III
Tazakkur Wa Tadabbur
(Recalling
through the Qur’an the
fundamental truths intuitively recognized
by human nature, and reflecting over
its meaning)
We have discussed two of the
claims that the Qur’an has upon us: (i) That we should
believe in it and
(ii)
that we should recite it. Now we proceed to explain the third claim it has upon
us.
It is that we should understand it.
Obviously, the Qur’an has been revealed that it may be understood. There would be no sense in believing in it if we do not follow its meanings. Also, how can it serve as a source of guidance for us if we fail to comprehend its message. Mere recitation (i.e., recitation without understanding the meaning of the text) may be excusable in the case of persons who have not been fortunate enough to receive any education, and who are now past the age at which one can do so. Even a clumsy recitation on their part may be acceptable and may win them a reward from Allah (SWT). Similarly, a person who cannot read the Qur’an at all, nor can learn how to do so, may get a reward and blessings from Allah (SWT) if he just moves his fingers affectionately and reverently along the lines of the Holy Book believing it to be kalam Allah (the Word of Allah).
However, the case of those persons will be quite different who may have devoted a considerable part of their lives to their own secular education — who may have acquired a knowledge of different arts and sciences and may have learnt foreign languages besides their own. If these educated persons were to read the Qur’an thoughtlessly and without understanding its meaning, then it is very much possible that, in the sight of Almighty Allah (SWT), they may be considered guilty of dishonoring and ridiculing the Holy Book. For these persons, it is possible that the punishment for ignoring the meaning and message of the Qur’an may exceed the reward for reciting its text. However, if they make a firm resolve to acquire a knowledge of the Qur’an and start earnest efforts in this direction, they may in the meantime continue to read the Qur’an in the way they can. Perhaps, under the circumstances, recitation, mere and simple, may be acceptable from them and may even bring them a reward from Allah (SWT).
Obviously, the Qur’an has been revealed that it may be understood. There would be no sense in believing in it if we do not follow its meanings. Also, how can it serve as a source of guidance for us if we fail to comprehend its message. Mere recitation (i.e., recitation without understanding the meaning of the text) may be excusable in the case of persons who have not been fortunate enough to receive any education, and who are now past the age at which one can do so. Even a clumsy recitation on their part may be acceptable and may win them a reward from Allah (SWT). Similarly, a person who cannot read the Qur’an at all, nor can learn how to do so, may get a reward and blessings from Allah (SWT) if he just moves his fingers affectionately and reverently along the lines of the Holy Book believing it to be kalam Allah (the Word of Allah).
However, the case of those persons will be quite different who may have devoted a considerable part of their lives to their own secular education — who may have acquired a knowledge of different arts and sciences and may have learnt foreign languages besides their own. If these educated persons were to read the Qur’an thoughtlessly and without understanding its meaning, then it is very much possible that, in the sight of Almighty Allah (SWT), they may be considered guilty of dishonoring and ridiculing the Holy Book. For these persons, it is possible that the punishment for ignoring the meaning and message of the Qur’an may exceed the reward for reciting its text. However, if they make a firm resolve to acquire a knowledge of the Qur’an and start earnest efforts in this direction, they may in the meantime continue to read the Qur’an in the way they can. Perhaps, under the circumstances, recitation, mere and simple, may be acceptable from them and may even bring them a reward from Allah (SWT).
As for the
comprehension of the
Qur’an,
it is not a simple affair. It has numerous stages and grades accessible to different persons according
to the levels of their thinking. The
Holy Qur’an is like an unbounded sea from
which a scholar can bring out pearls
of
knowledge
and
wisdom according to his natural ability,
intellectual equipment,
and mental makeup.
His
efforts to comprehend the Qur’an will be rewarded in proportion to the enthusiasm, time, and labor that he puts into its study and research. At the same time, it will be found that so far as its
comprehension is
concerned, no person, however intelligent and
learned, shall ever feel that he has done justice to the Qur’an
even
though he may have spent his whole life pouring over its
pages and meditating
over its meanings.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) himself has characterized the Qur’an as a treasure (of knowledge and wisdom) which shall never to exhausted.5 It is such a source of guidance that man shall ever continue to feel the need of reverting to it and reflecting upon it.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) himself has characterized the Qur’an as a treasure (of knowledge and wisdom) which shall never to exhausted.5 It is such a source of guidance that man shall ever continue to feel the need of reverting to it and reflecting upon it.
…for
this let (all)
those strive
who
want
to
strive. (Al- Mutaffifin 83:26)
Therefore, let men of courage and determination
come forward to undertake the stupendous
task of Qur’anic research, fired
with
the
noble ambition of
surpassing others in this field.
The Holy Qur’an urges us again and again to study it
intelligently, bringing
our thought to bear upon it, and exercising our reasoning
faculty
in following
its
arguments and
comprehending its meanings.
For this
purpose, it uses such words as fahm, ‘aql, fiqh,
and fikr6; but another important term, more widely used in the Qur’an in this context is tazakkur. For understanding the significance of this term we have to note that
the
Qur’an frequently calls itself zikr, zikra and tazkirah.7
Note-5:
In a long tradition narrated by Sayyidena Ali (RAA), we have the following remark of the Holy Prophet (SAW) about the Qur’an: “The
scholars shall never be satiated
with the study of the Qur’an, nor will
its appeal ever diminish on
account of
repeated readings, nor will
its
marvels be ever exhausted (i.e., its study will ever continue to yield
fresh fruits of knowledge and wisdom).” Reported by Tirmidhi (RA)
and
Darimi (RA).
Note-6: The first three words are approximate synonyms meaning “understanding,” and the last one means “reflection.”
Note-7: These are words from the same root with slightly different meanings. Their English equivalents are “remembrance,”
“warning” and “admonition.”
Source:The Obligations Muslims owe to The Quran (Book by Dr. Israr Ahmad)
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