Surah Ya-Sin / Verse 2

After the opening letters, God swears by the Quran, the Book that offers knowledge of truth and guidance for human life. This oath emphasises the Book's significance and prepares for the great affirmation in the next verse: the Prophet truly is one of God's messengers.

Here the Quran is called hakim. The word can suggest being endowed with wisdom and also soundness, firmness and well-grounded judgement. Its teachings are grounded in truth and guide us towards sound understanding, worthy conduct and a thoughtful life. Its wisdom appears not merely in statements of knowledge but in the relationship it establishes between understanding, faith and action.

In this context, swearing by the Quran does more than honour a Book. God's address begins with something available to its hearers, something on which they can reflect. A Book concerned with guidance, responsibility and the ultimate outcome of life is itself a witness to the seriousness of the message brought by the Prophet.

The following verse tells us which truth this oath is intended to affirm.