إِنَّا جَعَلْنَـٰهُ قُرْءَٰنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ 3
Translations
Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur’ān that you might understand.
Transliteration
Inna ja'alnahu Qur'anan 'Arabiyyan lalla'allakum ta'qilun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah states that He has made the Qur'an in the Arabic language so that the people may understand and comprehend its meanings. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that Arabic was chosen as the language of revelation because it is the most eloquent and expressive language, capable of conveying divine meanings with precision and depth. This ayah underscores that the clarity of language is essential to divine guidance, as understanding ('aql) is fundamental to faith and obedience.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Az-Zukhruf, a Meccan surah that addresses the polytheists' objections to the Qur'an. The broader context highlights why the Qur'an was revealed in Arabic to the Arab people—so they could fully grasp its message without linguistic barriers. This responds to the disbelievers' claim that the Qur'an was incomprehensible or merely borrowed from other sources.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, 'Whoever listens to a verse of the Book of Allah and understands it will be better than a thousand verses he merely recites without understanding' (related to themes in At-Tirmidhi and other sources emphasizing comprehension).
Themes
Key Lesson
The Qur'an's revelation in clear, eloquent Arabic reminds us that Allah desires our understanding and intellectual engagement with His message, not blind imitation. In our contemporary context, this encourages believers to study the Qur'an with reflection and contemplation, seeking to grasp its deeper meanings rather than merely reciting it mechanically.