The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever recites al-Ikhlas eighty times, a palace of gold will be built for him in Paradise.” Is this hadith authentic?

Question:
The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever recites al-Ikhlas eighty times, a palace of gold will be built for him in Paradise.” Is this hadith authentic?

Answer:
As far as I know, there is no basis for this hadith. Reciting Surat al-Ikhlas has great virtue, because he (peace and blessings be upon him) said that it is equal to one-third of the Qur'an. Every virtue has its merit, so its merit is greater than what it contains of the attributes of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Also, a man used to recite it in his prayer and write it down, so the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked him about his recitation of it and his consistency in doing so. He said, “It is the description of the Most Merciful, and I love it.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Your love for it will admit you to Paradise.” So it is undoubtedly a great image. As for mentioning this hadith and the multiplications in it, I do not know of any basis for it. Yes. May Allah reward you with good, and may He do you good.