فِى صُحُفٍ مُّكَرَّمَةٍ 13
Translations
[It is recorded] in honored sheets,
Transliteration
Fī suhufin mukarramah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Qur'an being preserved in 'honored sheets' or 'noble pages,' emphasizing the dignity and sanctity of the divine revelation. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as referring to the preserved Qur'an in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) and its earthly manifestations in written and memorized forms. The term 'mukarramah' (honored/noble) stresses that the Qur'an is protected from corruption and held in the highest esteem by both the heavens and the faithful.
Revelation Context
Surah 'Abasa addresses the Prophet's (peace be upon him) frowning at a blind companion (Ibn Umm Maktum), redirecting focus to the true purpose of revelation: conveying the message of the Qur'an. This ayah appears in the closing section, reaffirming that the Qur'an itself is a noble, preserved text worthy of respect regardless of who receives or rejects it.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, 'Verily, those who read the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided them secretly and publicly, [they] hope for a transaction that will not fail' (Qur'an 35:29), emphasizing the honor of engagement with the Qur'an.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the Qur'an is not merely a historical text but a divinely protected and honored revelation worthy of reverence and careful study. It calls us to approach the Qur'an with dignity and to recognize its eternal preservation as evidence of Allah's commitment to guiding humanity.