And when we pitch this phrase , that is “Know what and why is something being said — and WHO is saying it.” to Islam, and more specifically yo Al Qur'an - the last of the four Divine Scripturas, this phrase expresses a deep and very important principle of Qur’anic understanding. Let’s break it down:
This statement highlights three essential dimensions of properly engaging with the Qur’an.
Know WHAT is being said
This refers to: (1) understanding the literal meaning of the verse, (2) grasping the structure of the message and (3) identifying commands, prohibitions, stories, warnings, glad tidings, or principles
It emphasizes that Qur’anic study must involve clarity — not assumptions or surface reading.
Know WHY it is being said
This is about the context (asbāb al-nuzūl) and the wisdom behind the instruction:
- What situation was being addressed?
- What moral lesson is being taught?
- How does the verse guide human nature?
- What problem is being corrected?
- What value is being protected?
Islamic scholars always stressed that a verse cannot be understood fully without understanding its purpose.
And WHO is saying it
This is the most powerful part. It reminds the reader that:
- The Qur’an is not a human text.
- The speaker is Allah Himself, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
- Every phrase carries divine authority, knowledge, mercy, and wisdom.
- When Allah speaks, it is not merely information — it is guidance, Revelation, Truth, and Light.
- Realizing the identity of the Speaker changes one’s attitude:
- humility replaces ego
- obedience replaces argument
- trust replaces doubt
- love replaces resistance
This transforms Qur’an-reading from an academic activity into an act of worship and submission.
Why This Phrase Is Powerful
Because it captures the essence of Qur’anic engagement:
- Intellect → understand what is being said
- Context → understand why it is being said
- Heart → remember Who is speaking
When these three are combined, a person reads the Qur’an with: (1) clarity of mind, (2) depth of insight, (3) sincerity of heart and (4) readiness to act
In short: This phrase is a reminder that the Qur’an must be approached with knowledge, context, and reverence — not just recited, but understood and lived.
Now let us quote a few verses from Qur'an that give out a clear, structured explanation using important Qur’anic verses that illustrate:
① WHAT is being said
② WHY it is being said
③ HOW knowing the Speaker (Allah) gives the message its weight
1. Surah Al-Fātiḥah:
- WHAT is being said: “Guide us to the Straight Path.” (Qur’an 1:6) - This verse shows humanity’s dependence on Allah.
- WHY is this being said? - To teach humans that:
- they cannot find the correct path in life on their own
- they must humbly ask Allah for guidance
- success in dunya and ākhirah depends on His direction
- WHO is speaking? The One who created you, knows your weaknesses, and knows the future — therefore His guidance is the safest and most perfect.
2. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286
- WHAT is being said? “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” - It is a message of mercy, saying: “Whatever I test you with — I also gave you the strength to handle it.”
- WHY is this being said? - To remove: (1) despair, (2) fear, (3) belief that religion is too difficult and (4) worry during hardship
- WHO is speaking? The One who created the human soul and knows its limits — so His reassurance is the ultimate comfort.
3. Surah Al-Aḥzāb 33:35
- WHAT is being said? Allah lists believing men and believing women equally: “…the devout men and devout women, truthful men and truthful women… I have prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” - This verse establishes equal spiritual worth and equal reward.
- WHY is this being said? To remove the jahili idea that: (1) women are inferior, (2) men have a monopoly on spirituality and (3) only men can achieve greatness
- WHO is speaking? The Creator of men and women — not human culture, not society — therefore the statement carries divine authority.
4. Surah Al-Hujurāt 49:13
- WHAT is being said? “We created you from a male and female and made you nations and tribes so that you may know one another. The most noble of you is the most righteous.”
- WHY is this being said?
- To destroy: (1) racism, (2) nationalism, (3) tribal superiority, and (4) pride based on birth
- It is explaining the purpose of human diversity and what makes a human truly honorable.
- WHO is speaking? The One who created all races and nations — therefore He defines their purpose, not human arrogance.
5. Surah Al-Isrā’ 17:23
- WHAT is being said? “Do not even say ‘uff’ to your parents…”
- WHY is this being said?
- It is being said to: (1) highlight the sanctity of parents, (2) protect family bond, (3) prevent emotional harm, and (4) remind us of the sacrifices our parents made
- This is one of the strongest commands regarding human relationships.
- WHO is speaking? The One who gave you your parents as a mercy — so His instruction reflects deep wisdom and love.
6. Surah Al-Hashr 59:18 — WHAT is Allah saying?
- WHAT is being said? “O you who believe, fear Allah, and let every soul see what it has sent forward for tomorrow.”
- WHY is this being said?
- To awaken the human being from: (1) heedlessness, (2) attachment to dunya, and (3) forgetfulness of the hereafter.
- It is a call to self-accountability.
- WHO is speaking? The One who knows the Day of Judgment and sees our deeds — so His warning is not to frighten, but to save.
7. Surah Ash-Sharḥ 94:5–6
- WHAT is being said? “Indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
- WHY is this being said - TWICE?
- Because humans: (1) lose hope quickly, (2) think difficulty is permanent and (3) often fail to see the wisdom in trials
- It is being said twice so than men should know that after every struggle, ease is already written.
- WHO is speaking? The Most Merciful — His promise of ease is not poetry; it is a guarantee.
Summary
Putting It All Together, The Qur’an must be read with three keys:
- ① WHAT Allah is saying – The content, the message, the command
- ② WHY Allah is saying it – The context, the wisdom, the moral purpose
- ③ WHO is saying it – The Creator whose words are absolute truth, guidance, mercy, and justice
When these three are understood, the Qur’an becomes: (1) clearer, (2) deeper and more meaningful, and (3) spiritually powerful.
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.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
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.
Disclaimer: The post is a personal reflection of Al Qur'an as a plain student of Qur'an. The readers may agree or disagree with what has been tried to put across. We will welcome comments on the post in the comment box and may use these if objective and positive expressions are made.
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