Juz 14: Al-Ḥijr and An-Naḥl
Section 2 of 20 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
2. Divine Protection of the Quran | Verses: Al-Hijr 15:1-9
Surah Al-Hijr begins with the disconnected letters "Alif-Lam-Ra," whose precise meaning is known only to Allah, followed by a profound declaration about the nature of the Quran:
الر تِلْكَ آيَاتُ الْكِتَابِ وَقُرْآنٍ مُّبِينٍ
“Alif Lām Rā. These are verses of the Book and the clear Quran.”
Allah describes the Quran as "mubīn" (clear), which carries dual significance: it is clear in itself, with unmistakable guidance, and it makes other matters clear for mankind. The term "Quran" derives either from the word "qara'a" (to read), thus meaning "that which is read," or from "qarana" (to join together), signifying how its verses are joined in perfect coherence and harmony.
The surah then addresses a psychological state that will overtake disbelievers:
رُّبَمَا يَوَدُّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَوْ كَانُوا مُسْلِمِينَ
“The time may come when those who disbelieve would wish that they were Muslims.”
This verse reveals a profound truth: those who reject faith will eventually—whether in this life or at the moment of death or in the Hereafter—wish they had accepted Islam. But at that point, such wishing will be futile. This serves as both a warning to disbelievers and a comfort to believers that their choice of faith, despite its difficulties, is the correct one.
In response to this inevitable regret, Allah instructs His Prophet (peace be upon him):
ذَرْهُمْ يَأْكُلُوا وَيَتَمَتَّعُوا وَيُلْهِهِمُ الْأَمَلُ فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ
“Leave them eating and enjoying, and let (false) hope distract them. They shall soon know.”
Allah then establishes a profound principle of divine planning:
وَمَا أَهْلَكْنَا مِن قَرْيَةٍ إِلَّا وَلَهَا كِتَابٌ مَّعْلُومٌ
“We did not destroy any town without having a known decree for it.”
Every individual, community, and civilization has a predetermined time—an ajal—that cannot be hastened or delayed. This established principle applies to all aspects of existence, demonstrating Allah's perfect planning and precise measure in all affairs.
The surah then addresses the accusations made against the Prophet (peace be upon him) by disbelievers:
وَقَالُوا يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِي نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ الذِّكْرُ إِنَّكَ لَمَجْنُونٌ
“They say, 'O you to whom the Dhikr (the Quran) has been revealed, you are surely insane.'”
The disbelievers then demanded angels as proof:
لَّوْ مَا تَأْتِينَا بِالْمَلَائِكَةِ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ الصَّادِقِينَ
“Why do you not bring the angels to us if you are one of the truthful ones?”
Allah responds by clarifying that if angels were to appear before them, it would signal immediate judgment with no further chance for repentance:
مَا نُنَزِّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَمَا كَانُوا إِذًا مُّنظَرِينَ
“We do not send down the angels except with the truth, and then they would not be given any respite.”
The passage concludes with one of the most significant promises in the Quran:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ
“Indeed, We have revealed the Dhikr (the Quran), and indeed, We are its Guardian.”
Unlike previous scriptures that were entrusted to human beings for preservation and subsequently altered, Allah Himself has undertaken the preservation of the Quran. This divine guarantee explains why the Quran remains unchanged after more than fourteen centuries. Allah has facilitated its memorization even by young children—some as young as four or five—who commit the entire text to memory without necessarily understanding Arabic. The Quran's preservation is further ensured through regular recitation, especially during Ramadan, and through written copies that maintain the original text established during the time of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him). While vocalization marks and dots have been added to facilitate reading, the actual letters and words remain unchanged, fulfilling Allah's promise of preservation.