The Quran provides both spiritual and physical guidance. It was sent by Allah (swt) and revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (saw). It is the root of all Islamic knowledge and the foundation of every Muslim’s beliefs.
Many of us don’t give the Quran its due attention, and it is necessary to understand the effects and losses of undervaluing the Quran. Allah (swt) mentions right at the beginning of the Quran:
“This is the Book in which there is no doubt – a guide for those who are mindful (of Allah)” (Surah Al-Baqarah)
In this verse, we can clearly understand that the Quran is the primary source of guidance. It will guide those who are mindful of Allah (swt), who contemplate and think about Him (swt), to the straight path. Allah (swt) can’t make any errors, so the verses revealed are factually correct. If we cannot understand them, it is because of our shortcomings. Therefore, there cannot be a better guide than the One who created us.
The Companions (ra) of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) were examples of people who had attached themselves to the Quran. They recited it day and night and would take every verse very seriously. To them, it wasn’t just stories and words. For them, it was, in fact, a means of connection with Allah (swt). They could feel His presence, and they truly built an understanding of the position of Allah (swt) and His Supremacy.
Allah (swt) said:
“The ˹true˺ believers are only those whose hearts tremble at the remembrance of Allah, whose faith increases when His revelations are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord.” (Surah Al-Anfaal)
The Companions (ra) of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) connected their hearts to the Quran and to Allah (swt), so much so that they applied every commandment by Allah (swt) with sincerity and to the best of their abilities.
The unique importance of the Quran
The Quran is the words of Allah (swt) and has been preserved by Allah (swt), meaning that it can never be changed. If someone even tries to do it, it will fail. Either it will never take off, or many Muslims around the world will be able to prove that the fabricated verses are indeed false. So picking up the Quran today will be the same as the one that was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Its authenticity counts for everything.
Secondly, we must understand that the Quran guides every aspect of our lives. It contextualises historical events and prepares us for future events. So, the Quran’s contents are concise and instruct us on how to live and address any issue. The Quran is the instruction manual we need in our lives.
Thirdly, we must understand that Islam is not a cult, not just a desirable belief—it is reality. The reality is that we are the Creation of Allah (swt), and we belong to Him. He (swt) only wants to guide us and teach us how to live as honourable beings, as opposed to a way without rules, without order. He (swt) also wants to forgive us and grant us a place in Jannah. The Quran is the key to that.
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “The best talk is Allah’s Book (Quran), and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The Quran can never be taken from you
The Quran is made up of verses by Allah (swt). The Quran is written in the most excellent way and flows from the tongue like no other language. It is no wonder that millions across the globe memorise the Quran or portions of it. Whenever one wants to connect with Allah (swt), he/she can recite verses of the Quran in a melodious tone. Whoever recites the Quran will vouch for just how much it relaxes you. These are because of the blessings of the words of Allah (swt). Imagine if everything was taken from you one day – everything but whatever is in your heart. The Quran remains with you as long as you keep reciting it, bringing tranquility to your heart.
Al-Bara’ reported that a person was reciting Surat al-Kahf and there was a horse tied with two ropes at his side, a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer his horse began to take fright from it. He went and mentioned that to the Prophet (saw) in the morning, and he (the Holy Prophet) said: “That was tranquility which came down at the recitation of the Quran.” (Sahih Muslim)
Reciting the Quran is virtuous and full of good deeds
Every time we recite the Quran, we gain good deeds. Each letter counts as ten good deeds, so the more we recite, the more good deeds we earn. Just reciting wherever we are can help us exponentially increase the number of good deeds we have with little effort.
The Prophet (saw) said, “Such a person as recites the Quran and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Paradise). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Quran by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The Quran is an opportunity to rethink how we can develop our connection to the Quran. Let’s aim to memorise more, recite more, and most importantly, understand the message Allah (swt) is giving us. He (swt) wants to guide us, so let’s not be among those who reject the guidance and think we are better. Let us not be among the ones who knew the Quran was there, but never took the chance to open it and read it. Ameen!