The Hidden Book and the Purified Ones

An artistic representation of the Hidden Qur’an, sealed and radiant, with symbolic light reaching the Purified Ones, highlighting divine guidance and Wilāyah.
Unveiling the Hidden Qur’an, accessible only to the Purified Ones and guided by the Wilāyah.

Surah Al-Waqi'ah [56:78-81]

“In a Hidden Book,
None can touch it except the Purified Ones,
A Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds.
So is it with this Hadeeth you are being indifferent?”

(Surah Al-Waqi'ah 56:78-81)


1. The Hidden Book in Tafseer

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) explained:

  • Allah created the Pen from a tree in Paradise called Al-Khuld (The Eternal).

  • He commanded the river in Paradise to become ink, whiter than snow and sweeter than honey.

  • The Pen was told: “Write all that has transpired and all that will happen until the Day of Judgment.”

  • It wrote on a parchment whiter than silver and clearer than ruby, then was sealed and placed by the Throne.

  • This is the Hidden Book from which all copies originate.

(Tafseer Ali ibn Ibrahim, Al-Kafi V8, H14536)


2. None Can Touch It Except the Purified Ones

Imam Ali (عليه السلام) said:

“The Qur’an that is with us cannot be touched except by the purified ones — the Imams from my family. It will be revealed when the Qaim (عليه السلام) rises, and the Sunnah will flow from it.”

When asked if there was a set time for this hidden Qur’an to be revealed, he replied:

“Yes, when the Qaim from my sons rises, he will manifest it.”

(Al-Ihtijaj Al-Tabarsi)


3. New Commands and Judgments

Imam al-Baqir (عليه السلام) said about the Qaim (عليه السلام):

“He will bring a new command, a new Book, and new judgments. He will be harsh with the Arabs, sparing none, until truth is established.”


Key Points

  • The Hidden Book existed before creation, written by the Pen under Divine Command.

  • The Purified Ones (Ahlul Bayt عليهم السلام) alone have access to it.

  • Its full unveiling will occur with the rising of the Qaim (عليه السلام).

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