Interpretation of Al-Ikhlas: Qul Huwallahu Ahad

The main purpose of the revelation of the Qur’an is to introduce Allah SWT and invite people to single Him out. The contents of the letter Al Ikhlas in outline is to introduce the oneness of Allah SWT, where Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad SAW to convey as well as answer the questions of unbelievers about who is the God worshiped by Muhammad.

QUL HUWALLAAHU AHAD

say! He is God Almighty

The first verse of Surah Al Ikhlas instructs the Prophet Muhammad: “Say” O Muhammad to those who ask you that He whose existence is obligatory and who has the right to be worshiped is only Allah, God Almighty.

The word Qul which means “Say” proves that the Prophet Muhammad “transmitted” everything he received from the verses of the Koran given by the Angel Gabriel. The word Huwa is translated “He”. The word Huwa is a reinforcement of the word Allaahu Ahad. According to Asy-Sya’rawi, Allah is unseen. But His supernatural powers can be seen through His creation. Practitioners of Sufism use the word Huwa by chanting the letters wawu so that Huw is heard and pronounced. What is meant by the word Huw is Allah SWT. Therefore, by understanding the first verse of Surah Al Ikhlas, we feel that Allah SWT is always present in our minds. By saying Allah, it means that our hearts are directed to an Absolute Being (obligatory to have Him), the One Who deserves to be worshipped, the Creator, Sustainer and Ruler of all universes. He is God Almighty, who must be worshiped and followed by all His commands.