فَإِذَا قَرَأْنَـٰهُ فَٱتَّبِعْ قُرْءَانَهُۥ 18
Translations
So when We have recited it [through Gabriel], then follow its recitation.
Transliteration
Fa-idha qaraʾnahu fattabiʿ qurʾanahu
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to follow the Qur'an when it is recited to him, rather than rushing ahead or being hasty in his recitation. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this in the context of the preceding ayahs (75:16-17), where Allah reassured the Prophet not to move his tongue hastily to memorize the revelation—Allah Himself would gather it in his heart and enable him to recite it correctly. The command emphasizes complete obedience to the divine message and careful, measured transmission of the Qur'an.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qiyamah (Meccan), which focuses on the Day of Resurrection and divine authority. The specific context addresses the Prophet's concern about memorizing the Qur'an perfectly, reassuring him that Allah would facilitate both its preservation in his heart and its proper recitation. This reflects the early Meccan period when revelation was still being transmitted orally.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (4696): Narrated ʾAbdullah ibn ʾAbbas: The Prophet was the most generous, and he used to be more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel would meet him. Gabriel would meet him every night to teach him the Qur'an. Related to the care and precision in Qur'anic transmission.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should approach the Qur'an with reverence and careful attention, following its guidance completely rather than rushing or being negligent in understanding it. This teaches us that preservation of sacred knowledge requires patience, obedience, and reliance on Allah's support in our spiritual journey.