By Natirah Azira

"I just keep reading Surah Al-Ikhlas. Won't I memorize other short surahs?"

"From primary school, this is not the only surah I remember"

We've all heard comments like this before. Or maybe we've muttered to ourselves if our friend who leads the congregational prayer often repeats the recitation of the short surah.

Recently, the Tzkrh saw comments from social media users who said that the characteristics of a desired future husband were not just knowing Surah Al-Ikhlas.

From one angle, there is a message that we want to convey, namely that we want Muslims to always increase their knowledge and quality in worship. However, be careful not to abuse or belittle this practice. There is a difference between advising people to increase their charity and looking down on people who only recite Surah Al-Ikhlas.

There is an interesting story about Surah Al-Ikhlas narrated by Aisyah R.anha.

It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) once sent someone to a group of soldiers. And when that person led his companions in prayer, he would often end the recitation with Surah 'Qul Huwallahu Ahad', which is Surah Al-Ikhlas.

Then, when these companions returned home, they told the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) about it. He then told them to ask the man himself why he had done that.

What was the answer? He answered because the surah contains the attributes of Al-Rahman, and he really loves this surah Al-Ikhlas.

Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied; "Tell him, indeed Allah loves him."

This story is quoted in the authentic hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari (7375).

This companion of the Prophet SAW read Surah Al-Ikhlas because he truly understood the meaning contained in this surah, to the point of loving the word of Allah.

Therefore, Surah Ikhlas is read not only because it is easy to read but because of the wealth of meaning contained within it.

People who only read Surah Al-Ikhlas should not use laziness as an excuse not to 'upgrade' themselves and delve deeper into this surah and other surahs.

It is not wrong for us to encourage people to also read and memorize other surahs, but at the same time, do not underestimate this short surah. Each surah definitely has its own special qualities.

Date of Input: 30/03/2026 | Updated: 30/03/2026 | asmunir