Question:
What is the meaning of this hadith? Can you provide some clarification?
The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said to his companions, “Is it difficult for any of you to recite one third of the Qur’an in one night?” This suggestion was difficult for them, so they said, “Who among us has the power to do so, O Allah’s Apostle?” Allah’s Apostle (peace and blessings upon him) replied, “Allah (the) One, the Self-Sufficient Master Whom all creatures need.’ (surat al-Ikhlas 112.1–to the end) is equal to one third of the Qur’an.”
Answer:
May Allah bless you for your eagerness to learn.
General Explanation of the Hadith
The hadith you have quoted is recorded in Sahih Bukhari. A basic general meaning to the hadith is that the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) asked the Companions if they would be able to recite one third of the Qur’an in a single night. Most Companions found this task difficult (due to the length of time this task would take and also the fact that majority Companions would deeply ponder over every verse in meaning and understanding its injunctions before proceeding on to another verse). So the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) then announced the recitation of Surah Ikhlaṣ (chapter 112 of the Qur’an) will be considered equal to one third of the Qur’an.
Meaning of Surah Ikhlaṣ Equalling One Third of the Qur’an
There are several interpretations regarding what exactly is the definition of Surah Ikhlaṣ being equal to one third of the Qur’an. Here below are a few explanations:
- Surah Ikhlaṣ has the name of Allah ‘Al Ṣamad’ (The Absolutely Independent Being). This name of Almighty Allah is not found in any other surah of the Qur’an, hence the surah is regarded as one third of the Qur’an (Tafsir Al Qurṭubi)
- Surah Ikhlaṣ equals one third of the Qur’an in reward. This is an exclusive virtue of this chapter of the Qur’an. (Ṣafwat Al Tafasir)
- The Qur’an generally comprises of three major themes. Surah Ikhlaṣ summarizes one of the three themes, hence it is considered one third of the Qur’an;
- Imam Fakhruddin Al Razi states in his Al Tafsir Al Kabir “The ultimate purpose of all the rulings of religion and worship are three fold; recognition of the Being of Allah, recognition of the Attributes of Allah and recognition of actions. This surah comprises of recognizing the Being of Allah”. (Al Tafsir Al Kabir)
- “The knowledge (‘ulum) of the Qur’an is generally divided into three topics: Tawḥid (belief in One God), Aḥkam (rulings) & Qaṣaṣ (stories). This Surah is a comprehensive explanation of Tawhid”. (Ṣafwat Al Tafasir of Imam Al Ṣabuni)
- “Surah Ikhlas covers one of the three major themes of the Qur’an, that being Tawhid (oneness of God). The three Qur’anic themes are Tawhid (oneness of God), Tashri’i (rulings) and Akhlaq (character)”. (Nuzhat Al Muttaqin)
- “The three topics of the Qur’an are Aḥkam (rulings), Wa’ad wa Wa’id (glad tidings and warnings) and Asma wal Sifaat (Allah’s Names and Attributes). Surah Ikhlaṣ discusses the topic of Asma wa al Ṣifat”. (Imam Al Qurṭubi in his Tafsir)
And Allah Knows Best
Proudly brought to you by Mathabah, more Mathabah can be found at: https://www.mathabah.org/meaning-of-one-third-of-the-quran-in-one-chapter/
