SURATUL-IKHLAS (THE FIDELITY)

This surah is one that talks about the Oneness of Allah.  It is only 4 ayat (verses) long but the essence of tawhid is contained within this.  This surah is often recited (in sholat) and is a reminder to us of our Lord.  It is worth remembering this surah and understanding its transliteration.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Bismillahi-Rahmaan-Raahim
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

112.1
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
Qul huwa Allah hu ahad
Say, "He is God, the One and Only

112.2
اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
Allah hu 's-shomad
God the Eternal, the Absolute

112.3
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
Lam yalid wa lam yulad
He begets not and nor is He begotten

112.4
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad
And there is none like unto him


(Note: the transliteration above is adapted from The Qur'an: Text, Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali)

It has been narrated by Abu Said that he heard the Messenger saying:
"Isn't every one of you able to recite one third of the Quran during a night?" They thought it was very difficult, so they asked: "Who is able to do that, O Apostle of God?" He responded: "He is God, the One and Only is one third of the Qur'an."

Thus, not infrequently, some do recite suratul-Ikhlas thrice for completion.

In fact, recite this Surah often, for glorifying God's Oneness and His Greatness shows one submission to Him.  It is short and can be recited as one is walking to the car, or up the stairs, or to the water dispenser.  Instead of letting your mind wonder, why not recite this and continually be reminded of Allah, and be blessed by Him.

Quoted from wikipedia:
Al-Bukhari reported from Amrah bint Abdur-Rahman, who used to stay in the apartment of Aishah radhi'Allahu 'anha, the wife of the Prophet, that Aishah said, "The Prophet sent a man as the commander of a war expedition and he use to lead his companions in prayer with recitation (of the Quran). And he would complete his recitation with the recitation, 'say He is Allah, One'. So when they returned, they mentioned that to the Prophet and he said, "Ask him why does he do that". So they asked him and he said, "Because it is the description of Ar-Rahman and I love to recite it". So the Prophet said, "Inform him that Allah the Most High Loves him."

From the various hadiths, a good practice would be to recite suratul-Ikhlas (together with suratul-Falah and suratun-Naas) three times in the day and three times in the evening and when you are ill.  Adapted from Sahih al-Bukhari Vol.6 Bk.6 No.535 and Sahih al-Bukhari Vol.6 Bk.6 No.536.