The belief in the Qur’an as one of our Holy Books is one of the six articles of faith in Islam. It forms such a significant basis of our faith, not only for us to seek guidance, knowledge, and protection, but also comfort – to be close to Him by being close to His words.
In this series, some of our fellow NTU students share with us their favourite surahs and what it means to them. From the surahs we recite everyday in our prayers to the surahs with enriching historical stories behind them, let us learn more about the Qur’an and how we can make it a valuable part of our lives.
وَلَقَد يَسَّرنَا القُرآنَ لِلذِّكرِ فَهَل مِن مُدَّكِرٍ
And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?
(Al Qur’an, 54:17)
Let us all yearn and strive to be Muslims who hold close to the Qur’an, InshaAllah.
Muhammad Khair Fadli
1. What is your favourite surah?
Surah Al-Ikhlas.
2. What does it mean to you personally?
This is one of the shorter surahs. Hence, it is easy to memorise both the surah and the translation of it. But more particularly, this surah has lots of benefits or rewards for those who recite it.
One of which is:
Anas (May Allah SWT be pleased with him) reported:
A man said,
"O Messenger of Allah! I love Surat-Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah, (the) One]."
He (PBUH) said,
"Your love for it will admit you to Jannah."
[Riyad as-Salihin, Book 8, Hadith 23]
Another one of its more well-known and bountiful rewards is as narrated below:
Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah SWT be pleased with him) reported about Surah Al-Ikhlas:
The Messenger of Allah SAW said,
"By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, it is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an."
According to another version, he SAW said to his Companions,
"Is anyone of you incapable of reciting one-third of the Qur'an in one night?"
They considered it burdensome and said:
"O Messenger of Allah, which of us can afford to do that?"
He (PBUH) said,
"Surah Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah (the) One] is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an."
[Riyad as-Salihin, Book 8, Hadith 20]
These are just some of the benefits of reciting or loving the surah. So what is there not to like about this surah? 😉
3. Do you have a favourite ayah from it?
Hmm... This is quite a short surah, but if I have to pick a favourite ayah, then it will be the last verse. This is because it's a testament that nothing can be compared to Allah SWT and ultimately, He is the Greatest.
4. Are there certain times that you will listen to/recite it?
I recite this surah in almost every prayer of mine. 😬
5. How does it make you feel every time you listen to/recite it?
It strengthens my belief that there is no God but Allah SWT, and all creatures depend on Him.