ٱللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ كِتَـٰبًا مُّتَشَـٰبِهًا مَّثَانِىَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ يَهْدِى بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْ هَادٍ 23
Translations
Allāh has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver therefrom of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance [i.e., mention] of Allāh. That is the guidance of Allāh by which He guides whom He wills. And one whom Allāh sends astray - for him there is no guide.
Transliteration
Allahu nazzala ahsanal-hadith kitaban mutashabiahan matthani taqsha'airru minhu juloodu alladhina yakhshawna rabbahum thumma talinu julooduhum wa qulubuhum ila dhikri Allah. Dhalika huda Allah yahdee bihi man yasha'u wa man yudlil Allah fa ma lahu min hadin.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah has revealed the Quran as the finest discourse—a Book with interconnected verses and repeated themes that evoke profound spiritual responses in the hearts of the God-fearing: their skin bristles with awe, then their hearts and skin soften toward the remembrance of Allah. This describes the dynamic emotional and spiritual impact of Quranic recitation on the believing soul. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this visceral response demonstrates the Quran's miraculous nature and its power to transform hearts, while Ibn Kathir notes that such reactions indicate sincere faith and genuine submission to Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Az-Zumar (The Troops), a Meccan chapter that emphasizes Allah's oneness, the reality of the Hereafter, and the superiority of the Quran as divine guidance. The ayah addresses those who truly fear Allah and are receptive to His message, contrasting them with those whose hearts remain hardened despite hearing the Quran.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported that the Prophet would recite the Quran with such emotional engagement that his voice would become tearful and trembling (Sunan Abu Dawud 1471).
Themes
Key Lesson
True understanding of the Quran is not merely intellectual but deeply emotional and spiritual—it should move the heart, soften the soul, and inspire awe of Allah. This ayah reminds believers that their receptiveness to divine guidance and their emotional connection to Quranic verses are signs of genuine faith and divine favor.