Surah Hud 11:1
سُورَةُ هُودٍ · Meccan · Verse 1 of 123
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ الٓر ۚ كِتَٰبٌ أُحْكِمَتْ ءَايَٰتُهُۥ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ
Translation
Alif Lam Ra [This is] a Scripture whose verses are perfected, then set out clearly, from One who is all wise, all aware.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This powerful opening to Surah Hud introduces the Quran itself, painting a vivid picture of its divine nature and origin. Allah, the Speaker, describes the Book revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with precise and profound words, inviting us to reflect on its unique qualities.
A Book of Perfection
The verse begins with the majestic `الٓر`, one of the mysterious abbreviated letters that open several surahs, signaling the Quran's unique form. Then, it describes, "This is a `كِتَٰبٌ أُحْكِمَتْ ءَايَٰتُهُۥ`" (a Book whose verses have been perfected/made firm). The word `أُحْكِمَتْ` carries deep meaning. Scholars like al-Razi and al-Zamakhshari explain it as being perfectly structured, without any flaw or defect, much like a masterfully crafted, sturdy building. This perfection means its truths are unchangeable, its statements are free from contradiction, and its eloquence and literary beauty are beyond compare. It's a text whose wisdom, in the words of al-Razi, encompasses profound knowledge of God's Oneness, justice, prophecy, and the Hereafter, meanings that are inherently firm and cannot be abrogated. This perfection stems directly from Allah's attribute as `الحكيم` (The Wise).
Then, Clarity and Detail
Following this, the verse says, "`ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ`" (then they were explained in detail). The word `ثُمَّ` (then) here isn't about time, but about rank or significance. It implies that beyond being perfectly structured, the verses are *additionally* clarified and made distinct, elevating their value even further, as noted by al-Razi, al-Zamakhshari, and Ibn Ashur. `فُصِّلَتْ` means they are made clear, distinguished, and laid out in detail. This includes explaining spiritual lessons, outlining rulings, sharing stories, and separating truth from falsehood. It also refers to the way the Quran was revealed piecemeal, in distinct chapters and verses, making it easier to grasp.
From the All-Wise, All-Aware
The source of this perfection and detail is specified: "`مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ`" (from one All-Wise, All-Aware). The word `لَّدُنْ` is significant. Unlike the more general `عندَ` (from), `لَّدُنْ` signifies a direct, immediate, and intimate origination. It emphasizes that this Book comes *from the very presence* of Allah, a source of ultimate authority and purity, as highlighted by al-Jadwal.
Ibn Ashur and al-Zamakhshari draw a beautiful connection between these Divine Names and the descriptions of the Book: `الحكيم` (The Wise) is the source of the `إحكام` (perfection) in the verses, while `الخبير` (The All-Aware), who knows all hidden and manifest things, is the source of their `تفصيل` (detailed explanation). This pairing demonstrates how Allah's attributes are perfectly manifest in the very words of His revelation, making the Quran both an unshakable truth and a clear guide.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Hud 11:1 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Hud 11:1 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.