Islamiat 83

Q) Write down the background of the surah e Ikhlas?

Ans. Background

On the occasion of revelation of this Surah, a tradition from Imam Sadiq (as) says: "A Jew asked the
holy Prophet (S) to describe the identity or to relate the genealogy of Allah. He remained silent and
gave no answer for three days, then, the Messenger Angel brought (him) this Surah and he (S) gave
them their answer." Some other narrations denote that the Jew who asked this question was,
Abdullah ibn Suraya, one of the known chiefs of the Jews. Another narration says that 'Abdullah ibn
Salam asked this question from the holy Prophet (S), in Mecca, and believed (in Islam). But, he kept
his faith concealed. Another narration says that the pagans Of Mecca asked such a question. In some
narrations it is also said that the Christians of Najran asked the question.

This Surah relates the most foundational Muslim belief, tawhid, divine unicity. It was specifically
revealed to describe tawhid. Due to the most powerful and clear expression of the belief in the
divine unicity, this surah has been called Ikhlas, purity from polytheism. It has also been called the
surah of tawhid as well. It describes that God is one. He has not partner of any sort. None should be
worshiped besides Him. He is eternal. He does not have a beginning nor end. "He is the First and the
Last. " [Q 57:3,)

This passage highlights the main themes of Tawhid and explains about Allah in person. Ikhlas means
purity of Faith. Here purity of Faith is described by referring to Allah's nature. This Surah also refers
to the fact that Allah is unique and is independent (Al- Samad). He has been there all along. He will
remain forever. This makes him unique. He is unlike created things including human beings,
incomparable. This is proved by citing the fact that He is not son of any. Nor is He father of any.
These are the qualities of created things. Thus, this surah refutes and negates all forms of polytheism
particularly anthropomorphism and assimilation.

This passage highlights the main themes Of Tawhid and explains about Ikhlas means purity Of Faith.
Here purity of Faiths described by referring to Allah's nature. The human beings who have parents or
children. Quran says: "They say: (children). Glory is to Him! He is Rich. His is all that is in the heavens
and No warrant you have for this. Allah in person. Nature of Allah is unlike Allah has begotten a son
all that is in the earth. Do you say against Allah what you know not" (10:68)? This verse tells that
there is no evidence for the falsity of those who attribute a lie to God of having any son. This Surah
also refers to the fact that Allah is unique and is independent (Al- Samad). The teaching we get is to
avoid associating partners with God. Those who believe that Allah's nature is like His creatures who
have parents and children commit Shirk, an unpardonable sin.

Q) Give the main theme of the above-mentioned surah and write down the importance of the main
theme of Surah e Ikhlas in a believer’s life.

Ans. Muslims in their daily lives give much importance to the belief in one God, which is focused in
this Surah-e-Ikhlas. While focusing on God's nature this Surah gives further inspiration and salvation
to Muslims when they understand that their God is perfect who can grant them all that they need. In
daily lives Of Muslims this Sur-ah helps them to understand that human beings have limitations as
they are bound in life which has to taste the death. Human beings cannot be helpful like God who
does not have humans or animal nature and is Unique. Thus, the passage is a source of contentment
and spiritual strength for Muslims in their lives. This surah is a means of purification. By stressing the
Oneness of God, the believers are encouraged not to take other created things as their Lord.
Therefore, the people ascribing themselves to Islam should not replace God with things like famous
people, political powers, or saints as do some illiterate folks in some Muslim lands. They visit the
graves of the saints and pray to them seeking deliverance from a variety of problems. Surah Ikhlas
helps us appreciate that God does not have a family. This entails we avoid making the mistake of
believing in God having children as Christians believe or a having partner as the polytheists of Arabia
did.

Surah Ikhlas is one of the most important chapters of the Quran because it speaks of one of the
pillars of beliefs of Islam, the unity and oneness of God or monotheism. It is a chapter that describes
God and His attributes and introduces Him to us as He would like us to know Him. Therefore, it is of
vital importance for every Muslim to read and try to understand the profound teachings given to us
in this chapter. Accordingly, this article delves into this chapter and seeks to provide an
understanding, albeit very primary, for it. It touches upon the discussion of tawhid, which is the
central theme of Surah Ikhlas, its importance and types as well as Ikhlas or sincerity, which is one of
the names of the chapter and its connection to monotheism.

When a Muslim believes that it is only Allah Who has unlimited powers and authority, he will not
seek help from other deities. He will obtain spiritual purity and dignity by bowing down only before
God. Instead of asking the so-called holy men or attending shrines for the solution of his troubles, he
will supplicate only to the real source, the Almighty Allah. This verse also refutes the notion that on
the Day of Judgement, prophets, saints, and angels shall wield influence and force Allah to pardon
their followers. No intercession will be granted except with the permission of Allah.