Welcome to today’s post, where we’ll delve into a particularly profound verse of the Qur’an:

رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

And, our Lord, raise in their midst a Messenger from among them, who should recite to them Your verses, and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and make them pure. Indeed You and You alone, are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

For Muslims, the Quran stands as our ultimate guide. Its verses offer divine guidance, showing us how to live our lives in accordance with Allah’s pleasure, and serve as a source of profound spiritual connection and enlightenment. We are encouraged to both read and understand the Qur’an. However, a common misunderstanding challenges this importance of recitation in favour of understanding alone.

In today’s world, many Muslims prioritize understanding the Quran’s meanings over recitation, believing that without comprehension, recitation holds little to no value. The purpose of this post is to address this rising misconception and bring it back to the correct perspective.

The Quran emphasizes both “reciting” and “teaching” of its verses, highlighting the significance of both words and meanings. Unlike conventional literature, where the focus often lies solely on conveyed meanings, the Quran presents a unique paradigm. Here, words themselves hold intrinsic value, inseparable from the divine message they convey.

Point to Ponder before we continue: I invite you to reflect on your own relationship with the Quran. How do you approach its recitation and understanding? You’ve likely felt a sense of calm when hearing the Quran recited, even without understanding its meaning. That’s because it’s akin to a baby finding comfort in its mother’s arms, despite not understanding words. The heart knows what it yearns for.

Now let’s move on.

While understanding the meaning of the Quran is paramount, reciting its words holds immense spiritual merit. Recitation becomes an act of worship, distinct from understanding, and carries its own rewards.

Let’s revisit the verse of the Qur’an we mentioned earlier:

رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

And, our Lord, raise in their midst a Messenger from among them, who should recite to them Your verses, and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and make them pure. Indeed You and You alone, are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

This verse highlights the separate yet complementary merits of recitation and understanding of the Quranic verses. While teaching and understanding the Book and wisdom are essential, the act of reciting Allah’s verses is emphasized as a distinct and significant spiritual practice.

By reciting the Quran, we not only honour the words of Allah but also engage in a profound act of worship. Each recitation serves as a form of remembrance and reverence for our Creator, strengthening our spiritual connection and drawing us closer to Him.

Point to Ponder: The recitation of Quranic verses is an end in itself. Remember, you recite words and not the meanings.

Consider the exemplary practice of the Holy Prophet and his blessed Companions. Despite their unparalleled comprehension of the Quranic meanings, they continued to recite the Quran fervently throughout their lives. Some Companions would recite the entire Quran in a single day, while others would do so in two or three days. The division of the Quran into seven stages (Manazil) indicates the common practice among Muslims to recite the Quran in its entirety within one week. This steadfast commitment to Quranic recitation underscores the profound importance of engaging with the Quran, regardless of one’s level of understanding.

The recitation of the Quran isn’t just about understanding its meanings; it’s about immersing oneself in the presence of Allah’s words. The Quran brings a sense of tranquillity, even to those who may not comprehend its meanings. It’s where the heart understands what the words cannot express.

So today we have seen the Quranic injunctions guiding Muslims to engage with its verses both orally and intellectually. Even those unable to grasp meanings fully are encouraged to engage in regular recitation, filling themselves with The Quran’s blessings while striving for comprehension. Through this balanced approach, believers can reap the rewards of Quranic recitation while striving for deeper comprehension. Insha Allah this approach will lead to profound spiritual growth and connection with Allah Most High and His Messenger ﷺ.

Alhamdulillah at Shine our aim is to help you understand the Qur’an as you recite. So to find out more, just register your interest here.

Duas requested

Moulana Mohammed Daud

Founder of Shine Arabic

The smart choice is Shine

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