Qur’an as the Main Source of Islamic Culture (2/2)

The Qur’an and the first generation:

History also bears the brightest example of the manifestation of Qur’anic ideals in the noblest character of Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). The Muslim history is a glaring example of this global spirit. The Qur’an has termed the entire humanity as one Ummah.

Such a philosophy cannot ‘preach’ enmity, communal conflict and division in the family of Adam (alaihis salam). The Muslims were true to that noble ideal.

It was the Qur’an which, in place of baseless speculation, led human beings to the path of rational understanding and sound reasoning on the basis of observation, experiment and research. It was the Qur’an which harmonized Faith with Knowledge and Action. Following the Qur’anic teachings founded almost the most brilliant civilization in history.

The Qur’an starts with the command, “Read: In the Name of your Lord Who creates”.

The Qur’an orders man to read at a time when there was nothing yet to read, this means we are commanded to read the universe itself as the book of creation of which the Qur’an is the counterpart in letters or words.

Man has to observe the universe and perceive its meaning and content, and as he perceives this he comes to know more deeply the beauty and splendor of the Creator’s system and the infinitude of His might.

It is incumbent upon man to penetrate into the manifold meanings of the universe, discover the Divine laws of nature and establish a world where science and faith complement each other so that man will be able to attain true bliss in both worlds.

Otherwise, as Bertrand Russel says, “Unless men increase in wisdom (and faith) as much as in knowledge, increase of knowledge will be increase of sorrow.” (Impact of Science on Society)

History testifies to the fact that during Medieval Period, Muslims were far more advanced than any other nation in the field of Science and Technology and that period was known as the “Golden Age” for the Muslims.

But how and when did it happen that suddenly history changed its course and the Muslims downfall started? What could have been the major causes of the downfall of Muslims?

Qur’an in the lives of Muslims today

The majority of Muslims today surrendered themselves to living their own lives, reciting the Qur’an without ever delving into its deeper meanings. Turning to something other than the Qur’an or taking a path that is driven from other than the Qur’an are all forms of abandoning the Qur’an.

 “The Messenger will say, ‘Lord, my people did indeed discard the Qur’an,’” (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:30).

Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) says, “Will they not, then, ponder over this Qur’an? Or are there locks upon their hearts?” (Surah Muhammad, 47:24).

Most of shortcomings in our life and societies are due to a significant lack of understanding the revealed texts. The Qur’an must be read and studied with the intention of educating oneself.

Some Muslims claim that the Qur’an is ‘too complex’ for them to understand and that they should leave its understanding to the experts!

The Qur’an itself says that language is NOT a barrier to its understanding as it is ALLAH who is making it understood to people who open their hearts (and not the language).

This message can be understood by all human beings who are willing to listen, for the Qur’an is not difficult but easy:

‘We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to remember: but is there any that remembers.”

“Had We sent this as a Qur’an [in a language] other than Arabic, they would have said, 'Why are its verses not clearly explained? What! An Arab Prophet, and a scripture in a foreign tongue?' Say, 'It is a guide and a healing to those who believe; but for those who do not believe, there is a deafness in their ears, and a covering over their eyes: they are [as it were] being called from a very distant place.'" (Surah Fussilat, 41:44).

You may miss some linguistic and grammatical subtleties, you may miss certain finer points in the rhetoric and semantics of the Qur’an, yet it is impossible that the Qur’an will fail to reveal its full and true spirit to you.

The Qur’an contains Islamic Monotheism; Allah’s promises, warnings and commandments; stories of previous nations; and codes of the best conduct and behavior. These various subjects in the Qur’an have different effects on the heart.

Steps taken towards a better relation with the Qur’an

The purification of one’s intention and correcting one’s desire is obligatory.

The Qur’an cannot be comprehended by anyone who approaches it with bad intention. (Surah Fussilat, 41:44; Surah Al-Waqi'ah, 56:77-79; Surah Al-Isra', 17-45-46)

Ibn Qutaibah said: “Listen to the book of Allah whilst your heart and mind is attentive, not neglectful nor distant.”

Arranging the Qur’an in Order

This is the core element which has been lacking from Muslims for many centuries…The ability to ‘arrange’ the Qur’anic verses by order of subject/topic to seek its meaning.

‘Ratil’ is an Arabic word which means: ‘to arrange things of similarity together’. Many of the questions which may arise out of a certain passage of the Qur’an have their explanation in other parts of the very same book, and often there is no need to turn to any sources other than the Qur`an.

Nothing can excel the tafsir of the Qur’an through the Qur’an. Most of our misunderstandings come from selective reading or edeen (partial). Allah says:

“…and who have broken the Scripture into fragments-ˮ (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:91).

Derive a meaning from the verses