تَنزِيلٌ مِّنَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 2
Translations
[This is] a revelation from the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful -
Transliteration
Tanzilun min ar-Rahmani ar-Rahim
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the Quran is a revelation (tanzil) sent down from Allah, who is characterized by both mercy (ar-Rahman) and compassion (ar-Rahim). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this statement emphasizes the divine origin of the Quran and establishes Allah's merciful nature as the foundation of this revelation, assuring believers that what follows is a message of guidance rooted in divine compassion rather than harshness.
Revelation Context
Surah Fussilat opens with this declaration of the Quran's divine origin in Mecca, where the polytheists disputed the Quranic message. This ayah serves as a definitive statement to establish the Quran's authenticity and divine source at the very beginning of the surah, setting the tone for the detailed explanations (fussilat) that follow throughout the chapter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The most merciful of people is the one who is merciful to others,' which reflects the theme of Allah's mercy (Rahman and Rahim) emphasized in this ayah. (Related to themes in At-Tirmidhi and other collections). Additionally, 'Verily, my mercy encompasses all things' (Quran 7:156) directly complements this ayah's emphasis on divine mercy.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should recognize that the Quran is not a human composition but a divine gift sent with mercy and compassion for humanity's guidance. This understanding should inspire confidence in the Quran's message and cultivate gratitude toward Allah for His merciful revelation.
Related Ayahs
فَإِن يَصْبِرُوا۟ فَٱلنَّارُ مَثْوًى لَّهُمْ ۖ وَإِن يَسْتَعْتِبُوا۟ فَمَا هُم مِّنَ ٱلْمُعْتَبِينَ
So [even] if they are patient, the Fire is a residence for them; and if they ask to appease [Allāh], they will not be of those who are allowed to appease.
وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ نَزْغٌ فَٱسْتَعِذْ بِٱللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allāh. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِ ٱلَّيْلُ وَٱلنَّهَارُ وَٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ ۚ لَا تَسْجُدُوا۟ لِلشَّمْسِ وَلَا لِلْقَمَرِ وَٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُنَّ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ
And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostrate to Allāh, who created them, if it should be Him that you worship.
وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَٰسِىَ مِن فَوْقِهَا وَبَـٰرَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَآ أَقْوَٰتَهَا فِىٓ أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَآءً لِّلسَّآئِلِينَ
And He placed on it [i.e., the earth] firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures'] sustenance in four days without distinction - for [the information of] those who ask.