the Book in truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it and as a guardian over them.”

Ibn Abī Hātim reported through the well-known chain of transmission that Ibn 'Abbās said: “Entrusted with them.” He said: “It is also reported from 'Ikrimah, al-Hasan, Sa'īd ibn Jubayr and 'Atā' al-Khurāsānī that it means ‘the trustworthy one.’”

In al-Wālibī’s commentary, Ibn 'Abbās is reported to have said: “The guardian is the trustworthy one,” adding: “Over every Book that preceded it.” Likewise, al-Hasan said: “Confirming these Books and entrusted with them.”

Also in al-Wālibī’s commentary, Ibn 'Abbās explained “and as a guardian over them” as meaning “a witness.” Al-Suddī likewise reported this from Ibn 'Abbās. Concerning the words “and as a guardian over them,” he said: “Over every Book that preceded it.”

He said: “Similar explanations are reported from Sa'īd ibn Jubayr, 'Ikrimah, 'Atiyyah, 'Atā' al-Khurāsānī, Muhammad ibn Ka'b, Qatādah, al-Suddī and 'Abd al-Rahmān ibn Zayd ibn Aslam.”

At the beginning of his commentary, Ibn Abī Hātim mentioned that he had been asked to compile a concise commentary on the Quran using the soundest chains of transmission. He stated that he sought to include reports with the soundest chains and the fullest texts, and he provided his chain of transmission to everyone from whom he quoted anything.

Thus, all the early generations agree that the Quran is the guardian, the trustworthy custodian and the witness over the Scriptures that preceded it. It is well known that a guardian over something is higher in rank than it. Among Allah’s names is “al-Muhaymin” (the Overseer). A ruler who manages people’s affairs is also called a guardian.

Al-Mubarrid, al-Jawharī and others said: “In the language, al-muhaymin means the one entrusted with something.” Al-Khalīl said: “The watchful protector.” Al-Khattābī said: “Al-Muhaymin is