The first revelation began with Iqra' (Read). At many places in the Quran, man has been encouraged for Tilaawat (Reading and following the Quran), Zikr (Remembrance, Recalling), Ta'aqqul (Reasoning), Tadabbur (Deliberation), and Tafakkur (Reflection). He has also been informed through Naba' (disclosure of information, previously not known), Qasas (factual stories, history), Masal (examples and parables), Alqaa (flash), Ilhaam (inspiration), Wahy (revelation), and so on. It is therefore necessary to note difference in the terminology used appropriate to each statement in the Quran.

Besides many secrets of the first revelation, and the manner in which it was sent down, there is one most important aspect of it, i.e., it is the revealed theology. When first time the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was asked to 'Read', he said, 'I am not a reader' ('I do not know how to read'). The angel pressed him hard thrice. It was after he repeated third time 'I do not know how to read' (or what shall I read', 2, Vol-I, Bukhari)?, that verses 96-1 to 3 were revealed to him. This all was designed to be recorded so that history bears testimony that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) did not utter anything from his side; he did not read till the verses were actually revealed, starting with the Name of his Lord.

The very first verses carried the revelation, which till today, forms the content of the most investigated topics for science: i) Khalaq: creation of megaverse and everything, and ii) Alaq: zygote: (genetics). After Iqra', came the directions to recite: "wa rattililqur'ana tartiilaa": ("and recite the Quran in slow, measured rhythmic tones"), and follow the reading or recitation: 'Tilaawat': "O you folded in garments! (1) Stand (to prayer) by night, but not all night, (2) Half of it, or a little less, (3) Or a little more, and recite the Quran in slow, measured rhythmic tones." (4) 73-1 to 4 These are some examples of knowledge and instruction which were sent first as part of the revealed theology. Invitation and encouragement for Zikr (Remembrance), Ta'aqqul (Reasoning), Tadabbur (Deliberation), and Tafakkur (Reflection) came later. From the course of Revelation, it would be seen that encouragement for application of human faculties of intelligence and reasoning, came after the necessary basic facts were revealed and attention was invited to manifestations and phenomena in nature, i.e., after foundation was laid for reason to take stand on its own. Examination of different concepts about theology and religion show that mere human conceptualization and conjecture, outside the realm of knowledge that became available to man, in given time frame, always created or compounded confusion. Islam is not a closed system with set answers to problems of mankind. Such a view is contrary to the spirit of the Quran because it contradicts not only validity for all times but even universality of Islam. Through reflection, deliberation and reasoning, the Quran responds to the reality of change. Instead of clinging to fossilized dogma or mere conjecture, it encourages to update knowledge based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. It may be noted that beginning of Al-Ikhlaas (Surah 112) with 'Qul', lays the very basic principle of Revealed Theology. It lays its foundation distinctly and separately from natural theology or so called scientific approaches and concepts developed by man, himself. Besides signifying imperative in the command, the use of the term Qul differentiates the very nature of the statement being revelatory and revelational. This in fact provides basis for differentiation between natural theology and revealed theology, which has remained under debate in the West since quite some time.

Revealed theology is the first of the three important themes of the Quran; the others being theophany (manifestations of God in nature and science) and theosophy (relationship of man with God, practically demonstrated in submission to Him (His Diin). There are examples of special and blessed relationship in complete and pure submission of Ibrahim (Peace be upon him), called 'friend' of Allah, and Moses, (Peace be upon him), who was blessed with dialogue with Him.

Let us examine some concepts about theology and religion before we come to discuss significance of the term 'Qul' used in this Surah, as the evidence of Revealed Theology.