The holy book of Islam is the Qur'an. We believe that the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad and is a guide for all mankind. It has a very important place in our hearts.
The Prophet Muhammad spent a lot of time in prayer and meditation and one night (the ‘Night of Power’), he received the first revelation of the Qur’an from Allah. The Angel Jibril commanded Mohammad to recite words put before him, and although he could not read nor write previously, he was able to recite these words, and continued to do so over the next 23 years when the whole of the Qur’an was revealed to him.
We believe that the Qur’an is life reviving and brings light to our heart. Example "We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people..." (Surah al Anam 6.122). The light in this verse is referring to the Qur'an.
In addition to this we also follow the rules set in it such as: do not gamble or drink alcohol. Example: “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, "In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." (Al - Baqarah 2.19)
The rules of the Qur'an can also be a form of guidance to us as it helps us with spiritual purification and adapting good morals and character. Example "O believers! Avoid many suspicions, ˹for˺ indeed, some suspicions are sinful. And do not spy, nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother." (Surah Al - Hujurat 49.12)
The Qur’an also teaches us lessons through story telling which can be implemented in one's life just like the bible. Example "The story of Musa (Moses)"
When reading, listening, understanding (Tafsir), and pondering over its verses (Tadabbur) we feel a sort of peace and tranquillity in our life. We feel a sense of healing with it. Example "And we send down of the Qur’ān that which is healing and mercy for the believers,” (Surah Al Isra 17.82)
We are encouraged to read the Qur’an as we are told we will be rewarded good deeds when reciting it. Example: Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will receive one good deed as ten good deeds like it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is one letter, but rather Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.” (Source: Sahih al-Tirmidhi 2910)
The Qur'an is something we read daily, and all Muslims eventually learn to memorize a portion of it as we recite it in our salah (Prayers) and duas (Invocations). We are encouraged to memorize as much as we can so some go on to learning all of it (Hafiz)
Example: Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “It will be said to the companion of the Quran: Recite and ascend as you recited in the world! Verily, your rank is determined by the last verse you recite.”
Lastly, I would like to speak on the behalf of every Muslim and say that the Qur’an is a very special and dear thing to us, and everyone should respect its etiquette and teachings even if you don't believe, follow, or understand it. Perhaps in this way there will be better understanding in this world.
Words written by a female Muslim | Dec 2023 | Issue 1
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