Verses 1–4

1.Alif Laam Meem (A-L-M)- These are the first of cryptic letters in the Quran. Their meaning are not found in Arabic Lexicon. These letters are a secret between the creator and the creatures and except of some special personalities, no one can explain their true connotation.

2.Laa Raiba Feehe (There is no doubt in it). Though people may try their best to raise doubts they shall not be able to do so with regard to this Book. It is beyond every doubt.

3.Hudan lil Muttaqeen (A guidance for the pious) - Guidance that leads upto the final destination cannot be achieved except by those who guard against evil- that is the pious ones. Also, Taqwa requires that in addition to belief in the unseen one must fulfil prayer and spend on charity. Taqwa cannot be achieved merely on the basis of belief. Similarly Quran cannot benefit those who believe without action. Quran will certainly guide, but only after one achieves Taqwa (piety). And piety requires dual sacrifice; physical (prayer) and monetary (charity). Quran cannot benefit those who lack piety. It is the perfection of unity of Quran and Ahle Bayt (a.s.) that Quran is the guidance for the pious and Ali (a.s.) is the chief of Pious (Imamul Muttaqeen). Quran will guide only those who believe, pray and are charitable. Similarly, Ali (a.s.) will be the Imam of those who have these qualities. If one has no faith and deeds neither the Quran will benefit nor Ahle Bayt (a.s.) intercede on ones behalf. Though, both Quran and Ahle Bayt (a.s.) are guides and intercessors and both demand piety. Although if there is some mistake, they shall certainly intercede for us but there is no intercession for insolent traitors.

4.Ghaib - (Unseen) - Though anything that cannot be felt and is not visible to the eyes is Ghaib, faith does not require that we believe in every such unseen thing. This word, specially denotes that which is unseen as well as a part of faith. For example the circumstances of the Day of Judgment and the tenets of Imamat etc.

5.Yoqeemunas salaat (Those who establish prayer) - This expression denotes the fulfillment of prayers with all the requirements and rituals. If it intended just 'those who pray', the word 'yuselloon' would have sufficed.

6.Mimma Razzaqnaahum (From whatever We bestowed on them) - This is to remind the people not to feel proud after giving charity. They should keep the fact in mind that they have spent only from that which Allah has bestowed on them. Also, while spending in charity, man should ponder upon how much Allah has bestowed on him and how much he is spending in Allah's way. At the time of spending in charity one is oblivious of this aspect. He thinks that he is the greatest philanthropist. He forgets that Allah had been more charitable on him, and in comparison of Allah's bounties, his charity is worthless.

7.Bemaa Unzela ilaika (By whatever is revealed... ) This verse clearly indicates that Islam neither breaks connection with the past nor with the future. As it is necessary to believe in the revelation upon the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) it is also required to have faith in the revelations preceding this. Faith in the hereafter is also compulsory. The reminder of past serves as a lesson and expectation of future prepares us mentally for the same.

8.Yuqenoon (Those who have firm belief) - This signifies that belief is not sufficient, alone. It should be a firm belief. Also, without a firm belief in the hereafter, there is no scope of reforming ones deeds and charity. Moreover, after the firm belief in the hereafter, there is hardly any chance of evil deeds and miserliness.