The 40,000 Ikhlas Recitation: What It Is, How to Do It, and Its Purpose
Quick Answer
The 40,000 Ikhlas is a charitable devotional custom involving the recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas a total of 40,000 times, either alone or by a group; it is usually done to dedicate reward to the soul of someone who has passed away, or for a need (hajat) to be fulfilled. It is typically shared among a group (for example, 100 people reciting 400 times each). Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas carries great reward (three recitations equal the reward of completing the Quran once), but the specific number '40,000' and any promise of a guaranteed outcome are not based on an authentic hadith — it is best understood as a sincere voluntary act of devotion.
What Is the 40,000 Ikhlas Recitation?
The 40,000 Ikhlas is a charitable devotional custom involving the recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas ("Qul huwa Allahu ahad") a total of 40,000 times. This widely practised custom is usually done with the intention of:
- dedicating reward to the soul of a deceased loved one,
- seeing a need (hajat) fulfilled,
- or seeking spiritual benefit and the blessing of collective remembrance.
It is most often shared among a congregation or family.
The Correct Religious Framing (Important)
⚠️ Balanced, accurate understanding matters here:
- Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas is a firmly established act of great reward, confirmed in authentic hadiths. The Prophet said, "Surah Al-Ikhlas is equal to a third of the Quran" (Bukhari, Tawhid 1) — meaning three recitations carry the reward of completing the whole Quran once.
- However, the specific figure of "40,000" and promises such as "reciting this many times guarantees a certain result" are not based on an authentic hadith — this is a custom that developed among the people over time.
- For this reason, the 40,000 Ikhlas should be approached not as a guaranteed formula, but as a sincere, voluntary act of charity. A Muslim performing it hopes for reward from Allah and leaves the outcome entirely to Him.
In short: reciting Al-Ikhlas is good and rewarding; "40,000" is a form of intention and organisation, not a promise of a guaranteed outcome.
How Is the 40,000 Ikhlas Recited?
Alone
A set amount is recited each day over a period (for example, a few days or weeks) until the total reaches 40,000. Using a dhikr counter is a very practical way to avoid losing count.
Collectively (Shared Among a Group)
This is the most common method. The total of 40,000 recitations of Al-Ikhlas is divided among participants:
- 100 people → 400 each
- 40 people → 1,000 each
- 20 people → 2,000 each
Each person recites their share, and afterwards a collective dua is made, dedicating the reward to the intended person.
The Steps of Recitation
- Intention: "I intend to recite Al-Ikhlas for the sake of Allah, dedicated to the soul of ... (the person's name) / for my need to be fulfilled."
- Each recitation begins with the basmalah.
- Surah Al-Ikhlas is recited (the count is tracked with a dhikr counter).
- Once complete, Al-Fatihah is recited and a dua is made, dedicating the reward.
Surah Al-Ikhlas (A Reminder)
Transliteration: Qul huwa'llahu ahad. Allahu's-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad.
Meaning: "Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge (to whom all things are in need, while He is in need of nothing). He neither begets nor is born. And there is none comparable to Him."
For the surah's full recitation, meaning and virtue, see our Surah Al-Ikhlas page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does the 40,000 Ikhlas take to complete?
There is no fixed timeframe. When shared among a group, it may be completed in a single sitting; someone reciting alone may spread it over several days or weeks. What matters most is completing the correct total with sincerity.
Is it permissible to recite Al-Ikhlas and dedicate the reward to someone who has passed away?
According to the majority of scholars, dedicating the reward of Quran recitation and charitable acts to the deceased is permissible and beneficial. This is a widespread and well-regarded practice in Muslim communities.
What else can I do instead of the 40,000 Ikhlas?
If the intention is for someone who has passed away: reciting the Quran and dedicating its reward, giving charity on their behalf, sponsoring a charitable act, and making dua are all equally beneficial. If the intention is for a specific need, duas of need and the prayer of need are recommended.
How can I keep track of the count?
Since counting by hand is difficult, a digital dhikr counter is the most practical solution. The dhikr counter in the Nurlu app lets you set a target number (such as 400 or 1,000) and counts automatically.
Completing the Ikhlas Recitation with the Nurlu App
For your 40,000 Ikhlas or your own personal Ikhlas dhikr:
- set a target number (400, 1,000, 40,000) with the dhikr counter and let it count automatically
- keep Surah Al-Ikhlas within reach, with Arabic text, transliteration and audio recitation
- a daily dhikr reminder so you don't lose momentum
Download Nurlu for free and complete your recitation with ease → Get it on the App Store
🔗 See also: The Dua of the Greatest Name · Surah Al-Ikhlas · All Duas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 40,000 Ikhlas recitation?
The 40,000 Ikhlas is a charitable devotional custom involving the recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas ('Qul huwa Allahu ahad') a total of 40,000 times. It is usually done to dedicate reward to the soul of a deceased loved one, or for a wish to be fulfilled, and is most often shared among a group.
How is the 40,000 Ikhlas recited?
It can be recited by a single person, but is most commonly shared among a group. For example, 100 people might each recite 400 times, or 40 people 1,000 times each, to reach a total of 40,000. Each recitation begins with the basmalah, and at the end, a collective dua is made and the reward is dedicated to the intended person.
What is the purpose of the 40,000 Ikhlas, and what benefit does it bring?
It depends on the intention: most commonly it is done to dedicate reward to a deceased person's soul, for a need to be fulfilled, or for spiritual benefit. Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas is itself of great reward on its own. However, there is no authentic source for a guaranteed promise such as 'reciting 40,000 times guarantees a certain outcome' — it should be approached as a sincere, voluntary act of devotion.
Is reciting 40,000 Ikhlas a sunnah, and is it mentioned in hadith?
The virtue of reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas is firmly established in authentic hadiths (three recitations equal the reward of completing the Quran once). However, the specific figure of '40,000' and any definitive outcomes tied to it are not based on an authentic hadith — it is a charitable custom that became popular among the people. There is no need to avoid it out of fear it is an innovation, but it should not be treated as obligatory or as a sunnah either — it should be done as a sincere, voluntary act of good.
What is the virtue of Surah Al-Ikhlas?
The Prophet stated that Surah Al-Ikhlas is equal to a third of the Quran (Bukhari, Tawhid 1). This means reciting it three times carries the reward of completing the Quran once. For this reason, reciting it often is encouraged.
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