فيها كُتُبٌ قَيِّمَةٌ

Wherein are upright writings.

EXEGESIS

Kutub (writings) is the plural of kitāb, which means ‘that which is written (maktūb)’. It may refer to the physical medium – such as a tablet, scroll, or the like – on which words are inscribed; or to the words themselves, which are conveyed by these inscriptions. Sometimes it extends to the meanings, since they are expressed through words. It is also used in the sense of a decree or judgement, as in the expression, kutiba ʿalayhi kadhā (such a matter was decreed for him), as in, Fasting has been prescribed for you (kutiba ʿalaykum) (2:183), and Fighting has been prescribed for you (kutiba ʿalaykum) (2:216).^{‎[1]Mizan, 20/337-338.}

Qayyimah (upright) is the feminine of the active participle qayyim, derived from the root verb qāma, meaning ‘to stand up’. Qāma bil-shayʾ means to look after something,^{‎[2]Raghib, p. 690.} to uphold something, to preserve it, to safeguard its interests, and to ensure its felicity.^{‎[3]Mizan, 20/338.} It has the same meaning as qayyūm (All-Sustainer) which is one of God’s names (2:255).

EXPOSITION

The pronoun fīhā (wherein) refers back to the ṣuḥuf (scrolls) mentioned in the preceding verse. The phrase kutubun qayyimah denotes writings that are upright, firmly established, and inherently guiding. They are scriptural contents that direct toward truth with unerring rectitude. Thus, the expression indicates that the purified scrolls themselves contain teachings that are intrinsically sound, maintaining the intellectual and moral equilibrium ordained by God. They are not in need of external validation or amendment, for they represent divine legislation (sharīʿah) and instruction (hidāyah) in their purest form.

Consequently, the combined meaning of verses 2 and 3 may be rendered as follows: The proof that came to them was a Messenger sent forth from God, reciting purified scriptures of heavenly origin, untouched by the stain of falsehood or corruption. Within these sanctified writings lie divinely‑established ordinances and principles, upright and enduring in themselves, through which the moral and social order of humankind is sustained and its collective welfare guaranteed.^{‎[4]Mizan. 20/338.}

The progression in the two verses thus unfolds logically, explaining how revelation is divinely commissioned (rasūlun min allāh), transmitted without corruption (ṣuḥufan muṭahharah), and embodies doctrinal and moral truth (kutubun qayyimah).

REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE

As mentioned in the Exposition, kutub signifies maktūbāt (writings). Nevertheless, commentators have proposed various interpretations for the use of the plural form here:

1. The Quran includes the knowledge of previous books.^{‎[5]Tabrisi, 10/794.}
2. The Quran includes knowledge on a variety of topics.^{‎[6]Related in Tabrisi, 10/794.}
3. It refers to the different āyāt and aḥkām (rulings) within the Quran.^{‎[7]Baghawi, 5/290; Qurtubi, 20/143; Mizan, 20/337.}

As for what is meant by qayyimah (upright), the scholars have suggested different meanings as well:

1. It is upright because it is moderate and righteous.^{‎[8]Tibyan, 7/4; Tabrisi, 6/693; Tabari, 15/127. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.} It does not impose on people duties that entail hardship or espouse extreme views, or leave them in need of other books; We have not omitted anything from the book (6:38).^{‎[9]Alusi, 8/192. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.}
2. It is the overseer of other books, safeguarding them and confirming them.^{‎[10] Tibyan, 7/4; Tabrisi, 6/693; Tabari, 15/127. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.}
3. It is the overseer in the sense that one should always keep going back and refer to it.^{‎[11] Tabrisi, 6/693. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.}
4. It is eternal, lasting until the Day of Judgement, meaning it will never become obsolete or abrogated or outdated.^{‎[12] Tabrisi, 6/693; Qaraati, 5/139. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.}
5. It ‘stands on its own merit’, needing no other thing to prove its validity and veracity.^{‎[13] Razi, 32/240-241.}
6. It is straight and true, free from crookedness, and clarifies the truth.^{‎[14] Tabrisi, 10/794.}

 Obviously, all these various meanings are valid and included in the broad scope of the word qayyimah.

[1] Mizan, 20/337-338.
[2] Raghib, p. 690.
[3] Mizan, 20/338.
[4] Mizan. 20/338.
[5] Tabrisi, 10/794.
[6] Related in Tabrisi, 10/794.
[7] Baghawi, 5/290; Qurtubi, 20/143; Mizan, 20/337.
[8] Tibyan, 7/4; Tabrisi, 6/693; Tabari, 15/127. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.
[9] Alusi, 8/192. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.
[10] Tibyan, 7/4; Tabrisi, 6/693; Tabari, 15/127. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.
[11] Tabrisi, 6/693. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.
[12] Tabrisi, 6/693; Qaraati, 5/139. Under the commentary of verse 18:2.
[13] Razi, 32/240-241.
[14] Tabrisi, 10/794.