بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

How to Understand Quraan

by Irshad Mahmood

Quraan is the Book of Guidance

Quraan is full of Wisdom (Al_Quraan_036.002)

Quraan is a light and to see a light, you don’t need any other light

But to understand Hadeeth you really need Quraan

Quraan is Free from any Error or Contradictions and is Fully Protected by Allah

But Hadeeth is not Free from any Error or Contradictions and is Not Protected by Allah

Neither BLINDLY Reject all Hadeeths Nor BLINDLY Accept all Hadeeths

We MUST believe on Those Authentic Hadeeths, which don’t contradict Quraan

Allah is One <---> Quraan is One <---> Siraat_ul_Mustaqeem is One
One Ummah <---> One Islaam <---> One Voice <---> One Worshipping Method

General Excuses and its Possible Answers on Understanding the Quraan:

People can give many of excuses on Understanding the Quraan. While answering some of their excuses, let us keep the following verses in our mind.

Verses from the Quraan:

Seek Refuge with Allah when Reciting the Quraan:

So when you recite the Quraan, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaitan, (Al_Quraan_016.098)

Quraan is Easy to Understand and has Many Examples:

And certainly We made the Quraan easy to learn (understand and remember). Does any of you wish to learn? (Al_Quraan_054.017, 022, 032, 40)

A revelation from the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful Allah. A Book of which the verses are made simple, an Arabic Quraan for a people who know. A herald of good news and a warner, but most of them turn aside so they hear not. (Al_Quraan_041.002-004)

And certainly We have set forth to men in this Quraan similitudes (examples) of every sort that they may mind (take heed). An Arabic Quraan without any crookedness, that they may guard (against evil). (Al_Quraan_039.027-028)

Listen with Full Attention, when the Quraan is being Read:

And when the Quraan is recited, then listen to it and remain silent, that mercy may be shown to you. (Al_Quraan_007.204)

Recite the Quraan in Slow measure and Ponder on it:

Or a little more; and recite the Quraan in slow (from cover to cover by pondering on it). (Al_Quraan_073.004)

Muslims Behavior on Listening or Reciting the Quraan:

Say! Believe in it or believe not; surely those who are given the knowledge before it fall down on their faces, making obeisance when it is recited to them. And they say: Glory be to our Lord! most surely the promise of our Lord was to be fulfilled. And they fall down on their faces weeping, and it adds to their humility. (Al_Quraan_017.107-109)

Munafiqs Behavior on Listening or Reciting the Quraan:

Do they not then reflect on the Quraan? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. (Al_Quraan_047.024)

He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation. but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding. Our Lord! make not our hearts to deviate after Thou hast guided us aright, and grant us from Thee mercy; surely Thou art the most liberal Giver. (Al_Quraan_003.007-008)

Muslims Emaan Must Increase on Reciting the Quraan BUT Not the Munafiqs Emaan:

And whenever a chapter is revealed, there are some of them who say: Which of you has it strengthened in faith? Then as for those who believe, it strengthens them in faith and they rejoice. And as for those in whose hearts is a disease, it adds uncleanness to their uncleanness and they die while they are unbelievers. (Al_Quraan_009.124-125)

Blindly Believing on Scholars is Shirk, You must verify them from the Quraan:

They have taken as lords beside Allah their rabbis and their monks and the Messiah son of Mary, when they were bidden to worship only Allah. (Al_Quraan_009.031)

Let us see what Rasool Allah (saw) will be saying about us on the Day of Judgment, since we LEFT the Quraan:

Then the Messenger will say: "O my Lord! Truly my people took this Quraan for just foolish nonsense." (Al_Quraan_025.030)

We must be very careful about our beliefs and we must come towards the Quraan. Every single Ayaat of the Quraan is Really Authentic and Free from Contradictions or Errors:

… We have Revealed the Book to you explaining EVERYTHING (Not Missing any thing, what we really need to understand and follow Deen), and a Guidance and Mercy and Good News for those who submit. (Al_Quraan_016.089)

None argue concerning the revelations (Ayaat) of Allah BUT those who Disbelieve... (Al_Quraan_040.004)

If Quraan cannot convince you nothing will, open your heart towards Allah, because to him will you return and if you haven't gone through the manual (the Quraan) he has sent you and understood it properly, for sure Allah will not like it.

Example: A person, who does not know FRENCH at all, but he knows English and after reading a French Newspaper, he declares that he had read all the French News Paper, Will you accept his reading or not. No body accepts his reading of the French Newspaper. Why then, do we still believe that, without understanding the Quraan we have done our part? Yes reciting without understanding is only one part of it, BUT with understanding of the Quraan there could be Miracles and you may get at least double award than those whose mother tongue is Arabic.

We must understand the Quraan in order to ponder over its verses, for this is one of the things that separates us from non-believers.

Excuse - 1: Brain is not capable of doing Extra Work to Learn the Quraan:

BRAIN's CAPABILITY: We have around 1 trillion cells in our brain and we hardly use around 5% of it. Learning to understand the Quraan could be the part of this 5%. Those whose mother tongue is URDU, might already know around 60% of Arabic words, since Arabic is the base language of Urdu, so they might need just little more effort to understand the Quraan. Also learning a second language is much easier than learning your own mother tongue.

Brains work with associations, each of these cells make links with other. Audio-Visual as well as meaning, emotions and smells etc. also makes connections.

Excuse - 2: I am Non-Arabs:

One who has learned a language other than his mother tongue has no excuse to not learn Arabic. Also those who are educated have no excuse as well. If you can study other languages or technology etc., you can also learn Arabic.

Excuse - 3: Tragedy:

Every other book is read and understood, BUT the Quraan is left behind.

Excuse - 4: Busy:

I am very busy, although I have a lot of time for every thing BUT I don't have time to understand the Quraan. Treating the Understand the Quraan as the last and least priority. We Many excuses to avoid learning the Quraan BUT we have time for party and we have time for every other thing, except learning the Quraan.

Do we ever claim that Engineering or other professional courses will be in our Mother Tongue; otherwise I will not learn it, and then why are we treating this with the Quraan and why aren't we starting to learn the Quraan? We invest our full effort including money to understand English to understand Technologies, so why not we spend some effort to Learn Arabic to understand the Quraan.

Muhammad (pbuh) regularly used to spent 4 hours in the night (half of the night as in Surah Muzammil) reciting the Quraan.

We don't spend 10% (25 minutes) of that time even during the day.

Allah has only sent us one book to learn and understand, not like schools where there are lots of books which changes every year.

Excuse - 5: Slow Learning:

What will you do to your kid if he says "I am still learning", since in the beginning of the year he don't understand. And what will be your response if it is the same answer that "I am still learning", at the end of year.

People take pride in associating themselves with big institutes and rich or famous people (like Harvard University, or famous sports players), BUT Allah has given us the same book. He gave to Muhammad (pbuh), the best of all humans. We should take pride in that and learn the Quraan.

Alas! Parents ask kids about their school studies, homework, and exams; however they do not ask if their kids understand the Quraan.

Are we eager to recite the Quraan, like Sahabaas used to recite?

EMERGENCY: Daily Salaat is Not Complete Without Understanding of the Quraan:

It is an EMERGENCY. As well as common sense, our daily Salaat may not be accepted completely if we don't understand the Quraan. Yes according to Fiqh it is acceptable, I fully agree.

When an Imaam is reciting, it is Allah whose message is coming to us, and we are listening Allah's word of Guidance from Imaam.

Each Salaat in which you do not understand the Quraan is a reminder for you to learn the Quraan IMMIDIATELY.

If you can find a book of 600 pages, which has secret of converting metal into the gold, you will surely go for finding that secret in that book and will not miss any single line or statement.

Here is the book Al_Quraan of around 600 pages, which has secret of our infinite future.

Infinite future is associated with this book the Al_Quraan.

Salaat has three main parts.

1> Praising to Allah

2> Asking from Allah

3> Reminders from the Quraan

It is Important to pay attention in Salaat, BUT hard to maintain focus if we do not understand the Quraan.

Translation of the Quraan is a Bridge to Understand the Quraan:

The Quraan cannot be translated completely, BUT the message can be translated. You may loose beauty and emotions during translation. e.g. from a Urdu Poem, which was written after a fall of an empire that poor became rich and rich became poor and its translation into English, the whole message is transmitted, BUT the emotions etc, cannot as mentioned below.

In Urdu
KAESE KAESE AESE WAESE HOGAE
AESE WAESE KAESE KAESE HOGAE

English Translation
RICH BECAME POOR
POOR BECAME RICH
or
LORD(King) BECAME POOR
POOR BECAME LORD(King)

Original text of the Quraan is Arabic, and we must learn Arabic.

There may be extra rewards for learning Arabic for those whose mother tongue is not Arabic.

Quraan is Very Easy to Learn, since Allah has said so:

And certainly We made the Quraan easy to learn (understand and remember). Does any of you wish to learn? (Al_Quraan_054.017, 022, 032, 40)

There are many Interactive Arabic Learning Program is available, below is just few of them:

1> Arabic School: Interactive Multimedia Arabic Teacher -for beginners (very good and worth its cost)

http://www.arabicsp.com

2> Before You Know it. http://www.byki.com

3> Understand the Quraan, the Easy Way. Please find below websight for very good video lectures for beginers.

http://www.understandquran.com

1> Create your user for free to download

2> Login

3> Click on the Course at the top menu

4> Click on the left menu Video Lect (English)

5> Download all the files

You will need to download the Sample Video Lectures in English files on your machine by right clicking on the file choosing 'save target as' option.

File Name | Description
Introduction | Lecture on introduction of this course
why understandquran 1 | Lecture on why to understandquran part 1
why understandquran 2 | Lecture on why to understandquran part 2
why understandquran 3 | Lecture on why to understandquran part 3
Session 1 | Session covering Surah Al-Fatiha (part 1)
Session 2 | Session covering Surah Al-Fatiha (part 2)
Session 3 | Session covering Surah Feel
Session 4 | Session covering Surah Quraish
Session 5 | Session covering Surah Ma'oon

None argue concerning the revelations (Ayaat) of Allah but those who disbelieve... (Al_Quraan_040.004)

And we have indeed made the Quraan easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)? (Al_Quraan_054.017)

(Since Allah has said that Quraan is really easy to understand and remember, we must have to believe it)

In the Quraan Allah has told us that “… This day have I perfected your Religion for you and completed My FAVOR unto you, and have chosen for you as religion AL-ISLAAM”. (Al_Quraan_005.003)

If anything is completed, does it NEED any Additions or Subtractions or Alterations? The absolute answer to this is only and only NO. Therefore any Hadeeth contradicting the Quraan, we are not supposed to accept and those are NOT Authentic Hadeeth. Since Rasool Allah (saw) already warned about the spreading of Hadeeth and how to verify them. So We all must have to follow that and a single proof should be enough for this that there are some Poor Hadeeth and we need to test all of them according to the Quraan. The Quraan is the real Authentic Source, FREE from and ERROR or CONTRADICTION.

Ali (RA) narrated, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, there is NO DOUBT that, there will be Hadeeths coming after me, claiming that I have said those. So you MUST test each and every Hadeeth from the QURAAN. If it is really according to the QURAAN only then accept it otherwise reject it. (Sanan Dar Qatni, Vol-2, Book – Imrani Abee Musa, Matba Farooqi – 513)

Duaa for Scholars and Students:

After all we are human being and may be wrong on some point, so we need to make a very special Duaa:

O Allah! Guide us and help us. If I am wrong, O Allah! Correct me. If others are wrong, O Allah correct them. If we all are wrong, O Allah correct all of us. AMEEN.

”Rabbi Zidnee Aailmaa”. (O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge). Ref: Al_Quraan_020.114 AMEEN.

”Rabbishrah Lee Sadree Wayassir Lee Amree Wahlul AAuqdatan Min Lisanee Yafqahoo Qawlee”. (O my Lord! expand my breast; And ease my task for me; And loose the knot from my tongue; So they may understand what I say). Ref: Al_Quraan_020.025 – 028) AMEEN.

”Rabbana Hab Lana Min Azwajina Wathurriyyatina Qurrata aAAyunin WajjAAalna Lilmuttaqeena imamaan”. (O our Lord! grant us in our wives and our offspring the joy of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous). Ref: Al_Quraan_025.074. AMEEN.

Is Quraan Difficult to Understand?

And We have indeed made the Quraan easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition? (Al_Quraan_054.017, 022, 032, 040)

Quraan is [MUBEEN] Clear and Makes things Clear:

A. L. R. These are the Ayats of Revelation, - of a Quraan that makes things clear. (Al_Quraan_015.001)
We have not instructed the (Prophet) in Poetry, nor is it meet for him: this is no less than a Message and a Quraan making things clear: (Al_Quraan_036.069)
These are verses of the Book that makes (things) clear. (Al_Quraan_026.002)
These are verses of the A, -a book that makes (things) clear. (Al_Quraan_027.001)
These are Verses of the Book that makes (things) clear. (Al_Quraan_028.002)
By the Book that makes things clear. (Al_Quraan_043.002)
By the Book that makes things clear. (Al_Quraan_044.002)

TIPS to Understand the Quraan:

… Recite the Quraan in slow, measured rhythmic tones. (Al_Quraan_073.004).

(So don’t rush to finish it, instead take your time to understand each and every Ayaat.)

Before giving the reference of any Ayaat, you MUST understand some of the verses before and after that Ayaat. You need to understand the THEME and the TOPIC on which Allah wants us to understand. What is the TOPIC on which the talk going on?

When Allah says “Hell (NAAR)”, means “REALLY HELL and not the GRAVE”. BUT it could be the interpretation, which might have been twisted.

When Allah says “EASY”, means “REALLY EASY”. BUT it could be the interpretation, which might have been twisted.

When Allah says, “CLEAR”, means “CRISTAL CLEAR”. BUT it could be the interpretation, which might have been twisted.

When Allah says “ANYONE”, means “MUSLIMS also included”. BUT it could be the interpretation, which might have been twisted.

When Allah says “AFTER”, means “NEVER EVER BEFORE and nor IN-BETWEEN”. BUT it could be the interpretation, which might have been twisted.

When Allah says you will get the Reward TODAY on the Day on Judgment, means “TODAY and not YESTERDAY in the GRAVE”. BUT it could be the interpretation, which might have been twisted.

When Allah says “WILL BE”, means “WILL BE in the FUTURE not WAS in the PAST”. BUT it could be the interpretation, which might have been twisted.

PURPOSE to send the Quraan was to WARN the human kind from the Day of Judgment and the Punishment in the HELL and NOT in the GRAVE. This is the Natural Process to be crumbled bones in the Grave, NOT a punishment. The main arguments of the disbelievers were that after the bones getting crumbled in the Grave, we will have SECOND LIFE to get the punishment. Please Re-Read the whole Quraan again and try to understand. I will strongly recommend to re-read followings specially:

Al_Quraan_002.001 – 029

Al_Quraan_050.001 – 045

Al_Quraan_056.001 – 096

Al_Quraan_075.001 – 040

The Basic concept mentioned all over the Quraan regarding punishment is the Punishment in the HELL after the Day of Judgment and NOT before in the Grave.

Yes there are some exceptional cases including, a person is being killed on the way of Allah, and Allah already told us about them that don’t say them that they are dead, BUT they are alive and we don’t have capacity to understand that. For reference please see Al_Quraan_002.154.

Please don’t impose exceptional cases over General Rules of Quraan.

Basic Questions Raised by Non-Muslims regarding the Day of Judgment:

This is the NATURAL Process to be crumbled bones in the Grave, NOT a punishment. Allah knows the best.

(Now) they are saying: Shall we really be restored to our first state (to get punishment in the hell, NOT before in the Grave). (Al_Quraan_079.010)

Even after we are crumbled bones? (Al_Quraan_079.011)

They say: Then that would be a vain proceeding. (Al_Quraan_079.012)

Surely it will need but one shout, (Al_Quraan_079.013)

And lo! They will be awakened. (Al_Quraan_079.014)

Remember Allah is the Greatest BUT not Rasool Allah (SAW). After all, Rasool Allah (SAW) is human being and created by Allah.

Be Care full when discussing the Ayaat of Quraan, and be HONEST to Allah, otherwise it might put you into the category of Liar to Quraan, which is Extremely Dangerous SHIRK.

By Denying the Ayaat of Quraan, may cause you to fall in the category of looking for other Religion, so Be Care Full:

O ye who believe! Whoso of you becomes a renegade from his religion, (know that in his stead) Allah will bring a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble toward believers, stern toward disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah and fearing not the blame of any blamer. Such is the grace of Allah, which He gives unto whom He will. Allah is All Embracing, All Knowing. [Al_Quraan_005.054]

Trying to Change the Ayaat of Quraan by Denying it, may cause you into the category of Liar to Quraan. Even Rasool Allah (SAW) did NOT had Authority to change any of the Ayaat of Quraan, so Be Care Full:

But when our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them, those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, say: bring us reading other than this, or change this, say: it is NOT for me, of my own accord, to change it: I follow Naught but what is revealed unto me (as is): if I were to disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the Penalty of a great day (to come). Say: If Allah had to willed, I should not have rehearsed it to you, nor would he have made it known to you. A whole lifetime before this have I tarried amongst you: will ye not then understand? (Al_Quraan_010.015 – 016)

And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change his words, and none wilt thou find as a refuge other than him. (Al_Quraan_018.027)

Let us not be like those who listen but actually listen not and read but actually read not. In reality, they don’t want to understand. Allah has already named them as Blind, Deaf and Dumb (Al_Quraan_002.018). May Allah protect us from all kinds of Blindness, Deafness and Dumbness, AMEEN.

Advise to the Scholars, Writers, and Speakers etc.:

… Recite the Quraan in slow, measured rhythmic tones. (Al_Quraan_073.004).

(So don’t rush to finish it, instead take your time to understand each and every Ayaat.)

Be careful in trying to explain the Ayaat of Quraan. Don't try to mislead the people by doing wrong translations or give wrong concepts against the Quraan. This is not a joke. We are all learning from each other and are students of the Quraan and the Authentic Sunnah.

Don't use abuse words for others like IGNORANT etc., and you must respect others. You must learn How to do Effective Communication.

When Allah says, "it is easy to understand", don't force the people to believe that it is difficult.

When Allah says "AFTER", don't force the people to accept it as before.

When Allah says "ON the Day of Resurrection", don't force the people to accept it as before.

When Allah says "ON the Day of Judgment", don't force the people to accept it as Grave, etc.

When Allah says "Paradise (in Arabic “JANNAH”)", don't force the people to accept it as Grave, etc.

When Allah says "Hell (in Arabic “NAAR”)", don't force the people that it as Grave, etc.

Also don't apply any exceptional rules over general rules, for example the people who are killed on the way of Allah during the war are not dead, BUT not the general public.

You must know "How to Understand the Quraan".

Advise to the Readers, listeners etc.:

… Recite the Quraan in slow, measured rhythmic tones. (Al_Quraan_073.004).

(So don’t rush to finish it, instead take your time to understand each and every Ayaat.)

Great Thanks to our Scholars (Ulemaa), who have worked extremely hard to keep Islaam ALIVE and to keep us Muslims by providing Beautiful knowledge of Islaam. BUT Scholars are NOT Allah and they might do mistakes.

You MUST always check in the Quraan and the Authentic Sunnah and don't BLINDLY trust on Scholars, Writers, and Speakers etc. They are human being and may have made mistakes. Otherwise you may fall into the category of making the scholars your God. Be careful. Check the topic in the Quraan, what Allah is saying about, check the TRUE meaning of it. If you find any error in Scholars, Writers, Speakers etc., you must acknowledge them by telling the Scholars, Writers, Speakers etc., otherwise the misleading may go on and on and also you might be put into the category of supporters to them who have done wrong translation and Allah may punish you as well. So, don’t sit quietly and rise up to correct any misconception, it is also a Great Jihaad and you will get a Great Reward for it, Inshaa Allah.

You must also know "How to Understand the Quraan".

The Demands of Quraan:

The Quraan makes five demands of every Muslim. Put in a simple language, these demands are as follows:

A Muslim is required:

1> to believe in the Quraan;

2> to read it;

3> to understand it;

4> to act upon its teachings; and

5> to convey its message and teachings to others.

… Recite the Quraan in slow, measured rhythmic tones. (Al_Quraan_073.004).

(So don’t rush to finish it, instead take your time to understand each and every Ayaat.)

Possible Cure to our Misconception in Understanding the Quraan:

First: You need to keep all your previous understanding a side.

Second: Your Believe should be like Quraan is word of Allah, it is the only Authentic Book in the world and it is not comparable to any. In Quraan you will find Questions and Answers to many things. It is Great like Sky.

Third: Hadith is written over 200 years after Rasool Allah (SAW) and it may contain Errors. It is like Earth.

Last: Rest of the thoughts are buried in the Earth.

In Simple Words:::::>>>>>

Number 1 is Quraan

Number 2 is Hadith

We must believe on Those Authentic Hadeeth which don’t contradict Quraan.

Number 3 is The Rest

Generally I found peoples believe the other way. Which is wrong:::>>>

Number 1 is Imaam of the Masjid (Maulaana, Mufti)

Number 2 is Hadith

Number 3 is Quraan

We need to find where we went wrong and we need to correct ourselves.

In the beginning of Surat Al_Baqara, Allah said::::>>>

Quraan is Book of Guidance:

This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil). [Al_Quraan_002.002]

(To get Guidance you must have to read it with understanding)

Who can get Guidance from it:

Who believe in the unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have bestowed upon them; [Al_Quraan_002.003]

And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee, and are certain of the Hereafter. [Al_Quraan_002.004]

These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the successful. [Al_Quraan_002.005]

Reciting Quraan in a Group: One person should read and rest must listen to him:

When the Quraan is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that ye may receive mercy (otherwise may be not). [Al_Quraan_007.204]

(To get real Mercy of Allah, you must have to listen carefully when the Quraan is read in a Group otherwise you may not get the real MERCY from Allah. Reciting Quraan should never be like every body is reading independently and no body are listening to one person, like in Quraan Khanee.)

… Recite the Quraan in slow, measured rhythmic tones. (Al_Quraan_073.004).

(So don’t rush to finish it, instead take your time to understand each and every Ayaat.)

Your comments are welcome....noor.e.islaam@gmail.com

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Always Remember:
Allah is One <---> Quraan is One <---> Siraat_a l_Mustaqeem is One
One Ummah <---> One Islaam <---> One Voice <---> One Worshipping Method

Quraan is full of Wisdom (Al_Quraan_036.002)
Quraan is a Light and to see a light, you don’t need any other light.
Quraan is Free from any Error or Contradictions.
when the Quraan is recited, then listen to it and remain silent, that mercy may be shown to you. (Al_Quraan_007.204)
Repeating and Reminding is a Key to the success of Effective Communication.
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