Surah Az-Zumar 39:1

Translation

This Scripture is sent down from God the Mighty, the Wise.

English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.

Meaning and reflection

Wording

This verse, the opening of Surah Az-Zumar, is a profound declaration from Allah Himself about the origin and nature of the Quran. It addresses humanity, clearly establishing that this sacred Book comes from no less than the Divine. The tone is authoritative and firm, laying the groundwork for all that follows in the surah. Every word is chosen with precision, inviting us to ponder its deeper meaning.

The Gradual Unveiling

The verse begins with "تَنزِيلُ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ" (Tanzil al-Kitab), which literally means "the sending down of the Book." The word "تنزيل" (tanzil) is a verbal noun, hinting at the *act* of revelation rather than merely the revealed object. More significantly, scholars like Ibn Ashur point out that this specific form, derived from the Arabic verb "نَزَّلَ" (nazzala), implies a gradual, piecemeal revelation. This is distinct from "إنزال" (inzal), which would suggest a single, instantaneous descent. By choosing "تنزيل" here, the Quran subtly addresses doubts raised by some who questioned why it wasn't revealed all at once. This word choice underscores Allah's wisdom in delivering His message progressively, tailored to specific needs and situations over time.

The Sole Source

Following this, the phrase "مِنَ ٱللَّهِ" (min Allahi, "from Allah") serves as the core of the declaration. The grammatical structure here is significant, as al-Razi observes. When "تنزيل الكتاب" (the revelation of the Book) is the subject and "من الله" (from Allah) is the predicate, it implies exclusivity. The meaning isn't just that the Quran is from Allah, but that it is *only* from Allah, and from no one else. This grammatical emphasis immediately refutes any notion of human authorship or partnership in its divine origin.

Mighty and Wise

The verse concludes by describing the Sender with two majestic Divine Names: "ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْحَكِيمِ" (Al-'Aziz al-Hakim), meaning "the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." These names are not merely descriptive; they imbue the Quran itself with specific characteristics, as Ibn Ashur explains. As it comes from Allah, the All-Mighty (Al-'Aziz), the Book shares in that might. The Quran is therefore invincible, conquering arguments with its proofs, surpassing other scriptures, and challenging human eloquence. It is "غالب" (ghalib), meaning victorious and dominant in every aspect.

Similarly, as it comes from Allah, the All-Wise (Al-Hakim), the Quran embodies wisdom. It acts as a judge with its clear evidence, its teachings are perfected and free from error, and it contains profound wisdom and knowledge previously unknown to humanity. Al-Razi further emphasizes that Allah's might and wisdom confirm that everything He does is founded on truth and sound purpose, ensuring the Quran's absolute reliability and truthfulness. These names thus invite us to not only believe in the Quran's divine origin but also to deeply ponder its mighty, wise, and enduring message.

Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf)

Topics that discuss this verse

Surah Az-Zumar 39:1 is discussed in one study guide on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.

• Honor (Izzah)

Browse all Quran topics

Reflect on this verse

Open Surah Az-Zumar 39:1 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.

Reflect on this verse with Maani