Surah Ya Sin (Ya Sin) 36 : 2

Explanatory Note

“Yd Sin. By the Qur’ān, All of wisdom.” (Verses 1-2) God says an oath by these two letters and by the Qur’ān. This combination endorses the view we have expressed elsewhere about the mention of separate letters at the beginning of many sūrahs, and the relation between mentioning these letters and the Qur’ān. The proof that God is the source of the Qur’ān is obvious from these letters which are available to all Arabs to use yet they are incapable of producing with them anything like the thoughts and modes of expression contained in the Qur’ān. Yet seldom do they consider such confirmation.

As He swears by the Qur’ān, God Almighty describes it as being full of wisdom. In fact, a literal translation should be ‘By the wise Qur’ān.’ Wisdom is a quality of rational beings, which suggests that the oath is phrased in this way to impart to the Qur’ān the qualities of life, having a purpose and a will, which are essential for a wise being.

Although this is allegorical, nonetheless it describes a fact, bringing it closer to our minds’ eye. This Qur’ān has a soul of its own, giving it qualities similar to those of a living person with whom you have mutual responses and feelings. This takes place when you pay full attention to it and listen to it with your heart and soul. Whenever you open your faculties up to it, the Qur’ān reveals to you more of its secrets. When you have lived for a while in the company of the Qur’ān, you will long for its distinctive features, just as you long for the features of a close friend. God’s Messenger used to love to listen to the Qur’ān being recited by other people. He would even stop by people’s doors if he overheard someone inside reciting the Qur’ān, just like a lover listens to a conversation about the one he loves. The Qur’ān is certainly wise. It addresses everyone according to their ability; touching heart strings, speaking in a measured way, and using a wisdom that suits each person. Furthermore, the Qur’ān is full of wisdom. It educates people wisely, according to a straight logical and psychological system that releases all human potential and directs people to what is good and beneficial. It establishes a code of living that allows every human activity within the limits of its wise system.