Tafsir of Al-Furqan 25:5

{أساطير الأولين} The writings of the ancients, such as the tales of Rustam and Isfandiyar. It is the plural of asṭār or usṭūrah, like uḥdūthah (a tale).

{اكتتبها} He had it written for himself and took it. Just as you say istakabba al-mā’ and iṣṭabbahu when one pours water for himself and takes it. It is also recited as uktutibat (passive voice). The meaning is: a scribe wrote it for him, for he was unlettered and did not write with his own hand—which is part of the perfection of his miracle. Then the lām was omitted, so the verb reached the pronoun, becoming iktatabahā iyyāhu kātib (a scribe wrote it for him), similar to the verse: {And Moses chose his people} (Al-Aʿrāf: 155). Then the verb was constructed for the pronoun (the scribe), so it became a hidden nominative after having been an explicit accusative, while the pronoun for the asāṭīr (tales) remained as it was, resulting in {اكتتبها} as you see.

If you ask: How is it said {اكتتبها} (he had it written) while {فهي تملى عليه} (it is dictated to him) follows? Usually, one says "I dictated to him, so he wrote it down."

I reply: There are two interpretations:

1. He intended the act of having it written or requesting it, while it is being dictated to him.
2. It was written for him—as he was unlettered—and it is being dictated to him, meaning it is recited to him from his scribe so he may memorize it; for the form of dictation to one who memorizes is like the form of dictation to one who writes.

Regarding Al-Ḥasan: He read it as a-qāla (Did he say?), which refutes them. This is only grammatically sound if the hamzah is opened for an interrogative that carries the meaning of denial. Its structure is like the verse: "Shall I rejoice that I am afflicted by the loss of the noble, and inherit lean, wretched camels?"

It is correct for Al-Ḥasan to pause at {الأولين}.

{بكرة وأصيلا} Meaning: constantly, or in the early morning before people spread out, and at the time when they return to their dwellings.

{قُلْ أَنزَلَهُ الَّذِي يَعْلَمُ السِّرَّ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا}