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Q&A · Quran

What is the meaning of the disconnected letters like Alif-Lam-Mim at the start of some surahs?

Twenty-nine surahs open with 'disconnected letters' (al-huruf al-muqatta'at) such as Alif-Lam-Mim (2:1), Ya-Sin, and Ha-Mim. These are among the mutashabihat, and the safest position of the Salaf is that their precise intended meaning is known to Allah alone (Allahu a'lam bi muradih), while an evident benefit is that they challenge the Arabs — for the inimitable Quran is composed of these very letters they knew, yet they could not match it. Each of them is a full letter that carries reward: the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter; rather Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.' A believer should avoid fanciful interpretations of them that rest on no authentic evidence.

Evidence — the daleel
Quran 2:1Jami at-Tirmidhi 2910Sahih al-Bukhari 4808 Ṣaḥīḥ
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Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

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