عَلَّمَهُ ٱلْبَيَانَ 4
Translations
[And] taught him eloquence.
Transliteration
'Allama-hu al-bayan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah means 'He taught him eloquence' or 'He taught him clear speech/expression,' referring to Allah's gift of articulate communication to humanity. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Allah's blessing upon man to express himself clearly through speech, distinguishing humans from other creation. Al-Qurtubi notes that 'al-bayan' encompasses not only the ability to speak but also to understand, comprehend, and communicate knowledge—a fundamental mercy that enables human civilization and the transmission of divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ar-Rahman (Meccan surah, though classified as Medinan in some traditions), which emphasizes Allah's countless blessings upon creation. Verses 1-4 specifically enumerate core divine gifts: mercy, the Qur'an, human creation, and the faculty of speech. The broader context celebrates Allah's generosity and establishes gratitude as the appropriate human response.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), reflecting the value of clear articulation of divine knowledge. Additionally, 'The most eloquent among you is he who is most truthful in speech' (a hadith principle emphasizing speech's ethical dimension).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that the ability to communicate, express ourselves, and understand is not a given but a profound divine gift that carries responsibility. We should use our faculty of speech wisely and truthfully, and be grateful for this blessing by using it to seek knowledge, spread truth, and connect with others.