A man heard another man reciting (in the prayers): 'Say (O Muhammad): "He is Allah, the One." (112.1) And he recited it repeatedly. When it was morning, he went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and informed him about that as if he considered that the recitation of that Sura by itself was not enough. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, it is equal to one-third of the Qur'an."
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari 7374
Hadith Text
A man heard another man reciting (in the prayers): 'Say (O Muhammad): "He is Allah, the One." (112.1) And he recited it repeatedly. When it was morning, he went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and informed him about that as if he considered that the recitation of that Sura by itself was not enough. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, it is equal to one-third of the Qur'an."
Scholarly Commentary
This narration demonstrates the immense virtue of Surah al-Ikhlas. The companion's concern stemmed from thinking repeated recitation of one surah might diminish prayer's completeness, but the Prophet's response affirmed its extraordinary status.
Imam al-Qurtubi explains that this equivalence arises because the Qur'an's themes divide into three: legislation, narratives, and theology of Tawheed. Surah al-Ikhlas comprehensively encapsulates the third category - Allah's absolute Oneness - thus equaling one-third of the Qur'an in thematic weight.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes the Prophet's oath "By Him in Whose Hand my life is" emphasizes the certainty and magnitude of this virtue. The surah's profound conciseness while containing complete Tawheed doctrine makes it uniquely meritorious for frequent recitation.
Scholars affirm that while it equals one-third in reward, it doesn't replace reciting the entire Qur'an for obligatory acts. Its excellence lies in affirming pure monotheism - the foundation of Islamic creed.