The Qur’aan is one of the Books of Allaah.
The term “Books” refer to the sum total of human values and principles that have been revealed to humanity throughout the ages, highlighting the pitfalls of human behaviour and advocating the principles for their well being and welfare.
All communities of humans received Allaah’s Books. The Qur’aan attests to this fact in Surah 13 Aayah 7:
Those who routinely and habitually suppress the superlative sense of the Guidance and deny it, will always question because they do not make use of what already exists and thus are dissatisfied. Their expression ,Why is another Aayah-universal gem-not revealed to him from HIS Sustainer and Maker? The influence of human gods and semi gods continue to cloud their vision and as such they consider you,O messenger of and about Allaah, in a similar light.But you are nothing like that. You are not a god or semi god.
You are nothing more than one who informs people about the darkness surrounding them, advises them on how to escape the darkness and caress the light and warns them of the consequences of failing to reform themselves, their families and their communities..
Every people has a guide.
Translated by Mohamed Saffie
.All of humanity are connected to one another as relatives of one big universal family. As a result, the message of Allaah’s Books has always been the same, irrespective of the age, time and place.
For instance, in Aayah 1 of Surah 14 (Ibraaheem), the Qur’aan attests to this fact:
We have revealed and made known unto you, through natural laws, the reasons for human darkness, the mindset and lifestyle required for comprehensive purification, meaningful emancipation from man-made slavery and principles to be pursued for human welfare and well being that have been deliberately suppressed and made obscure in society,
So that you will strive your utmost to extricate humanity from the darkness of the age to the light and enlightenment of Allaah’s Books,
Informing people that new life and emancipation from darkness are possible and within their reach only if they adopt the universal system of Allaah’s Guidance,
For it certainly leads to the efficacious and praiseworthy way of life.
– Translated by Mohamed Saffie
الر كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ لِتُخْرِجَ النَّاسَ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ بِإِذْنِ
رَبِّهِمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَمِيدِ
The first and most important question before us all is, has the Book of Allaah, The Qur’aan, been empowering to us as individuals, families and communities?
Secondly, have we honoured our responsibility to help extricate humanity from the darkness of the age? We, our families, our relatives, our friends, neighbours, our colleagues and all other people in our world, are humanity.
Respecting Allaah’s messenger, accepting the message he conveyed to the world, the Qur’aan, means to commit to the extrication of oneself and everyone else, from all the darkness. We cannot be spectators, onlookers, indifferent, opponents and ignorant with regards the Qur’aan.
Additionally, what is the Qur’aan to us?
Some people consider the Qur’aan a book to be recited for blessings and mystical powers. Some recited some sections or have religious people to recite specific passages on the occasion of a child’s birth, a marriage, special social gatherings, burial ceremony. Some used it as a talisman to protect from the devil, harm and danger.
But how do we relate with the Qur’aan? When and how do we use it?
Please stay in touch for my presentation to help you discover the misunderstood, unknown but amazing and empowering Qur’aan.
Reality check
But what really is the Qur’aan? What is the true and essential meaning of the word? Does it mean reading? Does it mean reading and listening even without understanding and comprehension as the majority of ‘muslims’ in the world do? Does it mean reading for blessings after one has deceased? Does it mean reading so as to feel nice? Does it mean reading devoid of commitment for practical application? To most people, the Qur’aan is everything apart from a set of proven and established principles and values to escape human darkness and caress the greatest good and the best for all humanity.
Is the Qur’aan misunderstood?
If it is established that the Qur’aan, according to the message of its text and the inherent sense of the Arabic language, means much more than mere reading and certainly light years above unintelligent reading, then, are muslims in the dark even after fifteen hundred years of its revelation to humanity? Reading anything without understanding and comprehension could certainly have serious consequences. Take a map for instance, a road sign, a health advisory, an information from your financial institution, statements from your city council about digging or repairs, the date of a journey, food that is bad for health, all of these require understanding, comprehension and special attention.
An honest look at muslims, the world over, will tell the true story of what the Qur’aan actually means to them and how they relate with its text and message. A necessary question that all in the ‘muslim world’ must answer, is whether the muslims are in their cuurent state of affairs because they are faithful to the core message, spirit and guidelines of the Qur’aan? In other words, do the beliefs, practices and realities of ‘muslim communities, worldwide, reflect the teachings of the Qur’aan?
Is the condition of ‘muslims’ today directly related to the Qur’aan?
Then, does the Qur’aan teach and condone the slavery, poverty, oppression, ignorance, illiteracy, violence, corruption, exploitation of the poor by the rich, confiscation of human rights and civil liberties, class system, sectarianism, ownership of people, monarchy, dictatorship, racism, extremism, terrorism, indifference to the sufferings of humanity, just to name a few? If what the Qur’aan teaches is quite the opposite of what is just stated above, then, its message has been undermined. This onslaught, sabotage and conspiracy on the message in the Qur’aan, certainly did not start today. In fact, there is indisputable evidence which proves that the sabotage, onslaught and conspiracy to undermine the message in the Qur’aan, started in the early years after the demise of the honourable and epoch making messenger of Allaah.
First of all, the Qur’aan as a book of values, principles and standards for regeneration, renewal, resurrection and new and empowering life, is a stranger to the majority of muslims. Additionally, the overwhelming evidence, globally, clearly points to misconception, misinformation and deception. Allaah’s book, the Qur’aan, for the rebirth and advancement of humanity became a book of religion just as how previous books, revelations from Allaah to Jesus, Moses, Abraham, David, became well known religious books of the world.
Why is it, that inspite the numerous readings and recitations of the Qur’aan, by countless individuals, families and communities, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and on special occasions, peace, harmony, safety, happiness, well being and welfare seem only as a dismal hope and dreams only experience by those asleep?
What have all the Qur’aan shareef or Qur’aan khawani done for the hosts, organisers, performers, attendees and society at large?
Are these ceremonies and rituals sanctioned by the Qur’aan? Or, could they be a ploy of the clergy class? Who benefits from these gatherings? What genuine teachings of Qur;aanic guidance are conveyed on these occasions?
If the Qur’aan is a book, a doctrine, of universal human values, principles for escaping the darkness which have enveloped individuals, families and humanity at large, guidelines for the well being and welfare of all, responsibilities and rights of all, then there is dire need to wake up, pursue and analyse this unknown, misunderstood but amazing and empowering Qur’aan. Discover the Qur’aan now for meaningful life. It is definitely the most important book of life that you will ever study.
Linguistic meaning of the word Qur’aan
The word Qur’aan is Arabic. In seeking to understand the essence and inherent meaning of the word Qur’aan, reference must be made to the Arabic lexicons, dictionaries and authorities on the language. From the outset, it is important to note that Arabic is read and written from right to left.
The word Qur’aan is made up of the following Arabic letters:
Noon Alif Hamzah Raa Qaaf
Pure Arabic words stem from roots. This means that every Arabic word is derived from a root verb.
Root verbs can have three, four or five letters. However, most verbs are made up of three letters.
In the case of the word Qur’aan, the root verb, qa-ra-aa, has three letters. Therefore, the linguistic study of the word Qur’aan, must commence with the study of the verb qa-ra-aa.
Qa-ra-aa –means to collect or to gather.
According to William Edward Lane’s Arabic-English Lexicon, the meaning of the verb qa-ra-aa is explained as follows:
1-qa-ra-aa ash shai’aa
He collected together the thing; drew it, or put it, together; part to part; portion to portion.
This is considered the most significant and primary meaning.
Thus, the saying:
Maa qara-at haazehe an naaqatu janeenan–This she camel has not contracted her womb upon a young one; she has not borne a foetus. Others translate this to mean–her womb has not comprised, or enclosed, a foetus.
The essence is that the biological components within her womb did not come together to produce a young one.
Thus, gathering or collecting things together to produce substantial and significant result.
The Qur’aan is not an end in itself. It is a means to better and higher end.
With reference to the Qur’aan, it means to gather and collect the values, principles and standards from the lessons of the past, conveyed by the different messengers, and to apply them to contemporary society so as escape all man-made darkness and to embrace the highest point of safety, harmony, development and happiness for all.
The implication here is that the Qur’aan is meant to serve as a means to achieve the highest level of human welfare and wellbeing. The Qur’aan is not an end in itself.
Ar Raaghib Al Asfahaani states in his well known Arabic lexicon, Mufradaatu Alfaazhi Al Qur’aan that the verb qa-ra-aa refers to the two well known periods in a female’s life:
the time before menstruation
the time during menstruation
The first time relates to the gathering and connection within the womb capable of producing a child.
The second time relates to the menstruation period when the body rids itself of all things which were gathered to facilitate a child.
This is a clear indication of the opportunities afforded individuals and couples to gather and connect the evidences, facts and realities of one’s life, the lives of those before, and the lives of contemporary communities, so as to give birth and produce a better self, offspring, family, community, society, and humanity.
When one relents and fails to grasp the opportunities to resurrect and animate life, then mental and all other forms of decay, disintegration, and death follows. .
Additionally, Ar Raaghib states:
Al Qur’aan-collection of values, principles and standards since time; not unintelligent reading
Some scholars say that of all the books of Allaah, the Qur’aan is so named because it is a collection of all the benefits and usefulness of previous Books. Additionally, the Qur’aan embraces all the sciences established and proven to be useful and beneficial to the human family.
He cites Surah 12 Aayah 111 in support of this fact:
The events in the lives of many of those who rejected OUR exhortations and guidelines, certainly included many opportunities for people of mindfulness and critical thinking skills of contemporary and future communities, to learn due diligence from.
This universal absolute of the most excellent values, principles and standards have not been invented or manufactured by anyone.
Rather, they are nothing less then a true testimony, support and confirmation of all the upright and empowering facts and realities in life that are acknowledged and known to society.
They are, without any doubt, meticulous details and necessary explanations of values and principles concerning all matters of personal, family and public life.
Full of guidelines, love, care, compassion, support and mercy
For all those who are active and proactive for safety and security of self, family and humanity at large.
Translated by Mohamed Saffie
Ar Raaghib continues:
The scholars of the Arabic language are of the opinion that the essence of qa-ra-aa is to collect, assemble and gather.
Reading! What is reading?
Ar Raaghib further states that the essence of reading-qiraa’atun-is to connect letters to letters and words to words in an organised manner to make sense.
Here also the inherent quality of collecting, gathering and connecting to make complete sense.
Reading must result in comprehension and awareness
There is no evidence, whatsoever, from the Arabic language or the text of the Qur’aan itself to support the popular belief and practice of reading without understanding and comprehension.
This awareness would put into question the recitation and the listening to the Arabic Qur’aan without comprehension. It would also raise questions about the du’aas and the numerous Qur’aan recitations done at home, ‘masjids’ and in public programs.
If the Qur’aan places great emphasis on understanding and comprehension, be that speech and action, then where is the validity and practicality to continue this popular pagan tradition? It is most significant to note that the Qur’aan forbids any opinion, stance and action regarding any matte where established, proven and useful knowledge does not exist.
In Surah 17 Aayah 36, the Qur’aan states:
And do not follow the path of forming an opinion, taking a stance, or embarking on any course of action, when established, proven and useful knowledge is not available to you.
Human beings are endowed with special faculties meant to foster awareness, sight, insight and meaningful comprehension. It is a prerequisite that all these faculties must be fully utilised in order to arrive at the truth.
Failure to fully use such vehicles when making a statement, supporting an opinion, taking a stance on a particular matter or embarking on a course of action, will make the individuals responsible, questionable and accountable for the consequences.
Translated by Mohamed Saffie
The Qur’aan is indeed misunderstood
Taking into consideration:
the above facts concerning the inherent and essential meanings of the Arabic verb, qa ra a
the numerous Aayaat that command humanity to think, ponder, analyse and follow the most beneficial approach to all situations of life
the Aayaat that warn against unmindful, unintelligent, unscientic conclusion
in light of the popular tradition of reading and listening to the Qur’aan without meaningful understanding and comprehension,
It is well established that the values, principles and standards of and within the Qur’aan are badly misunderstood.
Additional linguistic insight into the root letters of the Qur’aan
We all know that the root letters of the Qur’aan are as follows:
Hamzah Raa Qaaf
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We have already stated that the essence of the first verb with the above three root letters, is to gather and connect. It is aptly applied to the process of reading and the mental process that follows. Let us remember, the word reading means to join letters to letters and words to words to make sense.
Arabic verbs can have up to fifteen shades of meaning. This is achieved by adding letters before or between the three root letters.
Aq-ra-aa means to transfer the action of the first verb to someone or something. To teach someone to gather and connect; to read.
Qaa-ra-aa means to join with someone in doing the essence of the first verb. Thus, to read, study with, teach one another.
Ta-qar-ra-aa means to take steps and ensure that the essence of the first verb-to gather and connect; to read, are qualities which the person devotes himself or herself to achieve.
Is-taq-ra-aa means to search to acquire the essence of the first verb. Thus, to investigate and discover.
The above are only a few forms of the verb. Normally, the fifteen forms of the verb are not used.
Furthermore, looking at the above qualities in the verbs with the original root letters, it is not possible to achieve them without consciously engaging the mind and thought the necessary thought process to comprehend then act. It is impossible for anyone to successfully use those verbs without proper comprehension. Reading without comprehension will fail miserably to achieve that end.
From the horse’s mouth: What is the Qur’aan? How does it describe itself?
It is common knowledge that most muslims are not convinced that the Qur’aan can stand on its own as a book of Guidance. Thus, they do not allow it to speak for itself. As a result, they resort to external manmade sources to describe and understand the Qur’aan.
Ref. 1
In Surah 2 Aayah 2, The Qur’aan describes itself as Al Kitaab, literally, the book. Throughout the Qur’aan, this term Al Kitaab has been used to describe the Qur’aan as well as the other books that Allaah revealed to HIS messengers and teachers, throughout human history.
Book:
According to the British dictionary, the word book means: A number of printed or written pages bound together along one edge and usually protected by thick paper or stiff pasteboard covers.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word book is:
The total available knowledge and experience that can be brought to bear on a task or problem,
Inside information or analysis
The standards or authority relevant in a situation.
The word book is also used to mean rules, principles, standards.
He or she is a person of the book. He or she plays by the book.
No printed or handwritten book with pages and covers, ‘came down, descended, revealed, made known’ to Allaah’s messenger, Muhammad. The essentials of human experience and knowledge, necessary to solve human problems and lead them to the best life possible, certainly ‘descended, unfolded, revealed, made known by Allaah to HIS messenger, Muhammad. Guidelines, values, principles, standards, ‘came down’ to him.
Inherently and essentially, the Qur’aan is Allaah’s Book of Guidelines, values, principles, standards for humanity’s safety, welfare and wellbeing.
Accepting this fact from the Book itself, requires that the intellectual faculties be employed. It absolves in any and every way, reading and listening without sense.
The Qur’aan as Allaah’s Book, makes it categorically clear that it cannot be merely read. It must be well understood and acted upon. Much efforts must be set aside to consider, think, review, reflect, ponder, analyse, research, draw parallels regarding its text and context.
Rather, the Qur’aan questions the reluctance of people in reaching out to find out what is within its ‘pages.’
In Surah 47 Aayah: 24
What is the reason that prevent certain people from reflecting and pondering over the substance of the Qur’aan? Is it that someone has told them not to as it is beyond them? Is it that they are not physically clean enough to touch it? Or, that it is not meant for them; it is only meant for a specific class of people?
Or, is it that they have closed up their minds so that there are no places left in their hearts to accommodate the Qur’aan?
Or, is it that they have allowed people to lock up their minds and so prevent them from reviewing, analysing,
Empowering Humanity 