24-03-2025
Contemplating the Depths of the Holy Quran
Allah's wisdom and kindness towards all His creations are reflected in the seasons He has designated for worship and spiritual ascension. These seasons present a unique opportunity for us to deepen our faith and encourage spiritual growth in a personal and distinctive manner. The Holy Quran holds a special place during Ramadhan, a time when people joyfully read and complete its recitation, cherishing the double rewards offered throughout this sacred month.
Muslims strive to renew their relationship with the Holy Quran during Ramadhan, viewing it as a chance to rectify their connection with it and seeking its intercession on the Day of Judgement. They are eager to embrace the days and nights of Ramadhan to complete their recitation of the Holy Quran and contemplate its verses.
Anyone who examines the verses of the Noble Quran will find that it contains numerous passages that encourage reflection and contemplation, along with their meanings. The Quran urges humanity to engage their minds, as it states in nearly 49 instances. As mentioned in the Holy Quran, Sûrah Sâd (38:29) states: '(This is) a book (the Qur'ân) which we have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.'
The seeker of truth in the great book of the Quran, Teacher Asma bint Juma Al Uraimi, who is acquired and certified (Ijazah) in the Holy Quran according to Hafs's recitation from Assem, will help us realise the importance of contemplating the Holy Quran.
'Contemplation is significant as it uncovers the deeper meanings of verses that benefit humanity everywhere and at all times. Human nature develops continuously, including intellectually. Initially, one may understand verses at a basic level, but with intellectual growth and proper reflection, the true meaning becomes clear,' Teacher Asma explained.
She emphasised that having pure intentions for Allah is essential for understanding the verses. Listening to various Quranic interpreters and reflecting on their interpretations, along with the believer's personal understanding, lays the foundation for beginning the journey of contemplation in Quranic interpretation. 'For instance, the interpretation of certain verses regarding fighting reveals that some of these verses refer to intellectual conflict rather than fighting on the battlefield,' she shared.
She added, 'The Noble Quran is Allah's message and cannot be contemplated in a short period of time. However, we can reflect on what is possible, extract its meanings, and connect the verses to understand the depth of the message. Reciting the Holy Quran during Ramadhan can help expand one's understanding of Allah's message and foster a closer relationship with Him.'
Reciting the Holy Quran brings many advantages, such as cultivating an attitude that mirrors a believer's identity when engaging with different societies and cultures. Additionally, it provides the patience and perseverance needed for this act of worship, sparking a personal transformation that extends well beyond Ramadhan.
The Holy Quran's inimitability is evident in various aspects, including its terms, meanings, and information. By scrutinising and reading the Holy Quran closely, one will uncover its uniqueness in rhetoric, style, and the eloquence of its concise expression. In the Noble Quran, Allah challenges humans and jinn to create something comparable, yet they fail.
Referring to the Noble Quran in Sûrah Al-Isrâ (17:88): 'Say: 'If mankind and the jinn were to come together to produce the like of this Qur'ân, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.'' This verse challenges the Arabs contemporaneous with the revelation of the Holy Quran, and those who came after them, proving that they could not produce anything similar, despite their strong linguistic abilities at the time.
Teacher Asma clarified the potential of using the rhetorical inimitability of the Holy Quran to support children's linguistic abilities. She stated, 'Reading the Holy Quran involves extracting meanings beyond its texts. Those who excel in speech and understand Allah's intent are regarded as truly eloquent individuals. The letters and words of the Quran carry high frequencies that enhance a child's speaking skills. From a scientific perspective, this promotes balance in brain cells by activating and moving them clockwise, particularly regarding pronunciation and intonation (Tajweed).'
'I advise that contemplating the Quran involves understanding the meanings of its verses, consulting simplified interpretation books, and observing proper recitation etiquette. This includes performing ablution, facing the qiblah, seeking refuge from Satan, improving one's voice, following tajweed rules, and taking time to reflect on the verses instead of rushing,' she advised.
