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
۞ وَقَيَّضْنَا لَهُمْ قُرَنَآءَ فَزَيَّنُوا۟ لَهُم مَّا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَحَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْقَوْلُ فِىٓ أُمَمٍ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ ۖ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ خَـٰسِرِينَ
And We appointed for them companions who made attractive to them what was before them and what was behind them [of sin], and the word [i.e., decree] has come into effect upon them among nations which had passed on before them of jinn and men. Indeed, they [all] were losers.
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.
فَإِنِ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فَٱلَّذِينَ عِندَ رَبِّكَ يُسَبِّحُونَ لَهُۥ بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْـَٔمُونَ ۩
But if they are arrogant - then those who are near your Lord [i.e., the angels] exalt Him by night and by day, and they do not become weary.
وَإِذَآ أَنْعَمْنَا عَلَى ٱلْإِنسَـٰنِ أَعْرَضَ وَنَـَٔا بِجَانِبِهِۦ وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ ٱلشَّرُّ فَذُو دُعَآءٍ عَرِيضٍ
And when We bestow favor upon man, he turns away and distances himself; but when evil touches him, then he is full of extensive supplication.