وَإِنَّهُۥ لَفِى زُبُرِ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ 196
Translations
And indeed, it is [mentioned] in the scriptures of former peoples.
Transliteration
Wa-innahu lafee zuburi al-awwalīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the Qur'an and the prophethood of Muhammad are mentioned in the scriptures of the former peoples (the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as referring to prophecies about the Prophet Muhammad found in previous scriptures, supporting the continuity of the divine message across all prophets. The word 'zubur' (writings/scriptures) emphasizes that this knowledge was recorded and preserved in the books of earlier nations.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, which was revealed in Mecca during the early period of prophethood. The surah addresses the disbelievers' rejection of the Qur'an and the Prophet, and this particular ayah serves as evidence of the Qur'an's authenticity by referencing its attestation in previous divine revelations, thereby challenging the Meccan deniers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, there are numerous hadiths about prophecies of the Prophet in previous scriptures, such as in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet's description is found in the Torah and Gospel.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that the truth of Islam and the Qur'an is corroborated by historical records and previous divine revelations, encouraging confidence in faith and providing a response to those who doubt the Qur'an's divine origin. It also reminds us of the unity of God's message throughout human history.