It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) that once the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to the companions, "Are you unable to recite one third of the Qur'an in a single night?" This seemed very difficult to the companions and they said, "Who has the strength for this? We are very weak and incapable." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Allah Almighty has divided the Noble Qur'an into three parts, and Surah Ikhlas has been considered as one of those parts."