Community Chat

As-salamu alaykum everyone!

Today, I have decided to analyze two verses together, as they are deeply connected in meaning and provide a profound understanding of knowledge, divine generosity, and the role of the pen in Islam.

Yesterday, we reflected on how Allah created human beings from a tiny, clinging substance, humbling us by reminding us of our small beginnings. Now, the next verses expand on this theme, shifting our attention to the source of all knowledge.

Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:3-4)

ٱقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلْأَكْرَمُ الَّذِى عَلَّمَ بِٱلْقَلَمِ

Iqra’ wa rabbuka al-akram. Alladhi ‘allama bil-qalam.

(Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by the pen.)

The Generosity of Knowledge

This verse beautifully expands the first command of revelation, Iqra’ (Read), by immediately linking it to Allah’s attribute of Al-Akram (The Most Generous).

It is not just about reading; it is about understanding that knowledge itself is a divine gift.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Indeed, Allah wrote the decree of creation 50,000 years before He created the heavens and the earth." (Sahih Muslim, 2653)

This teaches us that knowledge existed before creation itself. The first thing Allah created was the Pen (Qalam), which was commanded to write everything that would occur until the Day of Judgment.

The Role of the Pen in Islamic Teachings

The phrase "‘allama bil-qalam" (taught by the pen) emphasizes that writing is one of the greatest blessings given to humankind. It is not just about literacy but about preserving divine wisdom.

Interestingly, many translations in Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian mistakenly render this phrase as “taught the pen”, which creates ambiguity. In classical Arabic, the preposition “bi” (بِ) denotes a means rather than a direct object.

A more accurate translation is “taught by the pen”, highlighting the Pen as a tool for transmitting knowledge rather than being the recipient of instruction.

The Different Types of Pens in Islamic Tradition

Islamic scholars have identified different types of pens, each with a unique role in divine knowledge and human history:

1. The Primordial Pen (Qalam al-Awwal | قلم الأول)

• The first creation of Allah, which recorded everything in the Preserved Tablet (Lawh al-Mahfuz).

• The Prophet ﷺ mentioned in a hadith: “The first thing that Allah created was the Pen. He said to it, ‘Write.’ It said, ‘What should I write?’ He said, ‘Write everything that will happen until the Day of Judgment.’” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 4700)

2. The Pen of Revelation (Qalam al-Wahi | قلم الوحي)

• Represents the transmission of divine knowledge to prophets through revelation.

• Associated with Angel Jibril (Gabriel), who conveyed Allah’s words to the Prophet ﷺ.

3. The Pens of the Angels (Qalam al-Malaika | قلم الملائكة)

• Used by the noble scribes (Kiramun Katibin) who record every action of human beings: “There are over you watchers, noble and recording; they know whatever you do.” (Surah Al-Infitar 82:10-12)

• Also used for writing human destinies before birth, when a fetus reaches 120 days in the womb, as mentioned in Sahih Muslim.

What the Scholars Say

• Ibn Kathir: Believes this verse primarily refers to the Primordial Pen (Qalam al-Awwal), which wrote divine decrees.

• At-Tabari: Focuses on the Pen as a general means of conveying knowledge, without specifying which pen.

• Al-Qurtubi: Suggests that the verse includes the pens used by angels to record human deeds.

Personally, I lean towards the view that this verse primarily refers to the Primordial Pen, as supported by Ibn Kathir, which aligns with the broader Islamic understanding of divine decree and knowledge being recorded before creation.

The Modern Lesson: Why This Matters

Allah does not just command us to read, but to read in His name, connecting knowledge with faith and humility. In today’s world, knowledge is everywhere—books, the internet, social media—but how much of it is truly beneficial?

• Knowledge without faith leads to arrogance.

• Faith without knowledge leads to ignorance.

• But knowledge rooted in faith leads to wisdom.

As Muslims, we are not just encouraged to learn—we are commanded to seek knowledge that brings us closer to Allah.

How do you reflect on these verses? What does ‘the Pen’ symbolize for you? Let’s discuss! ❤️

Disclaimer: This is not a formal tafsir, nor do I claim to have scholarly knowledge. I am simply reflecting on the Qur’an using resources available to me, with the intention of understanding and connecting with it on a deeper level. If I make any mistakes, may Allah guide me, and I welcome corrections from those with more knowledge. My only goal is to grow closer to the Qur’an and to learn together with this beautiful community, insha’Allah.