Has Qur'an reached in us?
Although, many boast of have memorized the Qur'an, but can others know whether Qur'an resides in us without us telling them? Or the simple question, can non-Muslims guess from our outward behaviour that we are Muslims as defined in Qur'an?
First of all, we must understand that Qur'an is note mere a sacred book - but it is a book of Divine Wisdom and knowledge. Thus, it not only needs to merely read but understood as well. Unless we know what is ready and why, there is no need to just read it and shelve it. Afterall it is a Book of Guidance as is said in the very second of Surah 2. Al Baqarah: [(2:2) This is the Book of Allah, there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the pious] And then the second chapter of Qur'an continues to explain till the end how believers can be guided and how can the understand the many mysteries hidden in the Qur'an.
And contrary to the Divine Wisdom to understand Qur'an, it is often seen that in Qur'an reading sessions in a gathering or even when reading in isolation, the Qur'an is generally seen to be hastily. And in most cases without understanding or contemplating its content. In fact, Qur'an is often used as a means for justifying and supporting some preconceived ideas and judgments. People have also subjected the Qur'an to themselves, rather than subjecting themselves to it. They have rendered the Qur'an relative, and their selfish goals and concerns absolute. The Qur'an has partially been made the object of their one-dimensional and patchy -- often outright flawed -- intellectual, spiritual and cultural pursuits. The Qur'an is meant thereby to be superficially and partially comprehended and implemented, at best, and misused and even abused, at worst.
For such Qur'an readers, Prophet (pbuh) warned that there will be times when certain people will recite the Qur’an but it will not go beyond their throats, meaning it will not enter their hearts and they will not understand it. “They will go out from (leave) Islam as an arrow darts through the game's body” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
When we are unaware of what Qur'an expects of us and how can we reflect its practical manifestation in our daily life? In fact, we need to let non-Muslims see the Qur'an in your action. And how can we do it? Let us see how:
We should be seen using the best of language while conversing with others, free from any foul words and showing respect for others. Is our behaviour free of arrogance, false pride and vanity no matter how high a position we hold? Are we seen feeding the hungry, clothing the poor and not warding off the poor using harsh words? Are we being helpful to the wayfarers, strangers and passersby and showing them the way respectfully? Are we merciful to orphans, and protect their rights? Do we often forgive those who have mistreated us and exhibit an aura of love and respect?
And how do we treat our parents, family and kith and kin? Does our attitude change for the worse as we attain a higher position or when more wealth comes our way?
All above said questions are mentioned in Qur'an and believers are cautioned to exhibit a positive attitude that embodies the etiquette mentioned in Qur'an, and augmented by the Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
All above leads us to one thing: It isn't how far you have reached in the Qur'an, but how far Qur'an has reached inn you. Remember, knowledge is that benefits, and not that has been memorized.
There are many a non-Muslim who have embraced Islam by seeing the outward attitude of Muslims who exhibited Qur'an in their everyday chores. Unless we become a walking Qur'an, as is ordained by Allah, we can be rest assured that Qur'an has not reached into us. And this is a serious thing to ponder over and every effort be made to let Qur'an reach in our soul and drive our actions purely based on commandments of Qur'an. So, while we memorize Qur'an or recite it otherwise, we must make an endeavor to understand the spirit and lesson behind each word and verse of Qur'an and try to implement that lesson on to us while performing our daily chores.
When a Muslim has Qur'an reached in him, his heart opens up to the mysteries of life and he can confidently move his abilities towards the ultimate realization of his life mission and purpose. When one has developed a deeper insight into Qur'an, he starts to learn the integration of revelation and reason, science and religion, the matter and spirit, the body and soul, the heavens and earth. This is what Qur'an actually want us to do, rather than mere reading or reciting it without diving into the fathomless sea of knowledge that hides between each word and Ayat of the Qur'an.
Shouldn't we start trying to let Qur'an in ourselves from this day onward?
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources:
- Tafsir Ibn Khatir
- Muhammad Asad Translation
- Yusuf Ali Translation
- Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
- Qur'an Wiki
- Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
- Towards Understanding the Quran
In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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