إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ 27
Translations
It is not except a reminder to the worlds
Transliteration
In hu illa dhikrun lil-'alamin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the Qur'an is nothing but a reminder (dhikr) for all of humanity and the worlds ('alamin). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that Allah is clarifying the Qur'an's primary purpose: to serve as an admonition and guidance for all people across time and place. The emphasis on 'dhikr' (reminder) suggests that the message calls people back to truth they may have forgotten or neglected, rather than introducing entirely new concepts.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah At-Takwir, which describes the cosmic events of the Day of Judgment and establishes the divine origin of the Qur'an through the angel Gabriel's testimony. The broader context emphasizes that despite the miraculous nature of the Qur'an's revelation, its essential function is to remind humanity of their covenant with Allah and their ultimate accountability.
Related Hadiths
The hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Khayrakum man ta'allama al-Qur'ana wa'allamahu) relates to the universal purpose of the Qur'an as a reminder meant to be transmitted. Additionally, the hadith in Sunan At-Tirmidhi emphasizes that recitation of the Qur'an is a means of remembrance (dhikr) that brings the heart closer to Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
The Qur'an's primary role is not merely as a legal code or historical record, but as a continuous spiritual reminder that awakens the conscience and realigns hearts with divine truth. This teaches us that our engagement with the Qur'an should focus on contemplation and remembrance rather than mere recitation, allowing it to transform our character and choices.