الٓمٓر ۚ تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ ۗ وَٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ ٱلْحَقُّ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ 1
Translations
Alif, Lām, Meem, Rā. These are the verses of the Book; and what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, but most of the people do not believe.
Transliteration
Alif-Lam-Meem. Tilka ayatu al-kitabi wa-alladhi unzila ilayka min rabbika al-haqqu wa-lakin akthara al-nasi la yu'minun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This opening ayah of Surah Ar-Ra'd begins with the mysterious letters 'Alif-Lam-Meem' (whose exact meaning remains among the unseen knowledge of Allah), followed by Allah's affirmation that the verses of the Quran are divine signs and that what has been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad is the absolute truth from his Lord. However, despite this clarity, the majority of people refuse to believe—a statement that emphasizes both the perfection of the revelation and the responsibility of human free will in accepting or rejecting faith. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this ayah sets the tone for the surah by establishing the certainty of the Quranic message against widespread disbelief.
Revelation Context
This ayah opens Surah Ar-Ra'd, a Medinan surah revealed during a period when the Muslim community faced considerable opposition and doubt from both external enemies and those with weak faith. The surah addresses believers' concerns about divine justice and the apparent triumph of disbelievers, reassuring them of Allah's ultimate wisdom and control over all creation.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding those who turn away from the Quran: 'And the one who turns away from the Quran, Allah will gather him blind on the Day of Judgment.' This relates to the theme of rejecting the truth presented in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the Quran is undoubtedly the truth from Allah, yet our role is to actively choose belief and conviction rather than passively expecting guidance—we must take responsibility for accepting or rejecting the clear signs presented to us. It encourages perseverance in faith despite widespread disbelief around us, knowing that the truth's validity does not depend on popular acceptance.