فِى رَقٍّ مَّنشُورٍ 3
Translations
In parchment spread open
Transliteration
Fee raqqi manshoor
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Qur'an being inscribed on a 'spread out parchment' or 'unrolled scroll,' emphasizing the physical preservation and clarity of God's revelation. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari interpret 'raqq' (parchment/paper) and 'manshoor' (spread out/unrolled) as depicting the Qur'an in its accessible, written form that is easy to read and verify. This demonstrates God's commitment to preserving His message in a tangible, protected manner for all generations.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah At-Tur, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes the truthfulness of the Qur'an and the certainty of the Day of Judgment. The surah opens with oaths (by the Mount, the Qur'an, and the Frequented House) to affirm the reality of the divine message, and this ayah reinforces that the Qur'an is not hidden or unclear, but openly presented and preserved.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, Uthman ibn Affan's compilation of the standardized Qur'anic script during his caliphate exemplifies the preservation of the written Qur'an in clear form.
Themes
Key Lesson
The Qur'an is not an abstract or hidden message but a clear, preserved, and accessible revelation that has been protected and transmitted faithfully throughout generations. This should inspire confidence in the authenticity of the Qur'an and encourage its regular recitation, study, and teaching.