وَمَا هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ 52
Translations
But it is not except a reminder to the worlds.
Transliteration
Wa mā huwa illā dhikrun lil-'ālamīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the Qur'an is merely a reminder (dhikr) for all of mankind and the worlds. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that 'dhikr' here means an admonition, guidance, and means of remembrance that serves as a universal message not limited to any particular nation or time. The statement emphasizes the Qur'an's role as a comprehensive guidance accessible to all creation, refuting the accusations of the disbelievers who claimed it was merely poetry or sorcery.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Al-Qalam, which was revealed in Mecca during a period when the Quraysh were rejecting the Prophet's message and attacking the Qur'an's authenticity. The surah begins with 'Noon' (the mysterious letters) and defends the Prophet's sanity and the Qur'an's divine origin against pagan accusations, making this closing statement a powerful reaffirmation of the Qur'an's universal purpose.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Verily, this Qur'an is the rope of Allah, the clear light, and the healing mercy' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), emphasizing the Qur'an's role as a reminder for all people.
Themes
Key Lesson
The Qur'an is not a message for a select few but a universal reminder for all humanity across all times and places. Modern readers should recognize that the Qur'an's guidance is relevant to their lives and circumstances, and they bear the responsibility of both receiving and transmitting this reminder to others.