Surah Al-Qalam — Verse 1

Meanings of Key Words:

• Nūn (ن): A letter from the disjointed letters (ḥurūf muqaṭṭaʿah) that appear at the beginning of some chapters of the Quran. Its full meaning is known only to Allah, though scholars note it signifies a miracle of the Quran and draws attention to the revelation.
• Al-Qalam (The Pen): The pen by which angels and humans write—specifically, the pen Allah used to write the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ).
• Wa mā yasṭurūn (And what they inscribe): That which the recording angels write down of people’s deeds, and all that is written of knowledge, goodness, and benefit.

Explanation of the Verse:

Allah begins this chapter with the letter *Nūn*—one of the mysterious letters that open certain chapters of the Quran. Just as these letters challenge the Arabs to produce something like the Quran, they also signal the greatness of this divine speech. Then Allah swears an oath by the pen—the instrument of writing, by which the Preserved Tablet was inscribed and by which angels and humans record knowledge—and by everything that is written: the deeds of the sons of Adam recorded by the noble angels, and all the beneficial knowledge and goodness that people set down in writing. This oath highlights the immense value of the pen and writing, for through them knowledge is preserved, civilizations are built, and the truth is distinguished from falsehood.

This opening oath serves as a prelude to the verses that follow, in which Allah reassures His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) against the accusations of his opponents. By swearing by the pen and writing, Allah elevates the status of knowledge and the written word—a sign of His wisdom and care for humanity. And because of the grace of Allah upon His Messenger, he is neither a madman nor a fool, as his enemies claimed. Rather, he is upon an immense moral character, embodied in the Quran itself, and he will receive a reward that is never cut off or diminished for his patience in conveying the message.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear reader, ponder the greatness of this oath: Allah, the Creator of all things, swears by the pen and by what is written. This is a divine invitation for you to honor knowledge, to seek it sincerely, and to use your own pen—or your words and actions—to write what is good and beneficial for yourself and others. Every deed you do is being recorded by the noble angels, and on the Day of Judgment, your book will be presented to you. So let your "writing"—your daily actions—be filled with righteousness, kindness, and truth. And know that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was described by his own wife ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) as one whose character was the Quran itself. Strive to follow his example, for in doing so, you align yourself with the highest moral standard and earn the pleasure of Allah, the Most Merciful.