the Quran was revealed is something whose parts have been separated from one another, as when water or other things are apportioned among those who share in them. As Allah Most High says:

“And inform them that the water is to be shared between them.” [al-Qamar 28]

And He says:

“To each gate is allotted a portion of them.” [al-Hijr 44]

And He says:

“Is it they who distribute the mercy of your Lord?” [al-Zukhruf 32]

And He says:

“We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world.” [al-Zukhruf 32]

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “I am only a distributor; I distribute among you.”

This is the literal meaning of “divided,” as shown by the fact that the term can correctly be denied of anything that is not so. Thus, the authentic hadith states: “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ruled that the right of pre-emption applies to what has not been divided.” Likewise, he said: “Any inheritance divided in pre-Islamic times