Chapter 2: 9 Tips to become proficient in al-Qur’an.

 

Tips # 4: To realise that al-Qur’an is meant for us.

 

 

After realising that al-Qur’an comes from Allah, then we must understand that it is meant for us. This is not limited only to the Muslims in general but also to anybody who studies al-Qur’an. The individual who is studying al-Qur’an should presume that al-Qur’an is interacting with him; as if al-Qur’an is talking to him, warning him, giving him advice, commanding, prohibiting and so on. One is not qualified to study verses in al-Qur’an and deny part of it by saying: “Ahh! This verse has got nothing to do with me…”

 

The following is one example how we interact with the first few verses of al-Baqarah:

 

Alif-Lam-Mim. This the Book (al-Qur’an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are al-Muttaqun

( the pious and righteous person who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins

and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained). Who believe in the Ghaib and perform as-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat),

and spend out of what We have provided for them

(i.e. give Zakat, spend on themselves, their parents, their children, their wives,

and also give charity to the poor and also in Allah’s Cause – Jihad).

[al-Baqarah 2:1-3]

 

 

The above verses interact with us by:

  1. “This the Book (al-Qur’an), where there is no doubt…”, it makes us realise that we are studying a Book which does not has any doubt of its authenticity, perfection and truthfulness.

  2. “….a guidance…”, ask ourselves if we need a guidance? The answer is definitely “Yes”, thus this is al-Qur’an, our guidance to the true path.

  3. “…to those who are al-Muttaqun…”, we should ask; what are the criteria of  al-Muttaqun (who fear Allah)?  The answered could be referred to the next verse:

  4. “…who believe in the Ghaib…”, our question is answered by the  Qur’an, that the criteria of al-Muttaqun (who fear Allah) is believing in the unseen such as torment in the grave, heaven and hell and so on. Now turn to ourselves and ask whether we believe in the unseen base on the Devine revelation or do we reject it just because it is not logical to us?

  5. “…and perfom as-Salat…”, the second criteria of those who fear Allah is performig the prayer. Then ask ourselves whether we are among those who perform the prayer? If “Yes”, do we do it alone or in congregation? Do our wives and children perform the prayer too?

  6. “…and spend out of what We have provided for them…”, the third criteria is to give zakat and charity. Turn to ourselves and ask whether we have given the yearly zakat for our wealth. Do we just give out a few cents from our pockets every week while Allah provides us with wealth everyday?

If we have fulfilled the above criteria as the Muttaqun, we must be thankful to Allah and keep doing it (istiqamah). If not, then we have to start immediately.

 

That is an example on how we interact with al-Qur’an when studying it. When we keep studying al-Qur’an, we will always be in the position of evaluating ourselves according to the standard of al-Qur’an. This is what the author meant by one will never complete studying al-Qur’an.

 

 

►

 

CHAPTER 2 : CONTENTS

 

Hafiz Firdaus Abdullah