تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ ٱلْمُبِينِ 2
Translations
These are the verses of the clear Book.
Transliteration
Tilka ayātu al-kitābi al-mubīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah declares that the preceding letters (Ṭā-Sīn-Mīm) are signs of the Clear Book, referring to the Qur'an itself. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that these are among the mysterious letters (al-huruf al-muqaṭṭa'ah) at the beginning of certain surahs, which serve as miraculous signs affirming the divine origin and clarity of the Qur'an despite the brevity of these letters.
Revelation Context
Surah Ash-Shu'ara was revealed in Mecca and deals with the theme of poetry versus divine revelation, addressing the Meccan accusations that the Prophet was a poet. This ayah immediately follows the opening letters and establishes that what follows is not human poetry but a clear, divine book with evident signs.
Related Hadiths
The mysterious letters of the Qur'an are mentioned in various ahadith affirming their importance. Ibn Mas'ud reported that the Prophet said the Qur'an contains knowledge and wisdom, and these letters are part of its miraculous nature (related to themes in Jami' at-Tirmidhi and other hadith collections regarding Qur'anic miracles).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the Qur'an is a clear sign from Allah, and its clarity is not diminished by its mysterious elements but rather enhanced, inviting reflection and deeper understanding. For modern readers, it emphasizes that divine guidance is manifest and comprehensible, encouraging study of the Qur'an with confidence in its message and miraculous nature.