The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent a man in charge of an expedition and he would recite for his Companions during their prayer, ending (recitation) with:" Say, He is God, One." When they returned mention was made of it to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He (the Holy Prophet) told them to ask him why he had done like that. So they asked him and he said: Verily, it is an attribute of the Compassionate One, and (for this reason) I love to recite it. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) thereupon said: Inform him that Allah loves him.
The Excellence of Sūrah al-Ikhlāṣ
This narration from Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (813) demonstrates the profound merit of reciting Sūrah al-Ikhlāṣ (Chapter 112) in prayer. The Companion's action, though initially questioned, was validated by the Prophet (ﷺ) because it stemmed from a correct understanding and love for this chapter's description of Allāh's divine essence.
Scholarly Commentary
The Companion's exclusive recitation of Sūrah al-Ikhlāṣ was permissible in this military context where shortening prayers is legislated. His reasoning—that it is an attribute of the Compassionate—reflects deep theological awareness, as the sūrah purely affirms Allāh's oneness (Tawḥīd).
The Prophet's response "Allāh loves him" establishes a profound spiritual principle: when a servant loves an act of worship due to its connection to Allāh's attributes, Allāh reciprocates that love. This illustrates the inner dimension of worship beyond mere outward compliance.
Legal & Spiritual Implications
While normally recommending variety in Qur'ānic recitation, scholars note this hadith permits repeating Sūrah al-Ikhlāṣ due to its unique merits. Its recitation is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'ān in reward, as confirmed in other authentic narrations.
The incident also demonstrates the Prophet's gentle teaching methodology—he inquired about the reasoning before judgment, affirming correct intention while educating the community.