تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ ٱلْحَكِيمِ 2
Translations
These are verses of the wise Book,
Transliteration
Tilka ayaatul-kitaabil-hakeem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah introduces the letters 'Alif-Lam-Meem' followed by a description of the Quran as 'the Book of Wisdom.' Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that 'those' (tilka) refers to the verses that follow, specifically the guidance and wisdom contained in Surah Luqman. Al-Tabari notes that 'Al-Hikeem' (the Wise) emphasizes that every ruling, law, and narrative in the Quran is filled with divine wisdom and purpose, containing no falsehood or error.
Revelation Context
Surah Luqman is a Meccan surah revealed during the early Islamic period. This opening ayah establishes the surah's theme of conveying wisdom and moral guidance. The surah primarily focuses on Luqman's ethical teachings to his son, making this introduction a proclamation that the Quran itself is the ultimate source of divine wisdom.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Verily, the best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, 'The Quran is the most eloquent speech, containing the profoundest wisdom' - a thematic hadith emphasizing the Quran's status as the Book of Wisdom.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the Quran is not merely a collection of stories or rules, but a comprehensive source of divine wisdom applicable to all aspects of life. Modern readers should approach the Quran with reverence, seeking to understand its deeper meanings and implementing its guidance with the awareness that each directive carries profound wisdom for spiritual and worldly success.