وَكِتَابٍ مَّسْطُورٍ
“And (by) a Book that is written in lines”.
Written in lines Book Part of an oath sequence

Language points and insights

كِتَابٍ in the form of نَكِرَة for تَعْظِيم

كِتَابٍ “A Book” is in the نَكِرَة (Nakirah “undefined”) form, even though it is referring to a known and defined book الكِتَاب (Al-Kitaab). The use of the undefined form here serves the purpose of تَعْظِيم (Ta’zheem) — to aggrandise.

Emphatic style: “A king has arrived.” English emphasis: “What a teacher!” English emphasis: “What a match!”

This style intensifies grandeur, highlighting the exalted nature of “the” Book by saying “A Book”.

مَسْطُورٍ from سَطَرَ — arranged in lines

مَسْطُورٍ (Mastoor) comes from سَطَرَ – سَطْر/سَطَر (Satara – Satr/Satar), used for laying out or arranging in sequence — in lines or rows, like a row of trees or words aligned together in straight lines.

In ancient times, writing or inscribing a book was a delicate, special art.

Books were among the greatest treasures of civilizations, kept in secure places and special vaults.

Scribes held great standing.

The meaning of وَكِتَابٍ مَّسْطُورٍ

Al-Ālūsī: written in an orderly, arranged manner

Al-Ālūsī suggested that it means the Book “has been written in an orderly and arranged manner.” As for what is intended here, he presents opinions that have been provided for it by others.

Presented opinions on what it refers to

  • اللَوْحُ المَحْفُوظ (Al-Lawh al-Maḥfūẓ — the Preserved Tablet).
  • The books of the Prophets.
  • The book or scroll of deeds (recorded by the Angels and presented to the person on the Day of Judgement), also referred to as كِتَابٌ مَّرْقُومٌ in Sūrah Al-Muṭaffifīn.
  • Note: Numerous others have said that it refers to the Qur’an.

Nu’man Ali Khan: most likely referring to the Tawrah

  • Appears to refer to the Tawrah.
  • Because it follows the oath of وَالطُّورِ — “By Mount Sinai” — where the Tawrah was revealed.
  • The Qur’an was not written in this world in origin and initially spread by recitation and hearing, not through writing.
  • Scribing is fundamental to the Jewish tradition.

Key terms and micro-definitions

نَكِرَة (Nakirah)

Undefined form used here to aggrandise (تَعْظِيم), intensifying the grandeur of the referent.

تَعْظِيم (Ta’zheem)

“To aggrandise” — rhetorical elevation, as in expressions like “A king has arrived” to convey greatness.

سَطَرَ – سَطْر / سَطَر

Root indicating arranging in sequence, in lines or rows — reflected in مَسْطُورٍ (written in lines).

مَسْطُورٍ (Mastoor)

“Written/Inscribed” — invoking the image of careful inscription and alignment.

Concept visuals from the explanation

Lines & Order

Reflects the sequencing implied by مَسْطُورٍ.

Treasured & Secure

Books as civilizational treasures kept in secure places and vaults.

Scribes’ Standing

Writing was a delicate art; scribes held high standing.