إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ 9
Translations
Indeed, it is We who sent down the message [i.e., the Qur’ān], and indeed, We will be its guardian.
Transliteration
Inna nahnu nazzalna adh-dhikra wa inna lahu lahafizun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah Himself has revealed the Qur'an (referred to as 'adh-dhikr' - the Reminder) and that He Himself guarantees its preservation from corruption and alteration. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this divine promise encompasses both the textual integrity of the Qur'an and protection from distortion of its meanings, fulfilling Allah's commitment to preserve His final revelation until the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Hijr, a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Prophet Muhammad's mission when the Qur'an faced rejection and opposition from the Meccan polytheists. The verse provides reassurance to the Prophet and believers that despite contemporary attempts to discredit or alter the message, Allah's protection ensures the Qur'an's eternal preservation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, there are numerous hadiths emphasizing the Qur'an's miraculous preservation and the virtue of memorizing it (huffaz al-Qur'an).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah provides assurance that the Qur'an's authenticity and purity are safeguarded by Allah Himself, inviting believers to trust in its message without doubt. For modern readers, it reinforces that the Qur'an we possess today is the exact revelation given to Prophet Muhammad, deserving full confidence in its guidance for all aspects of life.