لَا تُحَرِّكْ بِهِۦ لِسَانَكَ لِتَعْجَلَ بِهِۦٓ 16
Translations
Move not your tongue with it, [O Muḥammad], to hasten with it [i.e., recitation of the Qur’ān].
Transliteration
La tuharrik bihi lisanaka litaajal bihi
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad not to move his tongue hastily while receiving the Quranic revelation, instructing him to wait patiently until the angel Gabriel (Jibril) completes the delivery of each verse. This ayah emphasizes the importance of careful reception and preservation of divine revelation, as rushing would lead to errors in memorization and transmission. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this as a directive for patience and deliberate care in receiving divine knowledge, ensuring accuracy in the Quran's preservation.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of the Prophet's experience receiving the Quranic revelation. The broader context of Surah Al-Qiyamah addresses doubts about resurrection and emphasizes Allah's perfect preservation of the Quran. The specific instruction relates to the Prophet's natural eagerness to memorize and proclaim the message, which needed to be tempered with patience for accuracy.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (4/1903): Narrated Ibn Abbas that the Prophet used to move his lips when the angel Gabriel came to him with revelation, so Allah revealed 'La tuharrik bihi lisanaka' to prevent premature movement. Also related to the hadith in Sahih Muslim about the intensity of revelation and the Prophet's experience receiving it.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers the virtue of patience and deliberate attention when receiving important knowledge or instruction, avoiding haste that compromises accuracy. It reminds us that eagerness must be balanced with careful listening and thoughtful reception, a principle applicable to Islamic learning and spiritual development.