, that is in surah Al Ikhlas ONLY. What does “SAMAD” mean in the sentence “Allah huss Samad?’ Samad means perfect or complete. In the old Arabic language it means “a master who MUST be obeyed” or “When we are with this master, we do not need anything or anyone” or “Without his will or permission, nothing will happen”. It also means ”A master who is not in need of anyone or anything, but we need him”

                                    Sheikh Abu Bakar Omar further states that if one was to read and embrace this Surah, and “surrender oneself fully” to the meaning of Surah Al Ikhlas in one’s heart, one need not be afraid or surrender oneself to anything else, except to Allah SWT only.

 

 

SOME OF THE NAMES GIVEN TO SURAH AL IKHLAS.

                                As we are already aware that there are 20 different names that are given to this Surah. Mentioned below are a few of those names.

1.    Surah Al Asas – because this surah lays the basis for the concept of ‘One God (ALLAH SWT)’ or Monotheism.

2.    Surah Al Nur -that describes the concept of Tauhid or Monotheism.

3.    Surah Maarifa – describes the greatness of Allah SWT. This surah introduces us to Allah SWT, and who Allah SWT is.

4.    Surah Al Tajreed – liberating from everything else. This surah eliminates all negative perception of Allah SWT. It lays the foundation for the greatness of Allah SWT.

5.    Surah Al Najah – protects the heart from being contaminated with false concept of Allah SWT, especially from ‘disasters’ like sins and punishments.

6.    Surah Al Munrifat – the surah that makes all evil ‘run for their lives’.

7.    Surah An Nisbah – the surah that connect Allah SWT to His servants.

8.    Surah As Samad – the one we seek forever. Allah SWT does not need anybody, but mankind always need Him.

9.    Surah Al Tafreed – the unique. The mighty Allah SWT does not have a family to inherit or replace Him. He is the ONLY ONE, and there are no two or three of Him.

10. Surah Al Tauhid – that consolidates the concept of Monotheism that is pure.

                         Ustadz Dr Yassir Qadhi, ini his series of lectures entitled  ”You Never Heard of Surah Al Ikhlas Like This”, has stated                                                                                that Prophet Muhammad (P.U.B.H) had sworn in the name of Allah SWT that Surah Al Ikhlas was equivalent  to 1/3 of the Holy Quran!. However, he has clarified that this does not indicate that if one recites surah Al Ikhlas, one does not need to recite the Holy Quran. This is a very wrong perception. Actually what this means is, the deed or reward given by Allah SWT for reciting Surah Al Ikhlas is equivalent to a person reciting 1/3 of the Holy Quran.

                        Ustadz Dr Yassir Qadhi further explains that it is the wisdom of Allah SWT that He has chosen 2 surah from the Al Quran that has become the most popular surahs among the Muslims throughout the world i.e Surah Al Ikhlas and Surah Al Kauthar.  Almost every salah that is performed throughout the world will definitely include these surahs. It is also Allah SWT’s wisdom that these two surahs complement each other. Ustadz Dr. Ustadz Dr. Yassir Qadhi has also made a very good finding. According to him, Surah Al Ikhlas protects the integrity and the status of Allah SWT. When Surah Al Ikhlas is combined with Surah Al Kauthar it projects Islam. He is also of the opinion that Surah Al Ikhlas is about the perfect attributes of Allah SWT, whereas Surah Al Kauthar refers to the perfect attribute of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).

                        Both these surahs are the most liked and popular surahs among most Muslims throughout the world. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) very much liked surah Al Ikhlas, and he would recite this surah in almost every Sunnah prayer.

                    Ustadz Azhar Idrus, a freelance Islamic dakwah activist from Malaysia in one of his lectures entitled ‘Advantages of Surah Al Ikhlas’ delivered in 2020 had quoted Imam Hambali, one of the greatest Islamic scholars of all time as have narrated as, ”Whoever passes a Muslim burial ground and he recites Surah Al Ikhlas 11 times for the occupants of the burial ground, and he dedicates it to the occupants of the graves, he will be rewarded according to the number of occupants in the burial ground”.

                    It has also been narrated by Saidina Muad bin Jabbal and Saidina Anas bin Malik that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) had said that whoever recites Surah Al Ikhlas 10 times in a day, Allah SWT will reward them with a palace in Jannahtul Firdaus!

A FEW IMPORTANT EVENTS RELATED TO SURAH AL IKHLAS

                        Ustadz Abu Bakar Zoud in his lecture delivered in 2020 in U.S under the title “The Secrets of Surah Al Ikhlas”  describes this surah as “Pure”, “Sacred” and “Sincere”. He explains that the whole of this surah is explaining about  full belief in Allah SWT i.e. the Oneness of Allah SWT (Tauhid).

 

 
EVENT #1

                        There is an incident narrated by a companion of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) by the name of Saidina Abu Dardar, that he heard Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) say to a few of his companions who had gathered to hear the Prophet announce something very important, The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) asked the companions, “Is there anyone here who is incapable of reciting 1/3 of the Quran?” The companions were surprised and astonished with the question. The companions asked the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), “How could that be possible?”. To this the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) replied, recite “Qul huwal lahuu ahad”. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) further explained to the companions that the reward given by Allah SWT for reciting this Surah Al Ikhlas once, is equivalent to reciting 1/3 of the Quran. So rationally, if someone recites the Surah Al Ikhlas 3 times, the reward that the person would get is equivalent to reciting the whole Quran.

EVENT  #2.

                    Narrated by Saidina Muad bin Jabbal and Saidina Anas bin Malik that Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H) had said that whoever recites Surah Al Ikhlas 10 times daily, Allah SWT will build a palace for him in Paradise.

 

EVENT  #3

                    Narrated by a companion that this event took place when Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was in a battle in Tabuk. The sunny, hot day suddenly turned cloudy. In such a weather condition descended Angel Jebreel. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) asked Angel Jebreel why the weather had suddenly turned cloudy.? Angel Jebreel replied that it was due to the wing span of 70,000 angels that covered the entire sky. These angels were instructed by Allah SWT to descend to earth to prepare the body of one of Prophet Muhammad (P.U.B.H) companion by the name of Mua’awiah bin Mua’awiah bin Al Laisi who had passed away. Angel Jebreel requested that Prophet Muhammad (P.U.B.H) to lead the funeral prayer of this companion. The funeral prayer was also followed by Angel Jebreel, the 70,000 angel’s and the rest of the Prophet’s troops.

After the prayer and burial were completed, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) asked Angel Jebreel, how and why Mua’awiah bin Mua’awiah bin Al Laisi was accorded such a high honor by Allah SWT.? To this, Angel Jebreel answered that it was the practise of Mua’awiah bin Mua’awiah bin Al Laisi to recite the Surah Al Ikhlas where ever he went or stayed, non-stop. So as a reward, Allah SWT sent Angel Jebreel and the 70,000 angels to pray for Mua’awiah, as a honor from Allah SWT.

 

EVENT #4

                        This incident was narrated by Saidinatina Aishyah Ummul Mukminin that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) had deployed one of his warriors to lead the army to war mission.

This leader had a habit of reciting Surah Al Ikhlas at the end of every prayer congregation he led as imam.

                            The rest of the troop were surprised by this practise of the imam. They reported the matter to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), who then instructed one of his companion to go and ask him why he did that. The leader replied that he could feel the graciousness the feeling of love from Allah SWT, although the word Gracious was not in the Surah. The leader further added that although the word Gracious was not mentioned in the surah, he could however feel as though the mercy and graciousness were embodied in this surah! That is why he liked to recite this surah at the end of every prayer.

                             To this reply, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) instructed one ofhis companion to go and tell the leader that Allah SWT loves him. Just because the leader (imam) loved Surah Al Ikhlas, made Allah SWT love him.

 

                            SOME SPECIAL BENEFITS OF SURAH AL IKHLAS FOR THE HAPPINESS IN THIS WORLD AND HEREAFTER- LECTURE NO 53, TAKEN FROM THE HADITHS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H) AND MAQOLAH ULAMA BY  MAJMU’ATUL FAWAA-2020 DELIVERED BY USTADZ AHMAD JAMALUDDIN, INDONESIA.     

 

                                    Mentioned below are a few of the special benefits of reciting Surah Al Ikhlas, as described by Ustadz Ahmad Jamaluddi, Indonesia delivered in one of his lectures entitled “Special Bebefits of Surah Al Ikhlas for the Happiness on Earth and Hereafter” Sirie #53”, 2020.

                                    According to him, after the obligatory prayer, recite Surah Ikhlas 1001 times, without moving from the original spot we were sitting. There should not be any disturbances or interference while reciting the Surah. Full focus and attention should only be given to the Surah and Allah SWT ONLY –NOTHING ELSE. We read “Bismillah irrahmanirrahim” only ONCE when we recite the Surah for the 1^st time ONLY. From the 2^nd recitation till number 1001, no need to recite “Bismillah irrahmanirrahim” for recitation no 2 until number 1001. Read this Surah for 8 days continuously. Each night after completing 1001 recitation, make your dua or wish to Allah SWT. Ask from Allah SWT sincerely, In Shaa Allah, Allah SWT will grant our dua or wish. PLEASE ENSURE THE NUMBER IS EXACTLY1001 –NOT ONE MORE OR NOT ONE LESS. (Taken from Kitab Khanizatul Asrar)

1.    To ensure that we are always close to Allah SWT, and all our mistakes and sins are forgiven by Allah SWT.

 

                                It is explained in Hadith Rawiah that a man approached Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and confessed that he had committed a lot of sins, and he would like to repent. He wanted to repent with the highest degree of repent i.e Taubah Nasuha. That man asked Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), what he should do for his sins to be forgiven by Allah SWT, and he could be near to Allah SWT. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) advised him to read Surah Al Ikhlas as many times as possible, and make it a habit to read this surah wherever he was, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said that by reciting Surah Al Ikhlas could bring a person closer to Allah SWT, and all his sins will be forgiven, as long as he does not commit any major sins.

 

2.                                                               It is explained in kitab Khazinatul Asrar, whoever recites and loves surah Al Ikhlas will die in the state of Husnul Khotimah and will be safe from the torture of the grave. He will be able to cross Sirratul Mustaqim Bridge with the speed of lightning, taken across by angels!

Imam Tibrani and Abu NUaim have produced a Hadith which is authentic, taken from the narrations of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), where the Holy Prophet had said “Whoever is sick, and he recites Surah Al Ikhlas from his sickbed, and he dies, he will not be tortured in his grave. Allah will also spare him from the ‘squeeze’ of the grave, and also he will be taken across Sirratul Mustaqim as quick as the lightning, and on toward Heaven on their wings by the angels”.

3.    Reciting Surah Al Ikhlas as a practice will open the ‘door of rezeki’ or subsistence, and remove the despair of poverty by Allah SWT.

Ustadz KH Muhammad Bakheit, Indonesia, hat stated in one of his lectures entitled “Advantages of Surah Al Ikhlas- brings success on earth and hereafter” delivered on 27 November 2019, that Ansaal bin Saad’ as delivered by his companion Saal bin Saad had narrated   an incidence where a man approached Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and complained to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) that he was poor and wanted to become rich. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) gave him this advice. “Before entering the house with occupants in it, say “Assalammualaikum” and recite Surah Al Ikhlas once, before entering the house. However, if the house is unoccupied, than recite ”Assalamualaina waibadillah issallihi,” than say the salam “Assalammualaikum”, than recite Surah Al Ikhlas, before unlocking the door.

 The poor man practised what Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) had told him, with the will of Allah SWT, and together with the ‘magic’ of Surah Al Ikhlas, the poor man’s wealth had steadily started increasing until he became very rich!

4.    For preventing all sorts of bad luck and sicknesses.

It is written in Kitab Fathul Malikul Majid, and explained by Muslim scholars that whoever recites Surah Al Ikhlas 1001 times (between Maghrib and Isyak Prayer), and followed by dua to Allah SWT, that person will be protected from all forms of bad luck and sicknesses.

5.    For safety during travel, as described in Kitab Khazinatul Asrar.

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) had narrated an advice for travellers, to be safe on their travel. The Holy Prophet (P.U.B.H) had adviced to place one hand on the frame of the door, and recite Surah Al Ikhlas 11 times. Allah SWT will protect that person in his travel, to and fro.

 

Note.

This concludes the segment on Surah Al Ikhlas.The next surah will be Surah Al Kauthar. However, due to lack of comment from readers, the writer is seriously considering if it is worth all the time and effort put to produce these articles, but unappreciated by readers. The failure to react and comment is very demotivating and demoralizing. If this article fails to bring any reaction from readers, the writer will take it to mean that the readers are not interested. That being the case, the writer will cease uploading further articles, if this final segment too fails to bring any response from readers.

If it is fated that this is to be the last uploading, the writer would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have read the articles published. Take care. Stay safe. May Allah SWT bless all of you…Aameen.