كِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَـٰرَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓا۟ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ 29
Translations
[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.
Transliteration
Kitabun anzalnahu ilayka mubarakun liyaddabaru ayatihi wa liyatadakkara ulul-albab
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Qur'an as a blessed book revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) so that people may reflect deeply upon its verses and so that those of understanding (ulul-albab) may take admonition and reminder from it. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that tadabbur (deep reflection and contemplation) is essential to deriving benefit from the Qur'an, distinguishing between merely reciting the text and truly comprehending its meanings and applying its wisdom. The phrase 'ulul-albab' (people of intellect/understanding) indicates that this invitation to reflection is particularly directed toward those who employ reason and wisdom in their spiritual journey.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Sad, a Meccan chapter focused on affirming the truthfulness of the Qur'an and addressing objections raised by the Meccan disbelievers. The broader context addresses the nobility of the Qur'an as a guidance and emphasizes its role not as mere recitation but as a text demanding intellectual and spiritual engagement from its audience.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized: 'Whoever reflects upon the Qur'an seeking its meanings will find therein what the hearts require' (a principle supported in various hadith collections on tadabbur).
Themes
Key Lesson
The Qur'an is not meant to be passively recited but actively contemplated and reflected upon, with believers encouraged to engage their minds and hearts in understanding its profound meanings. True benefit from the Qur'an comes to those who combine sincere intention with intellectual effort, making it a living guide for both spiritual and practical aspects of life.