وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَـٰكَ سَبْعًا مِّنَ ٱلْمَثَانِى وَٱلْقُرْءَانَ ٱلْعَظِيمَ 87
Translations
And We have certainly given you, [O Muḥammad], seven of the often repeated [verses] and the great Qur’ān.
Transliteration
Wa laqad ātaynāka sab'an min al-mathānī wa-al-Qur'āna al-'azīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), informing him that He has granted him the Seven Repeated Verses (Al-Mathani), referring to Surah Al-Fatihah, and the Mighty Qur'an. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that Al-Fatihah is the most virtuous surah, called 'Al-Mathani' because its verses are repeated in every prayer cycle, and it contains complete guidance encompassing the worship of Allah, supplication, and seeking His help. This ayah highlights the special honor bestowed upon the Prophet and the comprehensive nature of the Qur'anic message.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs in Surah Al-Hijr, a Meccan surah, where Allah consoles and strengthens the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during the early, challenging period of his mission when facing rejection from the Meccan polytheists. The broader thematic context emphasizes Allah's support for His Messenger and the supreme value of the Qur'an as a divine gift.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The greatest surah in the Qur'an is Surah Al-Fatihah' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Also, Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Every surah in the Qur'an has been given a name, and Al-Fatihah is called Al-Mathani because it is recited in every prayer' (narrated in various hadith collections).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the supreme blessing of the Qur'an in their lives and the particular importance of Surah Al-Fatihah, which they recite daily. It teaches that true honor comes from Allah's revelation and guidance, not from worldly status or acceptance, offering comfort to all who face difficulties in their spiritual journey.
Related Ayahs
مَا نُنَزِّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةَ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَمَا كَانُوٓا۟ إِذًا مُّنظَرِينَ
We do not send down the angels except with truth; and they [i.e., the disbelievers] would not then be reprieved.
قَالَ أَبَشَّرْتُمُونِى عَلَىٰٓ أَن مَّسَّنِىَ ٱلْكِبَرُ فَبِمَ تُبَشِّرُونَ
He said, "Have you given me good tidings although old age has come upon me? Then of what [wonder] do you inform?"
وَأَرْسَلْنَا ٱلرِّيَـٰحَ لَوَٰقِحَ فَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَأَسْقَيْنَـٰكُمُوهُ وَمَآ أَنتُمْ لَهُۥ بِخَـٰزِنِينَ
And We have sent the fertilizing winds and sent down water from the sky and given you drink from it. And you are not its retainers.
قَالَ لَمْ أَكُن لِّأَسْجُدَ لِبَشَرٍ خَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن صَلْصَـٰلٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ
He said, "Never would I prostrate to a human whom You created out of clay from an altered black mud."