There have been four Divine Scriptures revealed in different languages - yet it is only Al Qur'an, the last of the four scriptures, which is still preserved in the same Arabic language in which it was originally revealed - and preserved till date without any words added or substracted from it. And most importantly, while the it was revealed in a localized language, that is Arabic of its place of revelation, its message remains universal and applicable even today as it was when it was revealed more than fourteen centuries ago.
Today, we share two verses (3rd and 4th) from Surah 43. Az-Zukhruf which talk about its preservation, being part of the Mother Book and its universality despite being revealed in a localized language.
The Verses
“Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur’an so that you may understand.
And indeed, it is in the Mother of the Book (Umm al-Kitāb) with Us—exalted and full of wisdom.”
What do these verses mean?
- 1) “An Arabic Qur’an so that you may understand”
- This emphasizes that the revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came in the language of his people (Arabic) for clarity and accessibility.
- The message itself is universal - though the language is localized so the first audience can grasp it directly.
- This mirrors a broader pattern in revelation: scripture comes in the language of its recipients.
- Ibn Kathir outlines several key points from these verses regarding the nature and purpose of the Quran:
- Accessibility Through Language (Verse 3) - The Linguistic Wisdom: Allah revealed the Quran in the Arabic tongue so that the Arabs (to whom it was first addressed) could easily comprehend, reflect upon, and apply its guidance.
- Addressing Rejection: Regarding the context of the unbelievers' denial, he mentions the commentary of Qatadah on the surrounding verses. If Allah had withdrawn the Quran due to their stubbornness, they would have been doomed. However, out of His infinite mercy, He continued to send the Reminder (Dhikr) so that they might understand and turn back.
- Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi explains that: The object of taking an oath by the Qur'an is to impress this fact: "We are the Author of this Book and not Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace)," and the attribute of the Qur'an chosen for the oath is that it is a "lucid Book". To swear by the Qur'an itself with its this attribute in order to impress that the Qur'an is Divine Word by itself implies this: "O people, this is an open Book before you. Read it intelligently. Its clear and un-ambiguous themes, its language and literary style, its teaching which distinguishes the truth from falsehood, all arc testifying to the fact that none but the Lord of the Universe could be its Author. " Then the sentence: '"We have made it an Arabic Qur'an so that you may understand it." has two meanings:
- (1) "It is not in any foreign tongue but in your own language; therefore, you can have no difficulty in assessing its value and worth. Had it been in a non-Arabic language, you could have offered the excuse that you could not determine its being Divine, or otherwise, for you did not understand it. But you cannot offer this excuse about this Arabic Qur'an. Its each word is clear to you: its each passage and discourse, both in language and in theme, is plain for you. Now you may see it for yourself whether this could be the word of Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) or of some other Arab."
- (2) "We have sent this Book in Arabic because We are addressing the Arabs, who can only understand an Arabic Qur'an. The person who disregards this expressly rational ground for sending down the Qur'an in Arabic and regards it as the word of Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) instead of Divine Word only because Muhammad's mother tongue is also Arabic, commits a grave injustice. " (To understand this second meaning, please see Surah Ha-Mim As-Sajdah: 44 and its E.N.'s).
- 2) “In the Mother of the Book (Umm al-Kitāb)”
- “Umm al-Kitāb” is commonly understood by classical scholars as:
- The Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfūẓ)
- Or the divine source of all revelation with God
- That means The Qur’an is not a new, disconnected message - It originates from the same eternal divine knowledge as previous scriptures
- Ibn Kathir explains the verse 4 as Origin in the Preserved Tablet
- The "Mother of the Book": Ibn Kathir defines the Umm al-Kitāb (Mother of the Book) as the Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz (the Preserved Tablet) kept with Allah.
- The Status of the Quran: He notes that the description "exalted and full of wisdom" means the Quran holds an exalted, supreme status in the heavens and contains deep, irrefutable wisdom, making it superior and clear beyond any confusion or deviation.
- Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi explains that:
- "Umm al-Kitab": the "Original Book": the Book from which all the Books sent down to the Prophets have been derived. In Surah AI-Waqi`ah the same thing has been described as Kitab-um-Maknun (the hidden and preserved Book) and in Surah AI-Buruj 22 as Lauh-i Mahfuz (the Preserved Tablet), that is, the Tablet whose writing cannot be effaced, which is secure from every kind of interference.
- By saying that the Qur'an is inscribed in Umm al-Kitab, attention has been drawn to an important truth. Different Books had been revealed by Allah in different ages to different Prophets for the guidance of different nations in different languages, but all these Books invited mankind to one and the same Faith: they regarded one and the same thing as the Truth; they presented one and the same criterion of good and evil; they propounded the same principles of morality and civilization; in short, they brought one and the same Din (Religion). The reason was that their source and origin was the same, only words were different; they had the same meaning and theme which is inscribed in a Source Book with Allah, and whenever there was a need, He raised a Prophet and sent down the same meaning and subject-matter clothed in a particular diction according to the environment and occasion.
- Had Allah willed to raise the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be His peace) in another nation instead of the Arabs, He would have sent down the same Qur'an in the language of that nation. In it the meaning and content would have been expressed according to the environments and conditions of the people and land; the words would have been different and the language also different but the teaching and guidance the same basically, and it would be the same Qur'an though not the Arabic Qur'an. This same thing has been expressed in Surah Ash-Shu`ara, thus: "This (Book) has been revealed by the Lord of the worlds. The trustworthy Spirit has come down with it upon your heart so that you may become one of those who are (appointed by God) to warn (the people) in plain Arabic language; and this is also contained in the scriptures of the former peoples." (vv. 192-196). (For explanation, see Ash-Shu`ara: 192196 and the E.N.'s on it).
- 3) “Exalted and full of wisdom”
- This highlights:
- Its lofty status (ʿAliyy)
- Its perfect wisdom and coherence (Ḥakīm)
- Connection to the Torah and Gospel
- The earlier scriptures—Torah and Gospel—fit into this framework in an important way:
- A shared divine source
- All revelations come from the same “Umm al-Kitāb”
- So the Qur’an presents itself as:
- Confirming earlier revelations (not inventing a new religion)
- Clarifying and preserving the message
- This idea appears in other verses too (e.g., Qur’an 5:48). That is Different languages, same message:
- Torah → revealed in Hebrew (to the Israelites)
- Gospel → conveyed in the language of Jesus Christ and his people (Aramaic context)
- Qur’an → revealed in Arabic
- 43:3 reinforces that language changes, but: The core message (monotheism, guidance, ethics) remains consistent - that is continuity and distinction
- Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi explains that:
- This sentence is related both to Kitab-i mubin and to Umm al-Kitab. Thus, it is in praise of both the Qur'an and the Original Book from which the Qur'an has been derived. This praise is meant to impress the fact that if a person does not recognize the true worth of this Book and does not benefit from its wise teachings because of his own folly, it would be his own misfortune. If someone tried to degrade it and found fault with it, it would be his own meanness. It cannot become worthless on account of someone's lack of appreciation of it, and its wisdom cannot be eclipsed by anyone's throwing dust at it.
- This is by itself a glorious Book, which stands exalted by its matchless teaching, miraculous eloquence, faultless wisdom and the sublime personality of its great Author. Therefore, none can succeed in minimizing its value and worth. In verse 43:44 Quraish in particular and the Arabs in general have been told that the revelation of the Book for which they are showing such lack of appreciation had provided them a unique opportunity of honor, which if they lost, would subject them to a severe accountability before God.
These verses suggest a balance
Although, all scriptures have been different languages to different people - yet the message remains the same - that is:
- Continuity (1) Same God, (2) Same ultimate source, and (3) Same essential guidance
- Distinction The Qur’an is presented as: (1) Final articulation, (2) Preserved form, (3) Universally addressed message
In short, Surah 43:3–4 is saying that while The Qur’an is locally delivered (in Arabic) but universally rooted (in divine knowledge) - it stands in continuity with the Torah and Gospel, not in isolation. That is all are part of a single chain of revelation originating from God. Since no other Divine Scripture is promised, Al Qur'an, the last of the Scriptures would be a beacon of guidance for the entire mankind delivering a universal message. Do we take heed of it?
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.
This verse is part of 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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