إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَنزِيلًا 23
Translations
Indeed, it is We who have sent down to you, [O Muḥammad], the Qur’ān progressively.
Transliteration
Innā naḥnu nazzalnā ʿalayka al-Qurʾāna tanzīlā
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah emphasizes His direct role in revealing the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), with the word 'tanzīlā' (gradual revelation) highlighting the deliberate, measured manner of its descent over 23 years. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this emphatic construction (innā naḥnu) stresses Allah's sole authority in this revelation, affirming the Qur'an's divine origin against those who doubted its authenticity. The gradual revelation allowed for flexibility in addressing the Prophet's circumstances and the community's evolving needs.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Al-Insan, a Medinan surah that honors the spiritual journey of believers. The broader context of the surah celebrates those who observe patience and gratitude while awaiting Allah's reward, making this statement a divine reassurance of the authenticity and care embedded in the Qur'an's revelation.
Related Hadiths
The Hadith of Jibril in Sahih Muslim, where Angel Gabriel teaches the Prophet about Islam, Iman, and Ihsan, reflects the importance of the revealed knowledge. Also relevant: Sunan At-Tirmidhi contains hadith about the virtue of those who recite and teach the Qur'an as the best among people.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the Qur'an is not a human creation but a direct communication from Allah, deserving reverence, careful study, and implementation in daily life. For modern readers, it emphasizes that the Qur'an's timeless guidance—revealed gradually to address human needs—remains relevant and authoritative for all generations.