صٓ ۚ وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ذِى ٱلذِّكْرِ 1
Translations
Ṣād. By the Qur’ān containing reminder...
Transliteration
Saad. Wa-alqur'ani dhi-aldhikr.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah opens Surah Sad with the isolated letter 'Saad' (Qaf Muqatta'at), followed by an oath swearing by the Qur'an of great remembrance and nobility. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the oath emphasizes the Qur'an's supreme status as a book of guidance, wisdom, and remembrance of Allah. The phrase 'dhi-aldhikr' (possessor of remembrance) indicates that the Qur'an is a comprehensive reminder of Allah's signs, commandments, and stories of the prophets.
Revelation Context
Surah Sad is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of prophethood when the Quraysh were rejecting the message. This opening oath serves to affirm the Qur'an's divine origin and authority at a time when disbelievers were denying its authenticity, setting the stage for the surah's subsequent discussion of prophetic steadfastness and divine wisdom.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, 'Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward, and that reward will be multiplied by ten' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2910).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the Qur'an is not merely a historical text but a living guide for remembrance of Allah and His signs; in contemporary life, regular engagement with Quranic study and reflection strengthens spiritual awareness and moral guidance.