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.
Related Ayahs
قَالُوا۟ نَحْنُ أُو۟لُوا۟ قُوَّةٍ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ بَأْسٍ شَدِيدٍ وَٱلْأَمْرُ إِلَيْكِ فَٱنظُرِى مَاذَا تَأْمُرِينَ
They said, "We are men of strength and of great military might, but the command is yours, so see what you will command."
ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَـٰذَا بَـٰطِلًا سُبْحَـٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
Who remember Allāh while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], "Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
وَقَالُوا۟ مَالِ هَـٰذَا ٱلرَّسُولِ يَأْكُلُ ٱلطَّعَامَ وَيَمْشِى فِى ٱلْأَسْوَاقِ ۙ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مَلَكٌ فَيَكُونَ مَعَهُۥ نَذِيرًا
And they say, "What is this messenger that eats food and walks in the markets? Why was there not sent down to him an angel so he would be with him a warner?
۞ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن ضَعْفٍ ثُمَّ جَعَلَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ضَعْفٍ قُوَّةً ثُمَّ جَعَلَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ قُوَّةٍ ضَعْفًا وَشَيْبَةً ۚ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْقَدِيرُ
Allāh is the one who created you from weakness, then made after weakness strength, then made after strength weakness and white hair. He creates what He wills, and He is the Knowing, the Competent.