كَلَّآ إِنَّهَا تَذْكِرَةٌ 11
Translations
No! Indeed, they [i.e., these verses] are a reminder;
Transliteration
Kalla inna-ha tadhkira
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah responds to the Prophet's concern about the wealthy disbeliever by affirming that the Qur'an is indeed a reminder (tadhkira) for those who wish to be reminded. Ibn Kathir explains that despite the rejection of some, the Qur'an's purpose as a means of guidance and remembrance remains fulfilled for the believers. Al-Tabari notes that 'kalla' (nay) here serves as a gentle correction, redirecting focus from the arrogant rejecter to the true function of revelation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the opening narrative of Surah 'Abasa, which addresses the Prophet's frowning at a blind man (Ibn Masoud) who interrupted him while he was speaking to a wealthy Qurayshi leader. The context reflects the Meccan period's tension between those of wealth/status and sincere seekers of faith, emphasizing that the Qur'an's value transcends social hierarchy.
Related Hadiths
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet said, 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Also relevant: 'The Qur'an is an intercessor, something permitted to intercede, and it shall intercede for those who recite it' (Sahih Muslim 805).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that the Qur'an's transformative power lies not in convincing the arrogant, but in serving as a means of guidance for sincere hearts willing to receive it. Our role is to present the message faithfully while recognizing that acceptance ultimately depends on Allah's will and the listener's openness to remembrance.