Al-Qiyaama (The Resurrection)

16. Move not your tongue hastily in reciting it [i.e. the Holy Qur’an].

17. Its collection and recitation is upon Us.

18. And when We have recited it unto you, then follow its recitation.

19. Then, it is for Us to make it clear.

The same theme is reflected elsewhere in the Holy Qur’an:

“Be not in haste with the recitation of the Qur’an before its Revelation is completed to you”1 .

The Holy Qur’an in its entirety was revealed unto the Noble Prophet (S) on Night of Decree (laylat al-qadr) then its Verses were revealed in time within a period of twenty three years of his Prophetic call.

Thus, the blessed Verse

“Be not in haste with the recitation of the Qur’an”

reflects that the Noble Prophet (S) had been already aware of the Revelation of the blessed Verses.

Thus, in the blessed Verse 18, God Almighty says unto him:

“And when We have recited it unto you, then follow its recitation.”

Some of the Qur’anic Verses concern the manner of the Revelation unto the Noble Prophet (S) and its Recitation by the people. In such Verses, God Almighty says unto His Messenger (S) to refrain from recitation upon the Revelation prior to its completion and be no in haste with His Word.

There is no room for concern as to consigning them to oblivion, since their preservation is upon Him. Thus, he is asked to let the Revelation be completed; then, he may recite the blessed Verses. Therefore, it is for God Almighty to clarify the Revelation to the Noble Prophet (S).

It is worthy of note that these Verses reflect the originality of the Holy Qur’an and its preservation from any distortion, since God Almighty has promised to collect, recite, and clarify it. It is narrated that when Gabriel was sent down to the Noble Prophet (S) to reveal the Verses unto him, he kept utter silence and upon the departure of Gabriel, he commenced the recitation of the blessed Verses.¹