Hadith Text

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came out to us and said: I am going to recite before you one-third of the Qur'an. He (the Holy Prophet) then recited:" Say: He is Allah, One--Allah, the Eternal," to the end of the Surah.

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim demonstrates the immense virtue of Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112). The Prophet's declaration that this brief chapter equals one-third of the Qur'an in reward indicates its profound theological significance.

Classical scholars explain that the Qur'an's primary themes are divided into three: Tawhid (Divine Unity), Ahkam (Legal Rulings), and Qasas (Narratives). Surah al-Ikhlas comprehensively establishes the doctrine of Tawhid - affirming Allah's absolute Oneness, His self-sufficiency, and His transcendence beyond all creation.

Imam al-Nawawi comments that while the Surah contains only four verses, it encompasses the essence of Islamic monotheism, making its spiritual reward equivalent to reciting one-third of the entire Qur'an. This does not replace the obligation to recite the full Qur'an, but demonstrates the chapter's unique status.

Practical Implications

This hadith encourages frequent recitation of Surah al-Ikhlas in prayers and devotional acts. Scholars recommend its recitation in the Sunnah prayers before and after obligatory prayers, during night prayers (Tahajjud), and as part of daily remembrances (adhkar).

The understanding that this Surah equals one-third of the Qur'an should increase our appreciation for its profound meaning and inspire us to reflect deeply on its verses, internalizing the pure monotheism it teaches.