Tafsir & Commentary
The Inevitable (الواقعة) · Meccan
فِى كِتَـٰبٍ مَّكْنُونٍ78
56:78
Translation — Sahih International
In a Register well-protected;.
Transliteration
Fī kitābin makhnūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Qur'an being preserved in a protected, honored tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfūz) in the heavens. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that 'makhnūn' (hidden, protected, or preserved) emphasizes the Qur'an's sanctity and divine protection from corruption or alteration. This ayah affirms the eternal nature of Allah's revelation and its safeguarding against human tampering.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
This verse appears in Surah Al-Waqi'ah's discussion of the sources and ranks of the Qur'an and those who recite it. It comes after verses describing different categories of people in relation to the Qur'an (the foremost, the righteous, and the disbelievers), emphasizing the Qur'an's divine origin and immutable preservation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Verily this Qur'an is a rope of Allah, a light, and a healing.' (Reported by Muslim). Additionally, 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari), reflecting the value placed on preserving and transmitting this protected scripture.
Themes
Key Lessons
This ayah assures believers that the Qur'an's integrity is divinely guaranteed and protected, providing confidence in its authenticity and reliability as guidance. It encourages Muslims to treat the Qur'an with reverence and to understand that Allah Himself has ensured its preservation throughout time.