Surah Al-Furqan 25:32
سُورَةُ الفُرۡقَانِ · Meccan · Verse 32 of 77
وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ جُمْلَةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ لِنُثَبِّتَ بِهِۦ فُؤَادَكَ ۖ وَرَتَّلْنَٰهُ تَرْتِيلًۭا
Translation
The disbelievers also say, ‘Why was the Quran not sent down to him all at once?’ We sent it in this way to strengthen your heart [Prophet]; We gave it to you in gradual revelation.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse opens with the challenge of those who disbelieved, saying, "Why was the Quran not sent down to him all at once?" (وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ جُمْلَةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ). Their question, marked by the word "لولا" (why not or would that), expresses their skepticism about the piecemeal revelation of the Quran, comparing it to earlier scriptures like the Torah and Gospel which they perceived as coming down in a single block.
Allah's Swift Response
The divine response begins immediately with "كَذَٰلِكَ" (Thus), a single word that concisely refers to the very manner of revelation they were questioning: "Thus it was sent down, gradually." Ibn Ashur notes a profound shift in address here, known as *iltifāt* in Arabic rhetoric. Allah turns from addressing the disbelievers' challenge to speaking directly to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. This redirection isn't just an answer to their objection, but a profound reassurance and explanation for the Prophet himself, highlighting Allah's intimate care.
To Strengthen Your Heart
The immediate purpose of this gradual revelation is then revealed: "لِنُثَبِّتَ بِهِۦ فُؤَادَكَ" (so that We may strengthen your heart thereby). The word "فُؤَادَكَ" (your heart) here encompasses not only the Prophet's emotional fortitude but also his intellect and memory. Scholars like al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur explain that for the Prophet, who was unlettered, receiving the revelation bit by bit allowed him to fully comprehend, memorize, and internalize it. This gradual unfolding also ensured that the divine guidance could address specific events and questions as they arose, providing timely wisdom and rulings, and continually bolstering the Prophet's resolve against the hardships he faced. The very act of recurring revelation through Gabriel strengthened his certainty and resolve.
A Measured and Clear Revelation
The verse concludes with "وَرَتَّلْنَٰهُ تَرْتِيلًۭا" (and We have recited it with a distinct recitation). The word "ترتيل" (tartīl) comes from a root meaning distinctness, like teeth that are well-spaced and clearly defined. Scholars such as al-Razi and Ibn Ashur point out that this indicates the Quran was not merely revealed gradually, but with immense care for its structure, clarity, and meaning. It was delivered "آية بعد آية، ووقفة عقيب وقفة" (verse after verse, pause after pause), as al-Zamakhshari puts it.
The repetition of the root in "رتلناه ترتيلا" (using the verb and its absolute object) adds emphasis, signaling that this was a magnificent and unique kind of precise revelation. It means the Quran was sent down distinctly, clearly articulated, beautifully composed, and ordered. This also implies a divine command for its recitation to be unhurried and clear, allowing every word and meaning to resonate deeply with the listener, fostering true reflection and understanding.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Furqan 25:32 is discussed in 7 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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