Quran Quote  : 

    • Quran-96:4 Surah Al-alaq English Translation,Transliteration and Tafsir(Tafseer).

    ٱلَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِٱلۡقَلَمِ

    Transliteration:( Al lazee 'allama bil qalam )

    4.Who teaches writing by pen[7] (Kanzul Imaan Translation)

    (4) Who taught by the pen – (Saheen International Translation)

    Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics

    Surah Al-Alaq Ayat 4 Tafsir (Commentry)



    • Tafseer-e-Naeemi (Ahmad Yaar Khan)
    • Ibn Kathir
    • Ala-Madudi
    • Shaheen International

    Who Teaches Writing by Pen (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:4)

    The Significance of "Pen" [7]

    • Linguistic Meaning:
      The Arabic word for "pen" derives from the idea of carving or cutting. A pen is carved and shaped to write, making it a tool of immense value in conveying knowledge.

    • Broader Interpretation of "Pen":

      1. All Pens: Refers to all instruments used for writing, symbolizing the transmission of knowledge.
        • Through pens, thoughts, histories, and religious teachings are preserved.
        • Both worldly and religious affairs rely on the written word, showcasing the importance of knowledge.
      2. Divine Pen (Qalam): Refers to the pen that inscribed all events of creation on the Divine Tablet (Lauh al-Mahfuz).
        • This pen represents Allah’s knowledge and decree of everything past, present, and future.

    The Evolution of Writing

    1. Prophetic Contributions:

      • Hazrat Adam (AS): Wrote on leaves.
      • Hazrat Idris (AS): Used potsherds as writing material.
      • Hazrat Yusuf (AS): Innovated paper, a material still attributed to his time.

    2. Respect for Knowledge and Tools:

      • Knowledge and writing are divine blessings. The tools of learning, such as the pen, are sacred.
      • Disposing of pens or shavings in impure places is prohibited, as it disrespects the knowledge they carry.

    Divine Teaching Through the Pen

    1. Angels, Prophets, and Saints:

      • The pen of Allah Almighty conveyed knowledge to angels, prophets, and saints.
      • The prophets, being the most eminent recipients of divine knowledge, were taught directly through the "Divine Tablet" by Allah.

    2. The Holy Prophet ﷺ as a Divine Pen:

      • The Holy Prophet ﷺ is metaphorically referred to as the "pen of Allah Almighty."
        • His teachings serve as the ultimate source of knowledge for humanity.
        • Whatever emanates from his blessed lips is permanent, unchangeable, and filled with divine wisdom.

    Reflection on the Importance of the Pen

    1. Knowledge as a Divine Bounty:
      Writing and the ability to record knowledge is a special favor of Allah Almighty.

      • Knowledge preserved through the pen shapes human civilization and spiritual understanding.

    2. Honoring the Tools of Learning:

      • Islamic scholars and their pens hold a distinguished position due to their role in spreading religious knowledge.

    3. The Role of the Divine Tablet:

      • The concept of the Divine Tablet emphasizes that Allah’s knowledge encompasses all eras and that prophets are granted access to this superior understanding.

    Ibn-Kathir

    The tafsir of Surah Alaq verse 4 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
    Please refer to Surah Alaq ayat 1 which provides the complete commentary from verse 1 through 5.

    Ala-Maududi

    (96:4) Who taught by the pen,[5]

    5. That is, it is a great favor of Allah that starting man’s creation from a most insignificant state, He made him possessor of knowledge which is the noblest attribute of creation, and He made him not only possessor of knowledge but also taught him the art of writing by the use of pen, which became the means of propagation, progress, dissemination and preservation of knowledge on a large scale. Had He not given man the knowledge of the art of pen and writing (by inspiration) his intellectual faculty would have stagnated, and it would have had no opportunity to develop, expand and become a means of transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next and make future progress.

    (4) Who taught by the pen –

    Surah Al-Alaq All Ayat (Verses)

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