Tawḥīd (Absolute Oneness of God) is the Core Foundation of Islam. We have already published a number of posts on Tawhid to better understand its concept. Today we just in few words explain what does Tawhid means and how 2nd verse of Surah 2. Az Zumar and the Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ, 112th Surah of Al Qur'an together form the theological and practical foundation of Islam.
What Tawhid means
Islam affirms that: (1) Allah is One in His essence (“Say: He is Allah, One.” (112:1)"), (2) Allah is One in His attributes, and that (3) Allah alone deserves worship
Comparison of Surah Az-Zumar 39:2 and Surah 112. Al-Ikhlāṣ
The 2nd verse of Surah 39. Az Zumar and all four verses of Surah 112. Al-Ikhlāṣ when read in conjunction with each other give out a clear theological and practical foundation of Islam.
Below is a clear, thematic comparison of Surah Az-Zumar 39:2 and Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ (112:1–4), showing how together they form the theological and practical foundation of Islam. However, before reading their comparison, may we ask you to read our previous posts for better understanding of their comparison, the links given below:
- A verse from Al Qur’an that gives out the Mission Statement of Islam
- Sürah 112. Al Ikhlas (The Declaration of [God's] Oneness)
The Two Texts (Core Meaning)
Surah Az-Zumar 39:2 reads: “Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book with the truth, so worship Allah, making the religion sincere for Him.”
The above quoted 2nd verse of Surah Az Zumar Focuses on:
- Purpose of revelation of Al Qur'an
- How Allah must be worshipped
- Requirement of sincerity (ikhlāṣ)
Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ (112) is a short four versed Surah that proclaims: (1) “Say: He is Allah, One, (2) Allah, the Self-Sufficient, (3) He neither begets nor is begotten, and that (4) And none is comparable to Him.”
Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ thus focuses on: (1) Who Allah is, (2) Allah’s absolute uniqueness, and (3) Rejection of all forms of association
Core Relationship Between the Two
A deep reflection lets us know that:
- Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ defines Allah, while Surah Az Zumar 39:2 defines our response to Allah.
- Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ answers “Who is Allah?” and Surah Az Zumar 39:2 tells us “How should we worship Him?”
Summarizing the comparison side by side, it emerges that:
- Primary role of 39:2 (Az-Zumar) is Practical command, while that of Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ is Doctrinal definition
- Central message of 39:2 (Az-Zumar) is to Worship Allah with sincerity, while Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ proclaims absolute Oneness of Allah.
- The Audience of 39:2 (Az-Zumar) are the Believers in practice, while that of Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ are All humanity in belief
- 39:2 (Az-Zumar) focuses on Intention and devotion, while Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ has its focus on the Essence and attributes of Allah.
- Type of Tawḥīd: 39:2 (Az-Zumar) focuses on Tawḥīd al-‘ibādah, while Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ stresses on Tawḥīd al-asmā’ waṣ-ṣifāt
- The Purpose of 39:2 (Az-Zumar) is Correct worship while that of Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ is Correct belief.
How both the 2nd verse of Surah Az Zumar and Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ Complete Each Other
Since both complement each other, one has to follow both in true letter and spirit, for in the absence of one, the equation remains incomplete. Let us see how:
- Belief without sincerity is incomplete: One may believe Allah is One (Ikhlāṣ) - but but worship for show, culture, or ego greatly influence our true belief. That is why 39:2 corrects the our intention.
- Sincerity without correct belief is misdirected:
- One may worship sincerely, yet worship the wrong concept of God (that is believing in associates or even parallels of God). That is why Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ corrects the object of our worship "Say Allah is One").
- And when read in conjunction of each other, both eliminate all forms of shirk. That is Shirk in belief is corrected by Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ, while 2nd verse of Surah Az Zumar cures Shirk in worship & intention .
Verses in Al Qur'an that Reinforce the Pair
We come across many a verse in AL Qur'an which carry the same theme and reinforce the theme of the pair. Some relevant verses are shared herein under:
- “They were commanded only to worship Allah, sincere to Him in religion.” (98:5)
- “Say: My prayer, sacrifice, life and death are for Allah alone.” (6:162)
- (42:11) "The Originator of the heavens and the earth..."
Verses (98:5 and 6:162) echo 39:2, while verses like 42:11 echo Al-Ikhlāṣ.
Correlation with Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ equals one-third of the Qur’an.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī).
Some of the Scholars explain that: One third deals with Who Allah is, One third with commands and One third with Hereafter.
Thus 39:2 represents the command side that flows directly from Al-Ikhlāṣ.
Practical Application
- In belief: (1) Reject all false images of God, and (2) Reject intermediaries, partners, comparisons
- In practice: (1) Pray without showing off, (2) Give charity without recognition, (3) Seek knowledge for Allah, not status
In nutshell, the comparison of both the 2nd verse of Surah Az Zumar and Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ together protect faith from: (1) Hypocrisy, (2) Ritualism, (3) Cultural Islam, and (4) Philosophical distortion. That is Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ defines Allah’s absolute oneness, while Surah 39:2 demands that this oneness be reflected in pure, sincere worship—together forming the heart of Islamic faith and practice.
In essence, 39:2 is the instruction to practice sincere monotheism, while Surah 112 defines exactly what that unique, singular God is like, ensuring worship is directed to the correct, incomparable entity. They reinforce the central theme of Islam: there is no god but Allah, and religion must be exclusively devoted to Him.
Note:
- The above comparison is a personal reflection for academic purpose. Readers are free to agree or disagree with what has been written. However, it is requested that in case of disagreement, please leave your point of view in the comment box at the end of the post.
- The comparison is given in point form which easily explain our viewpoint. However, those want a deeper reflection, may ponder over information available on the social media.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 39. Az-Zumar (The Throngs) already published
You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For verses on Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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