Let’s Get Acquainted With Al-Qur’an

 

Chapter 1: Acquainting with al-Qur’an.

 

Alhamdulillah, most of the Muslims have high regards for al-Qur’an as a sacred book. However, it is such a misfortune that this reverence is practiced without analysing the content of al-Qur’an. Since our childhood we were taught to respect al-Qur’an because it is al-Qur’an. We did not know what al-Qur’an really is and the role it plays in our life as Muslims. Once in a while we “practice” al-Qur’an, not the teaching though. We merely manipulate the verses for decorating the walls, for warding off demons, for boosting up sales, for curing diseases and for passing examinations.

Instead of revering al-Qur’an for its name, it would be more meaningful if we revere it based on understanding and put into practice its teaching.  Moreover by analysing and practicing the content of al-Qur’an we are attaining the primary purpose of the revelation of al-Qur’an. The Muslim scholars have outlined our responsibilities towards al-Qur’an as follows:

  1. Believe in it.

  2. Recite it with proper tajwid to our best ability.[1]

  3. Analyse it; observe and study its content (tadabbur).

  4. Practice it in our daily lives.

  5. Convey it either for dakwah purpose or use it as our ground for arguments.

  6. Uphold it against the false accusations by the orientalist or the exploitation by certain Muslims.

Out of these six obligations, the first four is required of every Muslim. Once we have fulfilled the first four then only we should shoulder the remaining two.  Nowadays, most of the Muslims have satisfied the first two obligation; we believe in it and have learnt to recite it with proper tajwid rules. However we are still far from analysing it nor practicing it.

Therefore, in this chapter the author would like to draw your attention towards analysing and practicing al-Qur’an. Before we do that, it is important for us to first know al-Qur’an, because without knowing it we would not know how to analyse it. Consequently without knowing how to analyse it we would not be able to practice its teaching.  Thus, let us know al-Qur’an through al-Qur’an itself.

 

1.    al-Qur’an is the guide for people of taqwa

2.    al-Qur’an is an illuminating light

3.    al-Qur’an distinguishes the truth from the falsehood

4.    al-Qur’an is the “spirit” that gives life

5.    al-Qur’an is the key to nobility

6.    al-Qur’an introduces Allah to us


 

[1]         The author is using the phrase “to our best ability” based on the meaning of the following hadeeth: “The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur'an will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angels) and he who recites the Qur'an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have a double reward.” [Sahih: Derived by al-Bukhari and Muslim, refer to Riyadhus-Shalihin by al-Nawawi (observed and checked by Syu ‘aib al-Arna’uth, Dar al-Ma’mun, Riyadh 1996) – hadeeth no: 994.]

This hadeeth is important to remove the misconception of the society today who is extremely afraid to recite al-Qur’an with the excuse that their tajweed is yet perfect and their recitation is yet smooth. Actually, as long as someone tries their best to recite al-Qur’an, Allah will reward them twice, once for reciting and once for correcting their recitation. If one does not keep on practicing reciting al-Qur’an, they would not be able to recite it properly and smoothly.

 

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CONTENTS

 

Hafiz Firdaus Abdullah