Allah Says (what means): “[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad ], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.” [Qur’an: 38: 29]
Reflecting upon the Qur’an is one of the reasons behind its revelation; it is the way to comprehend its rulings and find out its objectives and meanings. The Qur’an will not be properly understood, nor will its objectives be truly realised except by pausing at each verse and giving it its due right of pondering to discover the meanings and wisdom within it.
All perfect praise is due to Allah, that we still see many Muslims reciting the Qur’an day and night, which is good, yet many of them recite it without the due reflection or understanding. Thus people miss the main reason for which the Qur’an was revealed, to apply its rules, adhere to its commands and refrain from its prohibitions.
In an attempt to practically apply the Words of Allah (which mean): “And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers.” [Qur’an: 51: 55] we designate this article to address some important ways by which a person may ponder the Noble Qur’an and thus properly understand it.
One such way is to be acquainted with the Arabic language and its methods of expression. The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, and can only be understood according to the rules of this language, and all scholars attach great importance to learning the Arabic language and encourage their students to learn it. The one who does not know the rules of the language could easily misunderstand the following saying of Allah (which means): “And ask the city in which we were and the caravan in which we came” [Qur’an: 12: 82] and he will not be able to distinguish between the sayings of Allah (which mean): “It is You we worship and You we ask for help” [Qur’an: 1: 5] and the saying: “We worship You,” and so on.
It must be pointed out here is that not every one who recites the Qur’an is asked to be a grammarian; rather, all he needs to obtain is enough knowledge and command on the language with which he can understand the Book of Allah and reflect upon it.
An important practice which can help a person reflect upon the Qur’an is to study the biography of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. We must know that he was the authentic interpreter of the Qur’an and that his manners were all derived from the Qur’an. We must also know that he was a practical Qur’an walking on earth, in the sense that he clarified to verses that were revealed in general terms and verses that may have sounded confusing. Knowing all this makes a Muslim realise that in order to properly be able to reflect upon the Qur’an, he must return to the biography of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and the authentic Sunnah.
Knowing the historical context in which specific verses of the Qur’an were revealed increases the reader’s understanding, because many verses were revealed pertaining to a certain incident.
Without knowing the reason for its revelation and what it came down to address, one could read a verse but not really understand what it intends. For example the following saying of Allah (which means): “So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers. If a wound should touch you- there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it” [Qur’an: 3: 139-140].
This saying was addressed to the companions, may Allah pleased with them, during the battle of Uhud in which they suffered casualties fighting the disbelieving enemies. They are being rallied to fight harder by Allah’s reminder that they had already inflicted similar suffering upon these enemies during their previous battle of Badr.
One other helpful factor in reflecting on and understanding the Book of Allah, is referring to the trustworthy books of interpretation of the Qur’an, and reading what the scholars have said. Such books contain many of the interpretations of the Salaf whether the statements of the companions or those who came after them . Some of these books of Tafseer (i.e. interpretation) are by At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, Ibn Katheer and others . Reading these sources helps the person reading the Qur’an reflect upon the verses and better understand them.
Reciting the Qur’an attentively while thinking of what one is reading is a matter that was stressed in the Qur’an, and it helps one reflect. Allah Says (what means): “Say, ‘I only advise you of one [thing] - that you stand for Allah, [seeking truth] in pairs and individually, and then give thought’” [Qur’an: 34: 46]. This better helps the reader understand the Qur’an.
Another important rule regarding reflecting upon the Qur’an is applying it to reality. This means (in short) that the Qur’an was not revealed just for a certain period or a specific place; but is applicable during all times and places. One can best understand The Qur’an and feel it alive, when it is applied to reality and to the issues of the Muslim nation. For example, every era has its own disbelievers and hypocrites and every era has its own ‘Pharaohs’ and oppressors.
A serious mistake in this regard is applying verses to those for whom it was not intended, like applying the verses about hypocrites to the believers, or the verses about righteous people to the disbelievers, as this leads to clear and serious misguidance.
To conclude, we would like to remind the reader with the following prophetic narration, of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Any group of people that assemble in one of the Houses of Allah to recite and study the Qur’an, tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will engulf them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them to those (the angels) in His proximity.” [Muslim]. Note how the narration connected reciting and studying, and made this a precondition for the four magnificent virtues to be achieved.
Perhaps the reason for the current situation of Muslims is that we read the Book of Allah but do not reflect upon it, and thus our application coincides with our degree of reflection which led us to our current situation.
Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/
Book of Allah is the way to salvation
The Book of Allah is the rain that brings forth true life on Earth.
Allah revealed the Book (Noble Qur’an) in order for us to read it, and mull over it with care and vigilance; to enrich our souls from its remembrance; to carry it and construe it in the best of manners; to affirm it and strive to establish its commands and prohibitions; pick the fruits of its precious knowledge that is our way to Allah and to glean the wisdom from its gardens and flowers.
For it is His Book, and nothing else, that can guide His seekers to Him. It is the path that leads the traveller to Allah. It is His brilliant Light that illuminates the darkness of uncertainty and disbelief. It is His mercy of guidance and source of happiness for all creation. It is the bridge that connects His devotee to Him when all else fails. It is the great door to Him that remains open, when all else is closed. It is the straight path that is not tainted by the opinions of mortals. It is the remembrance full of wisdom that is not swayed by desires. It is the noble revelation containing wisdom that sages can never fathom. Its wonders never end, nor are its clouds barren, its signs are never exhausted, its agreements never contradict.
The more a soul delves into its depths, the more it increases in insight and guidance. It is the cure for mankind from diseases of the heart. It is life to the hearts and pleasure and brilliance to the souls. It is the harbinger that calls night and day: “O seekers of good, hurry to me”
It is the caller of faith at the head of the straight path, calling (what means): “O our people, respond to the caller of Allah and have faith in Him so He may forgive your sins for you and may save you from a painful chastisement.” [Referring to verse 31 of chapter 46]
The Qur’an is Allah’s greatest blessing on us. It is the fulfillment of His promise to Aadam and his descendants, as Allah Almighty Says (what means): ‘’…There shall come to you guidance from Me, and whatsoever follows My Guidance no fear shall be on them, nor shall they sorrow’’ [Qur’an 2:38]
It is the only weapon for struggling against the forces of evil and temptation in this world. It is the only means to overpower our fear and anxiety. It is the only Light as we grope in the darkness, with which to find our way to success and salvation. It is the only healing for our inner sickness, as well as the social ills that may surround us. It is the constant reminder of our true nature and destiny, of our station and our duties.
But alas! Desires have put out the lamps of the hearts, and opinions of the mortal humans have shut those doors of Divine guidance and lost the keys. The hearts are laden with the rust of their own earning, so much so that they do not find the realities of the Qur’an opening to them. The burdens of ignorance have so settled upon it that its knowledge does not blossom into righteous actions.
Woe unto you, how have you made the nourishment of your heart those vain opinions that contradict the Qur’an and Sunnah (Prophet’s Tradition) that neither replenish it nor quench its thirst? So now your heart does not accept nourishment of the Word of the Lord of the worlds, and the speech of His eminent Messenger!
For how will you ever find your way through the darkness of conjectures and opinions of mortals to the clear distinction of right and wrong when you have closed your eyes to the light of the Book of Allah and the way of the Messenger?
Woe unto you, how have you adulterated the right opinions with the sick ones, and the accepted ones with the rejected ones, and have managed to incapacitate your souls from receiving the guidance and knowledge from the Book that is immune to falsehood from all directions.
Nay, but it is, by Allah, a trial that has blinded the hearts from the sources of righteousness and has embezzled the minds from their goals.
The Book of Allah is the coolness of eyes for which the competitors compete, the finality to which the contenders contend.
How can you still be in the dark under a rising sun?
How can you lose your way under a bright constellation?
Glory be to Allah, The Exalted!
Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/
The advantages of memorising the Qur’an
Memorising the Qur’an is an act of worship through which one seeks the Face of Allah and reward in the Hereafter. Without this intention, he will never have any reward, rather he will be punished for doing this act of worship for someone or something other than Allah. The haafith (the person who has memorised the Qur’an) should not have any intention of gaining worldly benefits by memorising the Qur’an, because his memorisation thereof is not a product to be traded with in this world, rather it is an act of worship which is done for the sake of his Lord.
Allah has given special privileges to the one who memorises the Qur’an in a number of ways in this world and in the Hereafter, for example:
1 - He takes precedence over others in leading the prayer. It was narrated that Abu Mas’ood al-Ansaari said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘The people should be led in prayer by the one among them who has the most knowledge of the Book of Allah; if they are equal in knowledge of the Qur’an, then by the one who has most knowledge of the Sunnah; if they are equal in knowledge of the Sunnah, then by the one who migrated (made hijrah) first; if they are equal in terms of hijrah, then by the one who became Muslim first. No man should lead another in prayer in his domain of authority, or sit in his place in his house, except with his permission.” (Narrated by Muslim)
It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar said: “When the first muhaajiroon (emigrants) came to Quba’, before the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came (to Madinah), Saalim the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah used to lead them in prayer, and he was the one who knew the most Qur’an.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari)
2 - He is placed in front of others in a common grave, closer to the qiblah, if it is essential to bury him with others. It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: “The Prophet would wrap two of the men slain at Uhud in a single cloth, then he would ask, ‘Which of them knew more Qur’an?’ If one of them was pointed out to him, he would put that one in the lahd (niche in the side of the grave) first. And he said, ‘I will be a witness over these people on the Day of Resurrection.’ He commanded that they should be buried with their blood, without being washed, and that no funeral prayer should be offered for them.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari)
3 - He takes precedence in leadership if he able to bear that. It was narrated from ‘Aamir ibn Waathilah that Naafi’ ibn ‘Abd al-Haarith met ‘Umar in ‘Usfaan, and ‘Umar had appointed him as governor of Makkah. ‘Umar said, “Who have you appointed in charge of the people of the valley?” He said, “Ibn Abza.” ‘Umar asked, “Who is Ibn Abza?” He said, “One of our freed slaves.” Umar said, “Have you appointed over them a freed slave?!” He said, “He is well-versed in the Book of Allah and he has knowledge of the laws of inheritance.” ‘Umar said: “Your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Indeed, by this Book, Allah would exalt some people and degrade others.’” (Narrated by Muslim)
With regard to the Hereafter:
4 - The status of the one who memorises the Qur’an will be commensurate with the last aayah he memorised. It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’an (i.e., the one who memorised and studied it): ‘Read, advance in status and recite as you used to do in the world, for your status will be commensurate with the last aayah that you recite.’” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi; he said this is a saheeh hasan hadith. Al-Albaani said in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, it is hasan saheeh. Also narrated by Abu Dawood). What is meant by reciting here is memorising.
5 - He will be with the angels, accompanying them. It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The one who recites the Qur’an and learns it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven) and the one who exerts himself to learn the Qur’an by heart and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari; Muslim)
6 - He will be given a crown of honour and a garment of honour to wear. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The Qur’an will come on the Day of Resurrection and will say, ‘O Lord, adorn him.’ So he will be given a crown of honour to wear. Then it will say, ‘O Lord, give him more.’ So he will be given a garment of honour.’ Then it will say, ‘O Lord, be pleased with him.’ So Allah will be pleased with him. Then it will be said to him, ‘Recite and advance in status, and for each verse you will gain one more hasanah (reward for good deed).” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi. He said, this is a saheeh hasan hadith. Al-Albaani said in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, this is hasan).
7 - The Qur’an will intercede for him with his Lord. It was narrated that Abu Umaamah al-Baahili said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, ‘Recite the Qur’an, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection to intercede for its companions. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqarah and Soorat Aal ‘Imraan, for they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds or two shades or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah al-Baqarah for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.” (Narrated by Muslim, and by al-Bukhari in a mu’allaq report).
Secondly: With regard to his relatives and descendents, there is evidence concerning his parents that they will be clothed with garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world, and that will only be because they took care of and taught their child. Even if they themselves were ignorant, Allah will honour them because of their child. But the one who prevented his child from learning the Qur’an, he will be one of those who are deprived.
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘The Qur’an will come on the Day of Resurrection like a pale man saying to its companion, “Do you recognise me? I am the one who made you stay up at night and made you thirsty during the day...” Then he will be given dominion in his right hand and eternity in his left, and a crown of dignity will be placed upon his head, and his parents will be clothed with garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. They will say, “O Lord, how did we earn this.” It will be said to them, “Because you taught your child the Qur’an.”’” (Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat).
It was narrated that Buraidah said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever reads the Qur’an, learns it and acts in accordance with it, on the Day of Resurrection his parents will be given a crown to wear whose light will be like the light of the sun, and his parents will be given garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. They will say, “Why have we been given this to wear?” It will be said, “Because your child learned the Qur’an.”’” (Narrated by al-Haakim) These two hadith support one another. See al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2829. And Allah knows best.
