112. Sincerity (or [God's] Oneness)

THESE 4 MECCAN verses were revealed after the last chapter in the Book, Mankind 114, and before The Star 53. The doctrine of God's pure Unity or the Divine Oneness is stated clearly here; in fact, it is a strong declaration against the Godhead being looked upon as consisting of more than one person or God's having any son. The title Al-Ikhlas, one of the divine attributes, is the direct opposite to shirk or the sin of 'association', and involves freeing oneself from such impure worship through pure faith.

This chapter is sometimes called the 'Third" of the Quran, since it explains one of the three essential dogmas in Islam, but its stark simplicity is not always appreciated by non-Muslims, nor translated clearly. It forms an answer to a previous rhetorical question implied in the first word, which is "SAY:"

It may be said in cemeteries, (and generally is recited there eleven times), and in memory of deceased loved ones. Through it awareness of God's Omnipresence reaches us. The rhyme is in -ad.

In the name of God, the Mercy-giving, the Merciful!

* SAY: "God is Unique!
* God is the Source [for everything];
* He has not fathered anyone
nor was He fathered, * and there
is nothing comparable to Him!"

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Published with authorization from Dr.T.B.Irving.