إِنَّهُۥ لَقَوْلٌ فَصْلٌ 13
Translations
Indeed, it [i.e., the Qur’ān] is a decisive statement,
Transliteration
Innahu laqawlun fasl
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the Qur'an is a decisive and authoritative word that distinguishes truth from falsehood. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that 'fasl' (فصل) means 'decisive' or 'criterion'—it cuts through ambiguity and settles disputes definitively. The ayah emphasizes the Qur'an's role as the final arbiter of all matters, containing complete guidance for humanity.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the end of Surah At-Tariq, a Meccan surah that addresses the disbelievers' rejection of the Qur'an and the Hereafter. In its context, Allah is emphasizing the absolute reliability and decisiveness of His revelation against those who dismissed it, reinforcing that the Qur'an is not mere poetry or human speech but a definitive divine message.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best speech is the Book of Allah' (Sahih Muslim 538). Additionally, Surah Al-Furqan (25:1) uses similar terminology—'Al-Furqan' (the Criterion)—referring to the Qur'an's power to distinguish truth from falsehood, with extensive commentary in Sahih Bukhari's tafsir sections.
Themes
Key Lesson
The Qur'an is not ambiguous or uncertain—it provides clear, decisive guidance for all human concerns. Muslims should approach the Qur'an with confidence in its authority and completeness, using it as the ultimate standard for evaluating truth in both spiritual and worldly matters.