In one of our earlier posts, we reflected on the importance of AL Qur'an as Divine Scripture, and not merely a book to be placed in book shelves for occasional reference. Because if Al Qur'an is only to kept in the shelves wrapped in silken covers, we are doing injustice not only to us, but also disrespecting AL Qur'an, for it is a Book of guidance and full Divine commands to shape our lives as desired by Allah, the sole Creator of the universe.
Today we go a step further and share two verses from Surah Az-Zukhruf, the 43rd Surah / chapter of AL Qur'an. These verses will take us further from where we stopped at verse 30 of Surah AL Furqan (The Criterion)> You may first like to read our post at: Is the Quran merely a book we possess so as to reconnect the verses being shared herein under:
The verse:
Surah Az-Zukhruf Verse: 44
وَإِنَّهُ لَذِكْرٌ لَّكَ وَلِقَوْمِكَ ۖ وَسَوْفَ تُسْأَلُونَ
A common English translation (Sahih International) is: "And indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you are going to be questioned."
The Arabic word ذِكْر (dhikr) encompasses all of similare meanings: reminder, remembrance, mention, honor, and a source of lasting reputation.
The verse thus means: "There can be no greater good fortune for a person than that Allah should choose him from among all men to become the recipient of His Book, and there can be no greater good fortune also for a nation than that Allah should raise His Prophet in it, apart from all other nations of the world, and should send down His Book in its tongue, and give it the opportunity to rise as the standard-bearer of Divine Message in the world. If the Quraish and the people of Arabia have no sense of this great honor, and spurn it, a time will come when they will be called upon to account for it."
The context of the verse
Surah Az-Zukhruf addresses the persistent rejection of the Quran by many of the pagan leaders of Mecca. Throughout the surah, Allah contrasts worldly pride with divine guidance and reminds people that true honor comes from following revelation, not from wealth, ancestry, or social status.
Just before this verse, Allah instructs Prophet Muhammad: "So hold firmly to that which has been revealed to you. Indeed, you are on a straight path." (43:43) Then comes verse 43:44: "Indeed, it is a remembrance (or honor) for you and your people, and you will be questioned."
Thus, the verse follows naturally:
- Hold firmly to the Quran.
- It is a great blessing and distinction.
- Because you have received it, you will be accountable for how you respond to it.
What does "it is a remembrance for you" mean?
The pronoun "it" refers to the Quran. The Quran is described as dhikr because it:
- Reminds humanity of Allah,
- Reminds people of their purpose,
- Preserves divine guidance,
- Brings honor to those who follow it,
- Kkeeps alive the remembrance of those connected to it.
Thus, the Quran is both a reminder and a source of honor.
"For you and your people"
This has two complementary meanings:
1. An honor bestowed upon the Prophet and his community
Allah entrusted the final revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and first addressed it to his people. This was an immense privilege.
Classical commentators explain that receiving the final revelation elevated the standing of the Prophet and those who accepted it.
2. A reminder directed to them
The Quran is not merely an honorific gift. It continually reminds them:
- Who Allah is,
- Why they were created,
- How to live,
- What awaits after death.
Honor comes together with responsibility.
"And you will be questioned"
This is perhaps the most profound part of the verse.
- Allah says: وَسَوْفَ تُسْأَلُونَ - "And you will be questioned."
- Questioned about what?
- The Quran leaves it open, which makes it comprehensive. The implication is:
- You received guidance - but What did you do with it?
- And not Not merely: Did you own a Quran?
- But:
- Did you read it?
- Did you understand it?
- Did you believe it?
- Did you live by it?
- Did it shape your character?
- Did you convey its message truthfully?
Knowledge increases accountability.
A deeper reflection
This verse presents a profound principle:
- Every blessing carries a responsibility.
- Receiving the Quran is an honor.
- But honors in the Quran are never privileges without duties.
Imagine someone entrusted with a priceless map while everyone else is wandering in a desert. The map itself is a gift. But possessing it also creates responsibility. If they ignore it, never study it, never follow it, or never help others with it, they cannot claim its honor while neglecting its purpose.
Like a map, Al Quran is like that map. Possessing it an honour indeed - but not taking any heed from the Divine wisdom contained in makes the believers lose their direction.
Applying it today
Today, many Muslims own multiple copies of the Quran. It is available on phones, in apps, online, in hundreds of translations, with countless lectures and commentaries.
While the previous generations could only dream of such access, the means available to access AL Qur'an are countless. This verse therefore becomes even more searching. It asks us:
- Do I only recite the Quran, or do I allow it to transform me?
- Does it influence my ethics, speech, business, family life, and decisions?
- Do I remember Allah through it daily?
- If I claim the Quran is my guide, does my life reflect that claim?
The verse suggests that the greatest honor is not merely possessing the Quran, but being shaped by it.
A personal reflection
One way to reflect on Quran 43:44 is to imagine standing before Allah and hearing the question implied by the verse: "I entrusted you with My guidance. What place did you give it in your life?"
That reflection can inspire a person not simply to read the Quran more often, but to approach it with the intention of understanding it, living by it, and allowing it to refine one's character. In this way, the Quran becomes not just a book that is owned or recited, but a living source of guidance that shapes one's relationship with Allah and with others.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah (43) Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments of Gold / luxury) already published.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages:
- Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
- Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
- Selected Verses from the Qur'an.
You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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