Have you ever felt trapped in a web of problems and didn’t know where to turn? Then, when you open the Qur’an suddenly the answer is there in front of you. Or if not the answer, a passage that soothes your heart and refreshes your resolve, as if speaking to you directly.
This Divine Speech was revealed over twenty-three years to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in response to many different events, both personal and historical. When we discover what the context of Revelation was, it is compelling to see just how the Speech of Allah (SWT) responded to and engaged with the Prophet (SAW). It was dynamic and emotional, soothing him (SAW) at his lowest points and granting him courage and strength when he needed it the most.
The Qur’an is a message to humanity, but it is also a message to the human, the individual, as it appeals to our ever-wavering hearts, our fears and hopes.
“He knows the secrets of the heart.” Surah al-Anfal 8:43
Engaging with Wisdom
Ramadan provides for us a month to renew our engagement with the Book of Allah. Everyone will have different goals of what they will try to achieve in this blessed month: whether it’s reciting the Qur’an from cover to cover, praying extra taraweeh, or even the challenge of fasting itself. Whatever we aim for, engaging more with these Divine Words should also be a priority. Just as the Revelation itself was dynamic, we should allow ourselves to be active in our approach.
The practice of tadabbur, or reflecting upon the Qur’an, is embedded in our deen. But why should we reflect and what is its benefit?
In his essay on storytelling and wisdom, Richard White explains how ‘counsel’ (or advice) is ‘a living truth that can be absorbed and reflected upon and later communicated to others’. He argues that ‘the art of storytelling is dying out because wisdom itself is in decline’. This points to the nature of the human: we communicate our experiences through stories and pass on lessons or wisdom within these tales (whether true or not).
When we expand this to the Qur’an—the most important Truth we will ever encounter—this takes on a heavier meaning: our Creator is literally giving us advice on how to attain the best life in this world and the Hereafter. These Divine Words warrant our reflection more than anything else. If we reflect upon and absorb the truth that comes from al-Haqq, the Absolute Truth, the benefits will be immeasurable.
“We believe that Allah is the Truth, and we believe that His Words are true. Therefore, what He has promised us is also true. So what truth does the Qur’an teach us? The truth of purpose, of accountability, of return to our Lord, of benefitting humanity, of cooperating with others for good, of standing up for the oppressed, and of the fact that Allah is with us and protecting us when we stand for truth, no matter what Pharoah is standing before us.
If we truly believe in the truth of the Qur’an, then we need to understand the purpose of our lives. We must work for something greater. We must take comfort in Allah’s promise when things are difficult for us.” – Reflecting on the Names of Allah by Dr Jinan Yousef
By allowing ourselves to have some time to reflect (even if it is while doing the dishes), we are engaging with the wisdom of The Most-Wise. This continues the practice of having a dynamic relationship with the Qur’an: consistently thinking about its verses and the implications on your current situation.
“Then do they not reflect on the Qur’an? Or are there locks upon their hearts?” Surah Muhammad 47:24
Here are some tips to encourage a responsive relationship with the Qur’an, but feel free to use your imagination!
May Allah make us of those who honour His Book and implement its beautiful words throughout our lives, ameen!
Richard White, 2017. Walter Benjamin: “The Storyteller” and the Possibility of Wisdom. The Journal of Aesthetic Education, 51(1), p.1.
Reflecting on the Names of Allah by Jinan Yousef: http://www.virtualmosque.com/wp-content/uploads/names-of-Allah-seriesv2.pdf
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