Iklas

Iklas, also transliterated Ikhlas or Ikhlāṣ, is an Arabic term meaning sincerity or purity of intention. It is derived from the trilateral root خ ل ص and denotes a quality of being genuine and free from ostentation or deceptive appearances. In broader usage, ikhlas can refer to sincerity in speech, belief, and action.

In Islam, ikhlas is a central criterion for the acceptance of worship and deeds. It requires performing actions for the sake of Allah alone, without ulterior motives or showing off to others (riya). The concept is commonly linked to the idea that deeds are judged by one’s intention, a principle appearing in several traditions of hadith literature and used to urge believers to maintain pure motives in all acts of worship and daily conduct.

The Quranic surah named after the concept is Al-Ikhlas (Surah 112), titled The Sincerity. It emphasizes tawhid, the oneness of God, and asserts that God is indivisible, eternal, and unique. The surah is short but frequently recited in daily prayers and devotional contexts, and it is widely regarded as encapsulating core monotheistic belief in a concise form.

Beyond theology, ikhlas also appears as a personal name in Muslim communities. Variants such as Iklas, Ikhlas, or Ikhlās are used in diverse regions, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and among diaspora populations, often carrying the connotation of sincerity or pure-heartedness.

In summary, ikhlas denotes sincere intention in religious and moral life, a foundational concept in Islamic ethics, theology, and personal naming practices.