إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ 87
Translations
It is but a reminder to the worlds.
Transliteration
In hu illa dhikrun lilal-alameen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the Quran is nothing but a reminder (dhikr) for all the worlds and all of humanity. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this statement emphasizes the universal nature and purpose of the Quranic message—it is a guidance and admonition meant for every generation and all peoples, transcending time and culture. The term 'dhikr' (reminder) indicates that the Quran calls people back to the truth they inherently know through their natural disposition (fitrah) and the message of all previous prophets.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Sad, which was revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period when the Prophet Muhammad faced rejection and ridicule from the Meccan elite. The surah addresses their disbelief and emphasizes the timeless nature of the Quranic message against those who dismissed it as merely the words of a human poet or storyteller.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, 'Verily this Quran is a cord of Allah and a light from Him' (Muslim), emphasizing the Quran's role as a universal guidance for all people.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that the Quran's primary purpose is to serve as a reminder and guide for all humanity across all times and places, encouraging both personal reflection and the responsibility to convey this universal message to others with wisdom and clarity.