Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a Makkan surah that explains the oneness of Allah and refutes the beliefs of those who claim that Allah has a child or partner. The surah was revealed when some of the idolaters asked the Prophet to describe the lineage of his Lord. In response, Allah revealed this surah, which clearly states His absolute uniqueness.
The Reason for the Revelation of the Surah
It was reported from Ubayy bin Ka‘b that the idolaters said to the Prophet:
“O Muhammad, tell us the lineage of your Lord.”
Then Allah revealed:
“Say: He is Allah, One.
Allah As-Samad.
He begets not, nor was He begotten.
And there is none comparable to Him.” (Qur’an 112:1–4)
This surah therefore establishes the pure belief that Allah is One and completely unique.
The Virtue of This Surah
Several hadith mention the great virtue of Surah Al-Ikhlas.
The Prophet once sent a man as the leader of an expedition. When he led the companions in prayer, he always ended his recitation with Surah Al-Ikhlas. When they told the Prophet about this, he asked why the man did it.
The man said:
“Because it is the description of Ar-Rahman and I love to recite it.”
The Prophet replied:
“Inform him that Allah the Most High loves him.”
Equivalent to One-Third of the Qur’an
The Prophet said:
“By He in Whose Hand is my soul, verily it is equivalent to a third of the Qur’an.”
Reciting It Leads to Paradise
A man loved this surah and recited it constantly in prayer. When the Prophet heard about this, he said:
“Your love of it will cause you to enter Paradise.”
Reciting It for Protection
The Prophet instructed a companion to recite:
• Surah Al-Ikhlas
• Surah Al-Falaq
• Surah An-Nas
three times in the morning and evening.
He said that these surahs would be sufficient protection from harm.
The Meaning of the Surah (Verses 1–4)
Verse 1
Allah says:
“Say: He is Allah, One.”
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah is the One who has no partner, no rival, and no equal. The word Al-Ahadis used only for Allah because He is perfect in all His attributes and actions.
Verse 2
“Allah As-Samad.”
Explanation
Ibn Abbas explained that As-Samad means the One whom all creation depends on for their needs. Everyone turns to Him for their needs and their requests.
Other scholars explained that As-Samad means:
• The perfect Master
• The One who is complete in honor
• The One who is perfect in knowledge and wisdom
All of creation depends on Him while He depends on no one.
Verse 3
“He begets not, nor was He begotten.”
Explanation
Allah has no child, no parent, and no spouse. This verse refutes the claims of those who say that Allah has a son.
Allah is the Creator of everything, so it is impossible for Him to be born or to produce offspring.
Verse 4
“And there is none comparable to Him.”
Explanation
This means that nothing resembles Allah. There is no equal, partner, or likeness to Him in His attributes or actions.
Allah alone is perfect and unique.
The Message of the Surah
Surah Al-Ikhlas summarizes the belief in the oneness of Allah. It teaches that:
• Allah is One with no partner.
• He is completely independent while all creation depends on Him.
• He has no children and was not born.
• Nothing is comparable to Him.
The Prophet said that this surah is equivalent to a third of the Qur’an.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Ikhlas (112).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Ikhlas.