Studying the Qur’an (Jumu’ah Summary 14/11/25)
The Qur’an is the speech of Allah – and for the believer, this alone is sufficient to establish its greatness. The virtue of the Qur’an is immense, and the value of each word is priceless.
Imam Ibn Kathir summarised its honour in a remarkable statement:
“Allah revealed the noblest Book, in the noblest language, to the noblest Messenger, through the noblest angel, in the noblest land, and its revelation began in the noblest month, so it is complete in every regard.”
Three Purposes of Prophethood and Revelation
Allah describes the mission of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in three ways:
Tilāwat al-Kitāb – Reciting the revelations to them
Taʿlīm al-Kitāb wal-Ḥikmah – Teaching the Book and wisdom
Tazkiyah – Purifying them
These three also form the foundation of how we should interact with the Qur’an.
Tilāwah – Reciting the Qur’an
Reciting the Qur’an is a virtue in itself. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever recites one letter receives ten rewards.”
Even if one does not understand Arabic, the act of recitation is rewarded immensely.
The skilled reciter will be with the noble angels; the struggling reciter receives two rewards.
Taʿlīm & Tadabbur – Understanding and Reflecting
The Qur’an is not merely a book of sounds. Its primary purpose is guidance.
Allah repeatedly calls us to reflect (tadabbur):
“Do they not then deeply ponder over the Qur’an?”
“This is a blessed Book we have revealed to you, so that they may reflect upon its verses and people of intellect may take heed.”
“Indeed, in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart or listens attentively.”
Without understanding the message, the Qur’an becomes a recited but unopened gift.
Scholars warn that many Muslims today restrict their interaction with the Qur’an to:
recitation at funerals,
melodious chanting,
placing copies in homes,
without reflecting upon the meanings.
Al-Rāzī said:
“The one who does not reflect on the Qur’an will remain ignorant of its amazing secrets.”
Imam Ibn al-Jazarī wrote:
“Reciting less with tartīl and tadabbur is better, because the purpose is to understand and act.”
Tazkiyah – Allowing the Qur’an to Transform Us
The Qur’an is meant to change:
how we think,
how we behave,
how we see the world.
For the legal scholar, it offers principles.
For the seeker, guidance.
For the troubled heart, healing.
For the oppressed, strength.
For the lost, light.
But only if we open our hearts to it.
How Do We Deepen Our Relationship With the Qur’an?
1. Learn Arabic – if possible
Even basic Arabic drastically transforms one’s Qur’an experience.
2. If not, use reliable English resources
Good translations
Accessible tafsir works
Thematic explanations
3. Engage with the Qur’an daily
Even 10 minutes a day of purposeful reflection has immense impact.
4. Make Qur’an your companion
Let it shape your decisions, behaviour, and worldview.
Conclusion
The Qur’an is:
the eternal miracle,
the greatest gift to humanity,
the closest path to Allah,
and the ultimate source of guidance.
May Allah make us among Ahl al-Qur’an, His chosen people who live with His words, reflect on them deeply, and embody them in character and action.
Amin.
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