A Surah for Describing God
Al-Ikhlas is the 112th chapter of the Quran that has four verses and is in the 30th Juz. It is Makki and the 22ndSurah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
It is called Al-Ikhlas (purity) because its content helps purify mankind from Shirk (polytheism) and save him from the fire of hell.
Another name for this chapter is Tawheed (monotheism) because it describes God as the One and Only God.
As for the reason of revelation of this Surah, it is said that the Mushrikeen (unbelievers) asked the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to describe God and then this chapter, which is a short but full description of God, was revealed.
“(Muhammad), say, ‘He is the one and only God,’” the first verse says. The word ‘Ahad’ in this verse means a Dhat (essence) that neither is countable nor does it increase. This is only used to describe God.
Another attribute of God is mentioned in Verse 2: “: Allah is He on Whom all depend.” The word Samad in this verse means one who needs no one but whom all need and depend on. Only God has such an attribute.
In the third verse, we read: “He neither begets nor was He begotten.” To be born and to give birth do not go together with the attributes of Ahad and Samad.
In the last verse, it is reiterated that there is no one equal or similar to God.
“There is no one equal to Him.”
According to this verse, no one is equal to God in essence, attributes or abilities. If someone were similar to God in attributes and abilities he would not need God but based on the attribute Samad all beings need and depend on God.
