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Chapter 2: 9 Tips to become proficient in al-Qur’an. |
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Tips # 8: Not interpreting al-Qur’an.
Rasulullah Sallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam said:
And verily that book of Allah (al-Qur’an) descended, each part of it support another, thus do not contradict part of the Quran with another. What you know from it (al-Qur’an) so say it (teach and talk about) and what you do not know (not clear to you) refer to those who know.[1]
Referring to the last sentence of Rasulullah above, it is understood that when studying al-Qur’an, there are verses which meanings can be grasped easily while other verses are not. This is because al-Qur’an is the Book that so abounding that its affluence is not easy to be grasped and seized by everybody. People from different level of knowledge will capture different benefits though it is from the same Book. Moreover, repeated recitation will bring about new benefits which were not derived previously. As such, make use of whatever that we are able to grasp and leave the rest to those who know better.
The important lesson here is, do not try to interpret any verses which benefits are not for us to grasp. Interpreting here means going into depth, explaining, going into details and broadening the scope of a verse. Naturally, the passion forces us to try our best to interpret the verse which benefits we could not grasp. Do not entertain this intensity. Because, if we tried to interpret a verse without any knowledge, we are actually encouraging ourselves to “…saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge.” (al-A’raaf 7:33). Indeed it is a very serious mistake as discussed in the article “Berkenalan dengan al-Qur’an” (Getting to Know al-Qur’an)
It is necessary to keep in mind that to interpret al-Qur’an, one must first be able to master several fields of knowledge such as knowledge in Arabic language, principles of interpreting, knowledge in hadeeth, the hadeeth and the whole al-Qurr’an itself. It is important to have knowledge in hadeeth of Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘alaihi Wassalam because Rasulullah is the most preeminent “expert in interpreting”. By which, one of the tasks as a Messengger of Allah is to explain al-Qur’an as Allah Subahnahu wa Ta’ala says:
And We have also sent down to you (O Muhammad shallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) the Dhikr (reminder and the advice (i.e. al-Qur’an)), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought. [an-Nahl 16:44]
Explanation of al-Qur’an by Rasulullah Shallahu ‘alaihi Wassalam was not limited only to his words but also through his actions and acknowledgements. The last two is known as interpretation of al-Qur’an through action.[2]
Knowledge in hadeeth is also important so that we will be able to differentiate between hadeeth that is authentic and strong (sahih), weak (dha’if) or false (maudhu’). When we are able to master the knowledge in hadeeth, we will come to know whether any of the interpretations truly came from Rasulullah Shallahu ‘alaihi Wassalam or otherwise.
Surely this is an obligation that not every Muslim is able to fulfil. Therefore Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘alaihi Wassalam in his hadeeth above advice us to ask those who have the knowledge on things we do not know.
The best way of asking is by referring to the books of interpretation of al-Qur’an. The author would like to advise the readers that those who want to study al-Qur’an, they must own these two books:
Base on these two books; use the transliteration book when studying al-Qur’an. When encountered with verses that the meanings cannot be grasped, refer to the book of interpretation of al-Qur’an. Besides, it is good to study al-Qur’an by reading the interpretation book. This is the better choice especially to individual who is unsure or difficult to grasp any benefits from the book of translation of al-Qur’an.
The price of the book of interpretation of al-Qur’an is usually quite expensive. The author advice is, do not look at the price but look at the benefits that will be gained from it. [1] Sahih: Narrated by Ahmad and recognised as sahih by Syu’aib al-Arna’uth in his revision on Musnad Ahmad – hadeeth no:6741 [2] There some of the Muslims, who reject hadeeth and make references only to al-Qur’an. They are normally known as Anti Hadeeth Group. They make use some of the verses from al-Qur’an as evidence and support, as if it is sufficient to merely refer to al-Qur’an. Alhamdulullah, the author has answered and gave the counterarguments to their statements and argumentations. In the book 20 Hujah Golongan Anti Hadis Dan Jawapannya (Jahabersa, Johor Bahru 2000). It can be referred in e-book at www.al-firdaus.com. [3] If any of the readers still have not acquiring the translation book of al-Qur’an, the author would like to suggest the following books: 1. In Malay language: Tafseer Pimpinan al-Rahmah by Syaikh Abdullah Basmeihrahimahullah. It was originally published by Bahagian Hal Ehwal Agama, Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Malaysia. It is printed in Romans and Arabic (jawi), also available in normal size or pocket size. 2. In English language: Interpretation of The Meanings of The Noble Qur’an by Dr. al-Hilali and Dr. Muhsin Khan. It was published by Darus Salam, Riyadh and available in many sizes and types.
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Hafiz Firdaus Abdullah
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