Pondering On The Qur'an

What do you know about the Qur'an?

Many people would probably give this answer: Many people might possibly answer this question as : "The Qur'an is the holy book of our religion." That answer is right, but some people who give the correct answer still know very little about the content of the Qur'an. In fact, there are also some wrong practices and beliefs regarding the Qur'an among the public in certain societies. The Qur'an is usually hung on the walls of houses within a decorative cover and is considered to be read by elder people. Since they never read it, they know nothing about the content of the verses of the Qur'an.

In some communities the number of people who know what is written in the Qur'an and who ponder on it is very low. Then what is the true purpose of the revelation of the Qur'an? We can again learn this again from the verses of the Qur'an. Allah tells us the following in the Qur'an:

"Here is a Message for mankind: Let them take warning from it, and let them know that He is no other than the One Allah: let men of understanding take heed." (Surah Ibrahim: 52)

"And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: but will any take heed?" (Surat Al-Qamar: 32)

"There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it, – a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a mercy to any such as believe." (Surah Yusuf: 111)

"This is the Book; in it is certain and unmistakable guidance for those who fear Allah." (Surat Al-Baqara: 2)

In these verses and many others, it is revealed that the real purpose of the revelation of the Qur'an is to encourage people to ponder on such crucial issues as the creation and purpose of life, to make them know about Allah Who has created them, and to guide them to the right way. The Qur'an is a book that addresses and guides anyone with an open mind and soul.

Therefore, what is needed in the first place is to correct the wrong point of view about the Qur'an and make people understand that the Qur'an is not a book which is addressed only to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) but to all people who consider themselves Muslims. Any person who utters this well-known statement: "I'm a Muslim, Alhamdulillah" must turn towards the Qur'an.

Some people read the Qur'an at specific times and on specific days and are aware of its verses. These people make do, however, just with reading the Qur'an and think they have fulfilled their religious duties by so doing. Of course "reading the Qur'an" is a religious obligation and one that has to be performed. But it is also very important to apply what is read and implement it in one's daily life.
Some ignorant people who claim that the Qur'an needs to be revised to be "in compliance this new age", cannot grasp the fact that the Qur'an is not confined by chains of time, but covers all ages and societies, as it has been revealed by Allah, Who has knowledge of everything, past and future. When anyone reads the Qur'an with a sincere heart and an open mind, he sees that the models of people and societies described in the Qur'an existed in every age in history, including that of today, and that the Qur'an explains the current state of people and societies.

All the disorder, perversion and mistakes of a society which has strayed from true religious values have been clearly stated in the Qur'an. The reactions of the people of these societies towards religion have been described and information is provided about their character. This information is in agreement with the modern world and once again proves that the Qur'an is a miracle that speaks to every age.

When an individual starts reading the Qur'an and tries to implement it in his daily life, he can be considered to be on his way to becoming a real Muslim as described in the scriptures. With amazement, he begins to see how the Qur'an covers every moment of his life. Many events that a person experience have been mentioned in the Qur'an and the reactions of a Muslim which would befit those occasions have also been explained in detail.

Being satisfied with reading and knowing the Qur'an without practicing it, may have certain displeasing consequences.
Allah says in one verse:

"Those who were charged with the obligations of the Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those obligations, are like a donkey which carries huge tomes without understanding them. Evil is the example of people who falsify the Signs of Allah: and Allah does not guide people who do wrong." (Surat Al-Jumu'a: 5)