1000 copies - First Published July 2004 / Jamadil Awwal 1425AH

Tabligh Centre of
K. S. I. Jamat - Daressalaam.
TOWARDS BETTER P O Box 233,
Daressalaam
Tanzania
UNDERSTANDING ISBN 9987-665-09-8

OF THE HOLY QUR'AN Copy Right: Tabligh Centre of KSI Jamat - Dsm
For other Islamic Publications write to:

Tabligh Centre
P O Box 233
Daressalaam
Holy Qur`an Resource Paper 1 Tanzania

Tel: 00 255 22 2115119

Compiled by: Fax: 00 255 22 2113107
Shaykh Muslim Bhanji
Email: tabligh@raha.com
Website: www.dartabligh.org

Published by: Compiled by:

Tabligh Centre of KSI Jamat - Daressalaam Shaikh Muslim Bhanji
P O Box 2736,
Dodoma - Tanzania.
Email: muslim_bhanji786@yahoo.co.uk
 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

TOWARDS BETTER UNDERSTANDING

OF THE HOLY QUR`AN

CONTENTS:
1 Introduction. ------------------------------------------------------------ 5

2 Qur`an Describes Itself. ----------------------------------------------- 7

3 The Excellence of Qur`an according to

Ma'soomeen (a.s.). ---------------------------------------------------- 14

4 Qur'an's Power of Attraction. ---------------------------------------- 23

5 Qur`an as a Miracle. -------------------------------------------------- 25

6 The Illustrative Themes of the Qur`an. ---------------------------- 27

7 The Central Theme of the Holy Qur`an. -------------------------- 28

8 Methods used by the Qur`an in Training Human being.---------- 31

9 Revolutionary Transformation in the

Society through the Qur`an. --------------------------------------- 33

10 Essentiality of the study of the Qur`an. ----------------------------- 35

11 Is Qur`an Understandable?------------------------------------------- 35
Introduction: ". . . Indeed, there has come to you light and a clear
book from Allah; With it Allah guides him who will
All praise is for Allah Who sent down the Qur'an to His follow His pleasure into the ways of safety and brings
servant and messenger Prophet Muhammad (blessings of them out of utter darkness into light by His will and
Allah be upon him and his progeny) so that he may be a guides them to the right path."
warner to the worlds. Blessings be on Prophet Muhammad (Surah Al Ma`idah 5:15-16).
(blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) who was Historically, it is Qur'an which transformed the simple
sent as a witness, and a bearer of good news and a warner, shepherds and wandering Bedouins of Arabia into the
and as one inviting to Allah by His permission, and as a founders of empires, the builders of cities, the collectors of
light-giving torch through Quran. Blessings be on his progeny libraries. If a system of religious teachings is evaluated by the
(Ahlulbayt), from whom Allah kept away the uncleanliness changes which it introduces into the way of life, the customs
and whom He purified a thorough purifying, and whom Allah and beliefs of its follower, then Qur'an as a code of life is
made the true interpreters of the Glorious Quran after the second to none. It is not strange then, that more studies on
Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny). Quranic topics, translations and more commentaries of the
Holy Qur'an have been published, than that of any other
Holy Qur`an is a complete code of life
book claimed to be the Divine Revelation.
5 6
The Quran-e-Majid is the Word of Allah (Glorified and
Exalted is He) as revealed to His Prophet Muhammad What is Quran?
(blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) for man's However, before dealing with any other topics in the
guidance. The Qur'an comprehends the complete code from Quranic studies, e.g. its authenticity as the word of Allah
the Almighty Creator, for the human beings to live a good, (Glorified and Exalted is He), it is of paramount importance to
chaste, abundant and rewarding life in obedience to the have a glimpse towards better understanding of the book
commandments of Allah, in this life and to gain salvation in the itself: The Glorious Quran. What is Quran? What is this
next. It is indeed the "chart of life" for every man, and it is the book about? What are its contents? How is it a miracle?
"constitution" of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Why millions of believers still take this 14 centuries old book
Quran is for mankind, a "compass" in the turbulent as their source of guide and salvation in their lives? How is it
voyage of life, as it has explained itself in the following verses: different from any other thousands of books penned by
               different authors? What is so unique about Quran? Is the
Quran a book of history, or of poetry? Or is it a book about
           science and natural phenomena? Is it a book about Social
manners and spirituality or a book about Allah's Creation? Is
         it a book of Law? What is its general theme?
 In an attempt to answer these questions, the following Again Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) says:
narratives are presented, which need careful reflection for
better understanding of the Qur`an:
 
          

Qur`an Describes Itself "And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will
Let us start by reflecting upon what Qur`an has to say most certainly guide them onto Our ways".
about itself. (29:69)
The Qur'an introduces itself as the guidance for the Which striving is greater than the endeavor to
people "HUDAN LINNASI" (2:185); and the manifest light understand His Book? And which way is more straight than
"NUURAN MUBIINA" (4:174). the Qur'an?
According to Qur`an, Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He)
has laid down solution of every human problem in the             
Qur`an very clearly. Qur`an says:         
               "Lo! this Qur'an guides to that which is most upright.
And it gives glad-tiding to the believers who do good
  7 8
actions that they have great rewards".
"and We have revealed the Book to you explaining (17:9)
clearly everything; and it is a guidance, mercy and The Holy Qur'an is a book which by sound reasoning
glad-tidings for Muslims". bestows insight upon man. It shows the right path to man by
(16:89) giving the accounts of the Prophets and the nations. It
Also He has described the Qur'an in these words: motivates hi m thr ou gh p ar ab les, ex ho rtatio ns a nd
         admonitions.

"....... a guidance for mankind and clear evidence of            
guidance and discrimination (between wrong)".
(2:185).
           
The Qur'an is, accordingly, a guidance, an evidence, a "Such are some of the stories of the unseen, which
discrimination between right and wrong and a manifest light We have revealed unto you, before this neither you
for the people to guide them aright and help them in all their nor your people knew them. So persevere patiently,
needs. Is it imaginable that it would not guide them aright in for the end is for those who are righteous".
its own matter, while it is their most important need? (11:49)
 The Qur'an describes its other function as the
presentation of the Prophetic mission, which is aimed at
          
guidance of humanity, by delivering it from darkness and         
        
leading it towards light:

             
"And We sent Musa with Our signs (and told him)
       that you may bring forth your people from the
"A Book We have sent down to you so that you may darkness into the light and remind the on the days of
bring forth mankind from the darkness into the light, Allah; indeed in it there are signs for all those who
with the permission of their Lord, towards the path are patient and grateful."
(14:5)
of the Glorious the Praiseworthy."
(14:1)
This darkness, this shadow, is the darkness of Fir'aun's
What is the meaning of darkness mentioned in the oppression and injustice and that of his clique. The light is the
above ayah? Without doubt the darkness of ignorance is one light of justice and freedom.
of the vices from which the Qur'an emancipates humanity and The exegetists of the Qur'an emphasize the point that
leads it towards the light of knowledge and wisdom. 9 10 whenever the Qur'an mentions darkness, it always uses it in
However, if merely ignorance were regarded as darkness, the plural form although it always uses light in its singular
then the philosophers could have accomplished this job. But form. This means that the word 'darkness' includes all sorts
there exist other evils more dangerous than the vice of of darkness, all of the evil ways that lead towards darkness,
ignorance, and to subdue them is beyond the power of sheer and that 'light' signifies one single right path --the path of
knowledge. Among them are the vices of worship of righteousness, whereas the ways of deviation and perversion
material benefits, egoism, enslavement to desires, and greed, are many. In Suurat al-Baqarah, the Qur'an says:
which are considered to be personal and moral vices. Social              
vices like oppression and discrimination manifest the spiritual
darkness of a society. In Arabic, the word zulm (injustice and          
oppression) is derived from the same root as zulmah
(darkness), which shows that injustice is a form of social and          
spiritual darkness. To struggle against such forms of darkness "Allah is the Protector of the believers; He brings
is the responsibility and mission of the Qur'an and other them forth from the darkness into the light. And the
heavenly books. Addressing Prophet Musa (`as), the Qur'an unbelievers--their protectors are taghut, that bring
says: them forth from the light into the darkness, these are
 the people of hell-fire, unto it they will dwell forever." betray".
(2:257) (4:105).
Thus the Qur'an determines its goal to be the breaking
of the chains of ignorance, misguidance, moral and social
        
corruption and destruction, or in other words, to dissipate all "And this is a book which We have revealed as a
sorts of 'darkness' and to guide humanity in the direction of blessing, so follow it and be righteous, that you may
'justice, goodness and light'. receive mercy".
(6:155).
      
"This is a declaration for humankind, a guidance and
            
admonition to those who ward off (evil)".  
(3:138)
"A book revealed unto you, so that your heart be not
In other places, the Qur'an describes itself as under:
in any difficulty on that account, (so that) with it you
        may warn (the sinful) and teach the believers".
(7:2).
"This is the book; in it is guidance for sure without
doubt, to those who fear Allah". 11 12             
(2:2)

       

                

  
"This Qur'an is not such as can be produced by other
"They are invited to the book of Allah to settle their
than Allah, on the contrary it is a confirmation of
dispute, but then a party among them goes back
(revelations) that were sent before it, and a full
while they are turning away".
explanation of the book, wherein there is not doubt
(3:23)
from the Lord of the worlds".
             (10:37)

                   
"We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) in truth      
so that you might judge between men as guided by
"And We sent down the book to you for the express
Allah, and do not be an advocate for those who
purpose that you should make clear to them those
things in which they differ, and so that it should be a arrange their affairs".
guide and mercy to those who believe". (39:41).
(16:64).
The Excellence of Qur'an according to
       
"We have revealed for you (O men) a book in which
Ma'soomeen (a.s.)
there is a message for you, will you then not No pen is capable of describing the excellence and
understand". magnificence of the Glorious Qur'an. This statement is
(21:10). absolutely correct, because while describing the Holy Qur'an,

     Prophet Muhammad (blessings of Allah be upon him and his
progeny) himself said:
"These are the verses of the book that make things "The superiority of the Speech of Allah over other speeches
clear". is like the superiority of Allah over His creatures."
(26:2).
Ayatullah Al-Marja' Marhum Sayyid Al-Khui (r.a.) said:
               "What can a person say in describing the eminence of
the Qur'an and its glory? What can he say to explain its
 13 14
excellence and sublimity? How can a contingent being
"... A book which We have sent down unto you with perceive the greatness of the speech of the Absolute Being?
full of blessings so that they may meditate on its signs What can an author write about this subject and what can a
and that man of understanding may receive speaker say? Can a limited being describe anything that is
admonition". unlimited?
(38:29). "It is sufficient greatness for the Qur'an, and sufficient
eminence and glory, that it is the speech of the Almighty
          Allah, and the miracle of His noble Prophet (blessings of Allah
              be upon him and his progeny), and that its verses are the
guarantee for the guidance of human beings in all their
 concerns and circumstances and at all times. This is their
"Verily We have revealed the book to you in truth for guarantee to reach the final goal and the great happiness now
instructing mankind. He that receives guidance and later on.
benefits his own soul, but he that strays injures his "Indeed, it is better to hand over the elucidation of the
own soul, and surely you are not set upon them to excellence of the Qur'an to those comparable to the Qur'an.
They are Prophet Muhammad (blessings of Allah be upon him
and his progeny) and AHLULBAYT. They are the persons Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his
most knowledgeable about its status, and the best able to progeny) describes Qur`an ..... Therefore, let us ponder and
point out its lofty prestige, and they are its peers in excellence reflect upon what the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him
and its associates in guidance". and his progeny), the teacher of the Qur'an, said about the
Absolutely true! Let us leave the M'asoomeen (peace be excellence of the Holy Qur'an. He said about it in a sermon
upon them) to explain to us the excellence of the Qur'an as thus:
they are the teachers of the Qur'an. Allah (Glorified and  "... Therefore, when mischief come to confuse you like
Exalted is He) taught the Qur'an to His Prophet and the segments of darkened night, then hold fast to the
appointed him as the teacher of the Book: Qur'an;

             as it is the intercessor whose intercession shall be
granted;
     and it is a credible advocate;
"The Faithful Spirit has descended with it upon your  and whoever keeps it before him, it will lead him to the
heart that you may be of the warners, in plain Arabic Garden;
language."
 and whoever keeps it behind, it will drive him to the
(26:193-4) 15 16
Fire;
              and it is the guide that guides to the best path;

   and it is a book in which there is explanation,

particularization and recapitulation;
"And We have revealed to you the Reminder that you
may make clear to men what has been revealed to  and it is a decisive (word), and not a joke;
them, and that haply they may reflect"  and there is in it a manifest (meaning) and an esoteric
(16:44) (one);

           thus its apparent (meaning) is firm, and its esoteric (one)
is knowledge;
   its exterior is elegant and its interior deep;
" ... a n Ap ost le ... w ho r ec it es t o t hem His  it has (many) boundaries, and its boundaries have
communications and purifies them, and teaches (many) boundaries;
them the Book and the Wisdom."  its wonders shall not cease, and its (unexpected)
(62:2)
marvels shall not be old.
 There are in it the lamps of guidance and the beacon of from you, O people of the House! and to purify you a
wisdom, and guide to knowledge for him who knows (thorough) purifying."
the attributes. (33:33)

 Therefore, one should extend his sight; and should let            
his eyes reach the attribute; so that one who is in "Most surely it is an honoured Qur'an, in a Book that
perdition may get deliverance, and one who is entangled is hidden; None do touch it save the purified ones."
may get free; (56:77 -79) .
 because meditation is the life of the heart of the one Now let us see what Ahlulbayt have said about the
who sees, as the one having a light (easily) walks in excellence of Qur'an:
darkness; therefore, you must seek good deliverance Allama Majlisi in volume 19 of his multivolume work
and (that) with little waiting". Bihar al-Anwar has reported that:
Al-Harith al-Hamadani related the following:
After his death, the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon
"I entered the mosque and some persons were in deep
him and his progeny) appointed his progeny Ahlulbayt to carry controversy about some hadith traditions. I went to 'Ali
on this work after him - to explain the true meaning of bin Abi Talib and said: 'Are you aware that people at the
Qur'an to the people. It is clear from his unanimously 17 18
mosque are in dispute over hadith?' He said, 'So they have
accepted tradition: done it!' I said, 'Yes.'
"I am leaving behind among you two precious things; as He (peace be upon him) said, 'I have indeed heard from
long as you hold fast to them you will never go astray after the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny)
me: The Book of Allah and my progeny, my family saying, "There shall be sedition (fitna) after me."' I asked:
members; and these two shall never separate from each 'How do we avoid that?'
other until they reach me (on) the fountain". He (the Prophet, (blessings of Allah be upon him and his
And Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has confirmed, in progeny)) said: 'The Book of Allah, the Book of Allah.
the following two verses, this declaration of the Prophet  In it is the information about those who were before
(blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) that his you and what will come after you, and it will be the
judge among you.
progeny had the real knowledge of the Book:

        

         
 It is the final decision and not a jest.
   (86:13-14)
"Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanliness  It is that which not even the might could forsake
 without being shattered by Allah (Glorified and Exalted "Then Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) revealed to
is He). him (the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his
 Whoever seeks guidance in anything other than it, Allah progeny)) the Book.
(Glorified and Exalted is He) will lead him astray.  It is a light whose radiance shall not be extinguished;
 It is the firm rope of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He).  A lamp whose flame shall not die;
 An ocean whose depth shall not be fathomed;
    A path which shall not lead astray;
 It is the wise remembrance.
 A blaze whose brilliance shall not be darkened;
(3:58).
 A criterion whose evidence shall not be suppressed;
 It is the straight path.
 An elucidation whose cornerstones shall not be
 With it, hearts will never deviate, nor will the tongues
demolished;
utter confusion.
 A cure with which there is no fear of ailments;
 Scholars will never have their full of it; it will not wear
out from constant use, nor will its wonders be  A power whose supporters cannot be defeated;
exhausted.
19 20
 A truth whose helpers will not be forsaken.
 It is that which when the jinns heard it, they could not  Thus, it is the source of faith and its prosperity;
help saying:  It is the fountain-head of knowledge and its vastness;
      The meadow of justice and its flowing streams;

"We heard a marvelous Qur'an (recitation)."  The support of Islam and its foundation;
(72:1)  The valleys of the truth and its fields;
 Whoever utters it speaks the truth, whoever rules by it  An ocean that shall not be drained by those who draw
is just; whoever abides by it will receive his just reward; upon it;
and whoever calls for it shall be guided to the straight
 A spring that shall not be exhausted by those who draw
path. Follow it."
from it;

Imam `Ali (a.s.) Describes Qur'an  A watering place that shall not be depleted by those
who come to it;
In another place, the Commander of the Faithful Imam
 A station whose road the travelers do not miss;
`Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) describes the Qur'an as
follows:  A signpost which the wayfarers will always see;
 The hilltops that cannot be bypassed by those who seek important points which call for careful reflection. For
them. instance, by saying that the Qur'an is 'a lamp whose flame shall
 Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has made it the not die,' Imam 'Ali (peace be upon him) means, as he does in
quencher of the thirst of scholars, many other statements in this oration, that the Qur'an is a
book whose signification shall not be exhausted. It will remain
 A vernal season for the hearts of the jurists,
fresh and new until the Day of Resurrection. A verse may
 A destination for the path of the righteous,
have been sent down regarding a specific occasion or
 A cure after which there is no malady, community, yet its relevance is not limited to that occasion,
 A light which does not alternate with darkness, person, or community; rather, its signification and applicability
 A rope whose knots are firm, are general.
Regarding the verse "For every people there is a
 A stronghold whose peak is impregnable.
guide."(13:7) al-'Ayyashi reports the following discussion with
 It is power for whoever cultivates it, Abu Ja'far (Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him)):
 Peace for whoever dwells on it, "The Imam said, '`Ali is the guide, and the guide is
 A guidance for whoever follows it, always one of us.'
 A laudable act for whoever embraces it,
21 22 I said, 'Then you - for whom may my life be a sacrifice -
are now the guide.'
 An argument for whoever speaks for it,
'You are right,' said the Imam (peace be upon him). 'The
 A witness for whoever fights for it, Qur'an lives and will not die; the verses live and will not die. If
 A sharp instrument for whoever bases his arguments on a verse were to die with the death of the persons concerning
it, whom it came down, then the Qur'an would have definitely
 A support for whoever supports it, died. Rather, such a verse would continue to apply to those
who are alive as it did to those who died.'"
 A means of deliverance for whoever employs it,
Another tradition reports that Imam al-Sadiq (peace be
 A sign for the discriminating, a shelter for whoever upon him) said,
seeks healing, "Certainly, the Qur'an lives, and has not died; and it is
 A source of knowledge for whoever has sense, existent just as the day and the night and the sun and the
 And the best narrative for its transmitters, moon are existent. And it will exist for the last among us
 And a means for the one who sits in judgment." as it has existed for the first."

Subhaanallah! This brilliant oration reviews many

Quran's Power of Attraction of the truth they recognize. They say,

Another aspect of the Qur'an which serves to indicate      
its unique and exceptional nature is the remarkable and "Our Lord we believe; so do You write us down among
inexhaustible attraction that it exerts. the witnesses."
Today, more than fourteen centuries after the (5:83)
revelation of the Qur'an, the captivating sound of the In another place, while describing the believers, the
recitation of the Qur'an can still be heard in all the different Qur'an says:
parts of the world, leaving its impression on hearts and minds,
and transforming the spirits of all who listen to it.             
Its appeal overwhelms the soul and brings tears flowing          
from the eyes and makes the heart tremble.

                           
                  
    
"Allah has sent down the fairest discourse as a book,
 23 24 co similar (consistent in parts) yet repeating (its
"Those to whom We gave the Book before this, teaching in various aspects); whereat shiver the skins
believe in it, and, when it is recited to them, they say, of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and
'We believe in it; surely it is the Truth from our Lord; their hearts soften to the remembrance of Allah, this
even before it we were of those who surrender". is the guidance of Allah, He guides with it whom He
(28:52-53) wants, and whoever Allah leaves to stray, will have
This ayah describes a group of people who undergo a none to guide ...".
state of veneration and awe when the Qur'an is recited (39:23)
before them. They affirm faith in all the contents of the Book, The rays of attraction exerted by the Qur'an was not
declare everything in it to be nothing but truth and their confined to Mecca, its birth place, but spread outwards from
veneration of it continues to increase. Mecca together with the movement of the Muslims. To
Then in another verse, a group of Christians who mention some examples: the rays of Qur'an shone in the
believed and became Muslims on hearing the Qur'an are heart of King Najjashi, in the Christian court of Ethiopia,
described in these words: thanks to the recitation of Ja'far bin Abitalib, despite the
"And when they hear what has been sent down to the unfavorable situation prevailing there and the pressure
Messenger, you see their eyes overflow with tears, because brought to bear by the opponents of Islam.
 Equally they shone in Madina, the base for the upon him and his progeny) is the last prophet and Allah
formation of a new Society, where the Qur'an was recited by (Glorified and Exalted is He) gave him a timeless miracle, and
Mus'ab bin Umayr. that miracle is the Holy Qur'an.
Ibn Hisham writes in his life of the Prophet (blessings of It has often been argued that the Qur'an is not only the
Allah be upon him and his progeny): first book, and the highest linguistic achievement, of the
"So strong was the heartfelt desire of the people to hear Arabic language, but that it is also Prophet Muhammad's
the Qur'an that even some of the unbelievers of the (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) strongest
Quraysh would secretly go near the Prophet's house at argument against those who doubted his Message. The
night, remaining there until dawn, in order to listen question that needs to be addressed here concerns the
throughout the night to the pleasing melody of the Qur'an reason why a holy book, a composition of language, should
as recited by the Messenger of Allah. This happened many be hailed as Islam's (and Prophet Muhammad's (blessings of
times". Allah be upon him and his progeny)) strongest miracle and
(Sirat Ibn Hisham, Vol. I, p. 386) argument. The point has sometimes been made that other
So that the people would not fall under the influence of prophets had more tangible miracles. In the case of
Quran's eloquence and power to attract, the nonbelievers Muhammad, (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny)
would instruct a group of people to go and make a noise, to however, the miracle was not comparable to Prophet
25 26
whistle and clap their hands, while the Prophet (blessings of Mussa's staff or Prophet Issa's healing powers, but was more
Allah be upon him and his progeny) was reciting the verses of than that.
Qur'an. The Holy Qur'an is indeed a miracle in many aspects,
          some of which are described here below:
A) The Exclusive eloquence of the Qur'an.
  B) The Inimitable Quality of the Qur'an.
"The polytheists said: Do not listen to the verses of C) The Scientific Miracle of the Qur'an.
the Qur'an, and make a noise while they are being D) The Accuracy of the Historical Records in the Qur'an.
recited, perhaps you will thus triumph". E) The Predictions in the Qur'an.
(41:26) F) The Challenge of the Qur'an.
Since the above points also constitute evidences on the
Qur'an as a Miracle authenticity of the Qur'an as the word of Allah (Glorified and
To every Prophet, Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) Exalted is He), they are discussed in detail in the Qur'an
gave some miracles, but gone are the Prophets and their Resource Paper no. 2, under the title of "Authenticity of the
miracles. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (blessings of Allah be Holy Qur'an".
The Illustrative Themes of the Qur'an               
Another aspect of the novelty of the Qur'an language
has to do with its themes. These themes and topics represent
       
a clear departure from those which had been hitherto familiar "We do relate unto you the most beautiful stories, in
to the Arabs. As Taha Husayn explained: that We reveal unto you this [portion of the] Qur'an.
"It does not deal with any such things as ruins, camels, or Before this you too were among those who knew it
long journeys in the desert; nor does it describe longing not".
for the beloved, love, or eulogy, topics most familiar to (12:3)
pre-Islamic Arabs. But rather it talks to the Arabs about
such things as the oneness of Allah, His limitless power, The Central Theme of the Holy Qur'an
His knowledge, which is unattainable, His will, which is
unstoppable, and His creation of heaven and earth". What is the central theme of Qur'an?
This passage underscores yet another innovative aspect Since the advent of Islam and the revelation of the
of the Qur'an, namely the presentation of novel themes Qur'an in the early years of the seventh century AD, the
through an abundance of examples all aimed at illustration and Muslim Holy Book has been the subject of many extensive
27 28
persuasion. The use of illustration is one of the most effective analytical studies. The focus of the great majority of these
stylistic techniques of the Qur'an. One can hardly read a verse studies has been the theological and legislative aspects of the
without experiencing the impact of this technique. Holy Book, for the Qur'an provides Muslims with detailed
The art of narrative style represents another innovative guidance on their everyday problems. Together with the
aspect of the Qur'an. It relates in astounding detail the stories sayings, actions, and recommendations of Muhammad,
of Prophet Nuh, Ibrahim, Yusuf, Musa, and Issa, among (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) the Qur'an
others. It presents the dialogues that took place in such has been the ultimate source of legal authority for Muslims
stories and the claims and counter-claims made by each of over the past fourteen centuries.
the opposing parties. Story-telling may not have been totally Muslim scholars have also painstakingly examined,
novel in pre-Islamic Arabia given the significant quantity of analyzed and interpreted the various verses of the Holy
parables, epics, and myths that were inherited from that Book, detailing the requirements the Qur'an imposes on
period. What was novel; however, was the type of Muslims in order for them to achieve spiritual purity. Thus, in
integrated, elaborate story involving such essential items as addition to its legislative and theological value, the Qur'an has
theme, plot, well-developed characters, and denouement also served as a source of spiritual guidance for the followers
which are to be found in the Qur'an, which refers itself to the of Islam.
benefit in telling such stories:
Holy Qur'an is a complete code of life issue is related to the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him
and his progeny) and its manner of introducing and addressing
However, we can not claim that the Central Theme of
him. Another issue is its definition of a believer (mu'min) and
the Holy Qur'an is only legislation and spirituality; as human
his characteristics and so on.
life is more complex and multi-dimensional. Since Islam is a
Furthermore, each of these general issues possesses
complete way of human life and Qur'an being its source of
various branches and divisions. For example, when discussing
guidance, to ascribe the Qur'an to be just the book of
mankind and its situation, it is natural to speak about morality.
legislation and spirituality only will be misleading, because the
Or, when speaking about society, the problem of human
Qur'an has dealt with a vast range of subjects.
relationships also unavoidably enters the discussion. The same
Contrary to the opinion of some people who consider
is true of such notions as "enjoining good and forbidding evil,"
the Holy Qur'an to be of spiritual benefit only, or to be
and the problem of social classes.
confined to worship, prayers and morals, we should point out
Now the question is: What is then the Quran's general
that only one-twelfth (500 verses) relates to problems of
theme? If pondered upon the multifaceted contents inside
Jurisprudence; while the larger part of it deals with matters
the Qur'an, one can safely reach to the conclusion that the
pertaining to various issues including social, political,
central theme and aim pursued by the Qur'an is the 'training
administrative, historical, cultural, faith and other related
of the human being' as a being conscious of his duties. The
matters. 29 30
main aim of the Qur'an is therefore to reinforce and
Among the recurring themes of the Qur'an is about the
accelerate the spiritual ascension, together with all the
universe itself and its Creator. Another theme treated by the
qualities of human being, toward a state of true loftiness and
Qur'an is the purpose of the universe and its creation. Among
the dignity of which the human being is worthy.
the other general issues dealt by the Qur'an is the question
In another words, we can say that the main purpose of
about human being: Is man a despicable creature, or a
Qur'an is to expound truths that are relevant to the 'life of the
personality with nobility and dignity etc.?
human being' and the exaltation of his being and conducive to
The other subject dealt with in the Qur'an is the issue of
his attaining a life of true happiness.
human society: Is the society considered to be primary and
Imam Amirul Mu'miniin `Ali bin Abitalib (peace be upon
the individual as secondary, or whether it subordinates the
him) narrated the following dua, from which we can derive
society to the individual? Are societies, according to the
very clearly that the Holy Qur'an is the 'chart of life for man'.
Qur'an, subject to laws governing their life and death, their
He prayed: "O Allah! expand my breast with Qur'an, actuate
rise and decline, or are these conditions applicable to
my body with Qur'an, enlighten my sight with Qur'an, liberate
individuals alone?
my tongue by Qur'an, and help me to mould my life according
The Qur'an deals with numerous other issues. One of
to Qur'an, so long as You make me live".
them is the point of view of the Qur'an about itself. The other
Method used by the Qur'an in Training your satisfaction, is the birth of inductive intellect. ..... The
constant appeal to REASON and EXPERIENCE in the Quran,
Human being and the emphasis that it lays on NATURE and HISTORY as
As said earlier, the aim pursued by the Qur'an is the sources of human knowledge, are all different aspects of the
training of the human being as a being conscious of his duties. same idea of finality".
N o w, the em er ge n c e o f s u c h a b ei n g r eq u i r es a Of course, there are traditions narrated from the
comprehensive reform of the human being, involving various Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) and
changes such as the negation of false values and meaningless the Imams of Ahlul-bayt (peace be upon them) saying for
criteria, and fostering of a creative energetic spirit within him. example:
The Qur'an can thus be said to melt the spirit of human "Verily the Qur'an has an exterior and an interior, and its
beings and pour them into a new mould, where they acquire interior has an interior up to seven (or according to a
a different, richer and more valuable form. version, seventy) interiors . . . "
Although this may be said to be the principal aim of the And the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his
Qur'an, it summons the human being insistently, at the very progeny) and the Imams (peace be upon them) gave
same time, to reflect and to ponder, and to acquire a realistic importance to its exterior as much as to its interior; they
view of the world; it guides him on to the path of thought, of 31 32 were as much concerned with its revelation as they were
teaching and learning. with its interpretation. That is why the Qur'an deserves to be
The method used by the Qur'an in training human being evaluated from different points of view.
is that of 'Inductive Method', i.e. the process of deriving Some of the topics which call for examination in the
general principles of life by using logic, reason and facts. Qur'an are:
According to Qur'an, there are four sources of human 1) The artistic and verbal beauty of the Qur'an and its style
knowledge through which eternal truth can be derived, and which is neither poetry nor prose.
they are: 2) The intellectual and scientific content of the Qur'an.
1) Reason and logic. 3) The reinforcement of the spiritual dimensions of man.
2) Experience. 4) The appeal to reflect and ponder.
3) Study of Nature. 5) The appeal to the study of nature.
4) History. 6) The tapping of the historical incidents for evaluation.
All the other forms of sciences are offshoots of the 7) The expounding of the mysteries of the creation.
above four sources, and the principal advances and 8) The mentioning of series of truths and principles that
developments in the natural sciences are all due these govern the human life, i.e. Sociology, Economics,
premises. Allama Iqbal, the famous Indo-Muslim thinker says: Government, etc.
"The birth of Islam, as I hope to be able presently to prove to
Revolutionary Transformation in the Society Holy Qur'an can shape the destiny of the human race
through the Qur'an as a whole
Therefore, Qur'an is specially essential for those
Another aspect of the miraculous ness of the Qur'an
scholars who are interested in the study of man and society,
whi c h ha s ha d a gr ea t effect i s the r evo l u ti o n a r y
since this book has been effectively instrumental not only in
transformation it brought about in human civilization. A moulding the destinies of Islamic societies, but also in shaping
matter calling for serious attention in the study of Islam is the the destiny of the human race as a whole.
fact that it received no assistance from factors external to A brief glance over history would be enough to provide
itself when it began to create the nucleus of a universal sufficient proof of the claim that there has been no such book
society out of a scattered and disunited people that lacked all that has ever influenced human societies to the magnitude of
science and free thought and did not even seek to unify its the Qur'an. It is for the same reason that the Qur'an
constituent tribes; and when it began, moreover, to found a automatically steps into the precincts of sociological
uniquely, vast and spiritual civilization. discussions, and becomes the elemental constituent of the
All the factors for changing the world, for putting subjects of research in this discipline. This means that any
forward an international law with the slogan of unity among deep study and profound research in the field of world history
33 34 of the last fourteen hundred years, is impossible without the
races, peoples, and social classes, for creating a movement
for the liberation of thought and the ennobling of knowledge, knowledge of the Qur'an.
Smith writes in his - Muhammad and Islam:
were derived from the very text of the Qur'an, from the
"The teachings of the Qur'an, which mentions knowledge
culture that emerged from the Qur'an and from the Islamic
and the pen in its opening verses, brought about a
order. Islam never relied on a government or a power
tremendous transformation. Islam proclaimed study to be
situated outside the society it had itself brought into being.
a religious duty, and made the blank ink of the scribe and
Even the aggressors, for example the Mongols, who the scholar to be superior to the red blood of the martyr.
attacked the Islamic lands and triumphed over the Muslims,
"Thanks to the teachings of the Qur'an and its emphasis
thanks to their military superiority, lost their dominance in the on the cultivation of knowledge, countless scholars made
end when they were confronted with the spiritual power of their appearance and wrote innumerable books. Different
Islam, and they adopted the religion of the people they had scientific disciplines were derived from the Qur'an and
conquered. This history of nations does not record any other spread across the world by Muslim thinkers. The world
example of a victorious aggressor adopting the religion of the was illumined with the light of the Qur'an and culture of
people it had defeated. Islam".
The Essentiality of the Study of the Qur'an studying and understanding it, or whether it is just for reading
and reciting and obtaining reward and blessing? The student of
The study and knowledge of the Qur'an is essential not Qur'an, possibly, may wonder at raising of such a question.
only for Scholars and Philosophers, but for everyone: an To him it may appear beyond doubt that the Qur'an is meant
ordinary person, a student, a worker, a trader, a learned for the purpose of knowing and understanding it.
person as well as for all faithful believers. Nevertheless, in view of various undesirable currents,
The study of the Qur'an is essenti al for every which due to numerous reasons came into existence in the
committed Muslim, since it is the main source and foundation Muslim world regarding the question of understanding of the
of the religious thought and faith. Whatsoever gives meaning, Qur'an, and which had an important role in bringing about the
essence and sanctity to his existence lies in the Holy Qur'an. decline of Muslims, I shall discuss the necessity of studying and
The Qur'an is not just like other religious books which understanding the Qur'an in brief.
are content to discuss the problems of existence of Allah
(Glorified and Exalted is He) and creation in cryptic tones, or Is the purpose of Qur'an to obtain thawab only?
like those which merely convey a series of simple moral
There are some people who think that the Qur'an is to
advice and counsels, so that those who believe in them are
be read merely for the purpose of obtaining spiritual reward
hopelessly left to search for guidance in other sources. It is a
35 36 (thawab) without need of understanding anything of its
book where all essential ingredients of life can be found.
contents. They continuously recite the Qur'an, but if they are
Unlike other books, the Qur'a n disc usses a nd
even once asked: "Do you understand the meaning of what
formulates all the ideas and views that are essential for a
you are reading?" they cannot answer. To recite the Qur'an is
man's life, besides communicating the tenets of faith. Since the
essential and good, being regarded as the first step necessary
Qur'an is book of life, it also lays down all the principles of life
for comprehending its contents; and not merely as a means
including that of moral and ethical values for the purpose of
for gaining Divine reward.
individual, social and familial existence. Unfortunately, the
Regrettably, the roots of those degenerate and
study of Qur'an has been left for Scholars and learned people
dangerous notions still persist in our societies. So I consider it
only.
necessary to elaborate on this topic.
Qur'an must be read and studied with the intention of
Is Qur'an Understandable? educating oneself. The Qur'an itself clarifies this point:
But the important question which is often asked is
whether the Qur'an is understandable by an ordinary reader,               
or it requires scholarly background to comprehend its 
meaning?
"A book We have sent down to you, blessed, that men
Has this book been introduced for the purpose of
 possessed of mind may ponder its signs end so selfish interests.
remember". "If we try to comprehend the Qur'an in an honest and
(38:29) unbiased way, it is not at all necessary to solve all problems
One of the functions of the Qur'an is to instruct and to that we find in it. In this regard the Qur'an is similar to Nature.
teach. For this purpose, the Qur'an addresses human reason In Nature, too, a number of mysteries have neither been
and speaks in logical and demonstrative terms. solved yet, nor can they be solved in present conditions, yet
Infact, not only the believers and the faithful, but even are likely to be solved in the future. Moreover, in studying
the infidels are invited by it to contemplate over its verses. and understanding nature, man has to tailor his ideas in
The Qur 'an dem ands that it vers es s hou ld b e firs t accordance with Nature itself. He is forced to interpret
contemplated over, before forming any adverse opinion Nature in accordance with its reality. He cannot define
against them. Addressing the opponents, it says, why they Nature in terms of his own caprices and inclinations.
don't ponder over the Qur'an, what sort of hearts they "The Qur'an, like the book of Nature, is a book that has
possess, they are as if shut close and sealed: not been sent for a specific age and time. Had it been
       otherwise, all the secrets of the Qur'an would have been
discovered in the past; this heavenly Book would not have
"What, do they not ponder the Qur'an? Or is it that presented its charm, freshness and vitality. But we see that
37 38
there are locks upon their hearts?" the possibility of contemplation, reflection and discovery of
(47:24)
new dimensions is inexhaustible in the case of this Holy
Book".
The Qur'an also says in one of its verses:
This is a point that has amply been emphasized and
"(This is) a Book We have revealed to you abounding clarified by the Prophet and the Imams. In a tradition, it is
in good, that they may ponder upon the verses". related from the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and
That is, We have not sent the Qur'an to be kissed, his progeny) that the Qur'an, like the sun and the moon, will
embraced and put on the niche to gather dust, but for men to present its movement and continuity; that is, the Qur'an is not
read and to contemplate about its contents: static or monotonous.
That those endowed with understanding may ponder its In 'Uyun akhbar al-Rida, from Imam Ridha (peace be
signs and so remember. (38:29) upon him), it is quoted that Imam Ja'far Sadiq (peace be upon
Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari says: "Scores of verses in him) was asked about the secret of it that as the time passes
Qur'an emphasize the importance of contemplation in the and the more it is read and recited, the Qur'an increases in its
Qur'an and interpretation of the Qur'anic verses, although not novelty and freshness day by day. The Imam Sadiq (peace be
an interpretation based on personal caprices and bias, but a upon him) answered: "Because the Qur'an is not for an
just, truthful and balanced interpretation free of all traces of exclusive age or for an exclusive people".
The Qur'an is for all - the learned as well as the Bucaille.
ordinary person  Authenticity of the Quran, By Islamic Education Panel,
The Qur'an has been sent for all ages and for all human Tanzania.
beings. It is so composed that inspite of changes in  Understanding the Uniqueness of the Quran, By Allama
knowledge, outlook and approach through various times and Murtudha Mutahhari
ages, it surpasses all learning and knowledge in all ages. While  Islam, the Quran and the Arabic Literature, By Elsayed
it encompasses mysteries and abstruse intricacies for the M.H. Omran.
reader of every age, at the same time it presents a great feast
of meanings and ideas that can satiate the needs of every one
and every time in accordance with the capacity of that
particular age".
Thus the Qur'an is for all: the learned as well as the
ordinary reader. To make this concept clear, we can
compare the Qur'an to an ocean. The less earned, like
children, collect pebbles and shells from its shores. The
Scholars and thinkers, like pearl divers, bring out from it the 39 40
highest philosophy, wisdom and rules of perfect way of living.

Selected References:
 Holy Qur'an, Translated by M.H. Shakir (Ansariyan
Publications)
 Tafseer Al-Mizan, By Allamah Muhammad Hussein
Tabatabai.
 The Holy Quran: Text, Translation and Commentary
by S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali (Tahrike Tarsile Quran)
 The Seal of the Prophets and his Message, By Mujtaba
Musavi Lari, Translated by Hamid Algar.
 Lessons from Quran, By Muhsin Qara'ati (Islamic
Seminary Publications)
 The Bible, The Quran and Science, By Dr. Maurice