سُوْرَةُ الْعَلَقِ

Surah Al-Alaq (96) — Ayah 5

The Clot · Meccan · Juz 30 · Page 597

عَلَّمَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ ﴿5﴾
He has taught man that which he knew not.
عَلَّمَ ʿallama Taught
ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ l-insāna man
مَا what
لَمْ lam not
يَعْلَمْ yaʿlam he knew

Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

(Ayah5){ عَلَّمَ الْاِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ:} When a human is born, he knows nothing (see An-Nahl: 78). It is Allah alone who gradually teaches him everything. In the same way, it is Allah alone who will make one of His unlettered servants a scholar, rather, a teacher of scholars.

Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

The exegesis of this verse has been done along with the previous verse.

Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

5. Taught man what he did not know [6].

[6] When a human being comes out of his mother's womb, at that time he knows nothing. Allah Almighty teaches him many things even before the use of the pen. This is the last verse of the first revelation, in which there is also an indication that you ﷺ are being given that knowledge for which you ﷺ had long been eager to know, and He has made you His Prophet.