The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent a man on a campaign, and he used to recite to his companions when leading them in prayer, and would conclude with 'Say: He is Allah, (the) One.' When they returned, they told the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about that. He said: "Ask them why he did that." So they asked him and he said: "Because it is a description of the Most Merciful, the Mighty and Sublime, and I love to recite it." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Tell him that Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Sublime, loves him."
The Book of the Commencement of the Prayer - Sunan an-Nasa'i 993
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i demonstrates the profound connection between a servant's love for Allah's attributes and Allah's reciprocal love for that servant. The Companion's choice to conclude every prayer with Surah al-Ikhlas reflects deep spiritual insight.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
The Companion's explanation that he recited Surah al-Ikhlas "because it is a description of the Most Merciful" reveals the chapter's essence as containing Allah's fundamental attributes of Oneness, Eternity, and Self-Sufficiency.
The Prophet's response "Allah loves him" establishes the principle that when a servant loves what Allah loves - in this case, His perfect attributes - Allah bestows His divine love upon that servant, creating a reciprocal spiritual relationship.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith indicates the permissibility of consistently reciting specific Quranic chapters in prayer, particularly those that emphasize Allah's majesty and unity.
Scholars note that the Prophet's approval demonstrates that understanding the meaning behind one's recitation and developing love for Allah's attributes elevates the spiritual quality of worship beyond mere ritual performance.
The Excellence of Surah al-Ikhlas
Classical commentators emphasize that Surah al-Ikhlas contains the purest expression of divine unity (tawhid), encompassing Allah's unique essence, attributes, and actions.
The Companion's love for this chapter reflects proper understanding that knowing Allah through His perfect attributes is the foundation of faith and the highest form of worship.