لِنَجْعَلَهَا لَكُمْ تَذْكِرَةً وَتَعِيَهَآ أُذُنٌ وَٰعِيَةٌ 12
Translations
That We might make it for you a reminder and [that] a conscious ear would be conscious of it.
Transliteration
Linajʿalahā lakum tadhkiratan wa taʿīahā udhunun wāʿiyah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes the Qur'an's role as a means of remembrance and guidance, highlighting that it benefits only those who possess attentive and receptive hearts and ears. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that 'an ear that is wāʿiyah (retentive/understanding)' refers to one that truly comprehends and acts upon what it hears, distinguishing between mere hearing and true understanding. The verse underscores that divine revelation's benefit depends not solely on its transmission, but on the listener's sincere intention and spiritual readiness to receive guidance.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Haqqah is a Meccan surah primarily concerned with establishing the certainty of the Hereafter and the truthfulness of the Qur'an. This ayah appears in the context of describing how the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and serves as a reminder for humanity, emphasizing that receptiveness to divine guidance is a prerequisite for benefiting from revelation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The example of one who recites the Qur'an is like the citron whose fragrance is pleasant and whose taste is sweet; and the example of one who does not recite the Qur'an is like the date-palm tree that has no fragrance but has a sweet taste' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the hadith emphasizing listening with presence and concentration during Qur'anic recitation relates to the concept of 'an ear that understands' (Al-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that merely hearing the word of God is insufficient; true benefit comes from cultivating attentive hearts and receptive minds that genuinely comprehend and internalize divine guidance. In our modern age of information overload, it teaches us to approach the Qur'an with conscious awareness and sincere intention, allowing its wisdom to transform our understanding and conduct.