Tafsir of Al-Qasas 28:1-2

These are the verses of the clear Book.

What pertains to the discussion of these letters has already passed in similar instances.

We recite to you—that is, We read [them] to you by way of Gabriel, peace be upon him; thus, the attribution is figurative, as in "the prince built the city."

Recitation (tilāwah) in their speech, according to al-Rāghib, specifically pertains to following the revealed Books of God Almighty—sometimes by reading them, and other times by observing them in terms of their commands, prohibitions, incitements, and deterrents, or that which is understood to be such; it is more specific than mere reading (qirā’ah).

It is also possible that "recitation" here is a synecdochical metaphor (majāz mursal) for "revelation" (tanzīl), based on the relationship that revelation is a necessary consequence of it or its cause in general terms. It may also be a metaphor for it due to the resemblance between them, as both are methods of conveying the message; thus, the meaning is: "We reveal to you."