Al-Ikhlas

Al-Ikhlāṣ (Arabic: الْإِخْلَاص, "Sincerity"), also known as the Declaration of God's Unity and al-Tawḥid (Arabic: التوحيد, "Monotheism"), is the 112th chapter (sūrah) of the Quran, which summarises the fundamental principles of Islam by affirming God’s absolute oneness, everlasting sovereignty and unparalleled essence. The chapter is generally heralded to be equal of one third of the Quran in terms of its core meaning. According to George Sale, this chapter is held in particular veneration by Muslims, and declared, by Islamic tradition. It is said to have been revealed during the Quraysh's conflict with Muhammad; in answer to a challenge over the distinguishing attributes of God, Muhammad invited them to worship. Al-Ikhlas is not merely the name of this surah but also the title of its contents, for it deals exclusively with Tawhid and has been often called the perfect ontological definition of God. The other surahs of the Quran generally have been designated after a word occurring in them, but in this surah the word Ikhlaṣ has occurred nowhere. It has been given this name in view of its meaning and subject matter. According to al-Razi, the name Al-Ahad signifies God’s absolute indivisibility rather than numerical oneness, while the name As‑Samad as the Marker and Sustainer of the entire existence.