that this is indeed a noble Quran, inscribed in a well-guarded Book. (77–78)

“So glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.” As for His saying, Exalted is He, “I swear by the positions of the stars”: most Quranic commentators said that its meaning is, “I swear,” and that the particle “no” is supplementary. Jesus ibn Umar recited it, “Then I most certainly swear,” with the lām serving as an affirmation.

It was also said that the words “Then no” refute what the disbelievers said concerning the Quran: that it was magic, poetry, and soothsaying. Its meaning is: The matter is not as they claim. He then begins the oath anew, saying, “I swear by the positions of the stars.” Hamzah and al-Kisāʾī recited it in the singular, “by the position of the star,” while the others recited it in the plural, “by the positions of the stars.”

Ibn Abbas said: What is meant is the portions of the Quran, for it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, in separate portions over time. A group of Quranic commentators said that what is meant is the settings and places where the stars fall. Ata ibn Abi Rabah said: It means their stations. Al-Hasan said: It means their dimming and scattering on the Day of Resurrection.

“And indeed, if only you knew, it is a tremendous oath—that this is a noble Quran”: that is, this Book, which is the subject of the oath. “A noble Quran” means one that is mighty and honored, because it is the Speech of Allah. Some scholars of language said: Something noble is, by its nature, a source of abundant good.

“In a well-guarded Book”: safeguarded with Allah in the Preserved Tablet, protected from the devils.