Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts?
(Quran 47:24)
The Quran is a guide to humanity. Since none of us want to be misguided, it is paramount not only to read or recite the Quran but also to understand and implement it in our lives.
Following are the top 10 things you are missing every day in your life if you don’t understand the Holy Quran:
1. The Purpose of Revelation
If you don’t understand the Quran and keep reading it without comprehension, the very purpose of its revelation is lost. Allah SWT says:
“˹This is˺ a blessed Book which We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ so they may contemplate its verses, and people of reason may be mindful.”(Quran 38:29)
How can we reflect and be mindful if we don’t understand the Quran? Carrying translations always isn’t practical, especially during Salah.
2. The Garden of Mind
The mind is like a garden: if we don’t sow flowers, weeds will grow. Even when flowers are sown, weeds may still grow and must be removed continuously.
The flowers are divine guidance, and the weeds are satanic thoughts. Allah SWT plants seeds of guidance in our minds when we listen to the Quran, particularly in Salah. Without pondering (Tadabbur), these seeds might wither away, leaving room for weeds.
3. The Objectives of Recitation
There are five objectives of reading the Quran:
- To receive rewards from Allah
- To gain knowledge
- To act on Allah’s commands
- To purify the heart and mind and
- To converse with Allah SWT
How can these be fully achieved, especially the last four, without understanding the Quran?
4. The Cleansing of the Heart
Many know that Fajr is obligatory but still fail to attend it in the Masjid. This isn’t due to ignorance but because their hearts are rusted.
The Quran is not merely a book of commandments. Less than 10% of its verses deal with laws, while the rest are for nurturing the heart and mind. The heart requires continuous reminders and healing. Allah SWT says:
“O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord, a healing for ˹the diseases in˺ your hearts, a guide, and a mercy for the believers.” (Quran 10:57)
No cure is better than what Allah has prescribed.
5. The Strengthening of the Heart
The Quran was revealed gradually. Allah SWT says:
“The disbelievers ask, ‘Why was the Quran not revealed to him all at once?’ ˹It was sent˺ in stages so We may reassure your heart, ˹O Prophet,˺ and We have revealed it at a deliberate pace.” (Quran 25:32)
Daily pondering over the Quran during and after Salah strengthens the heart and reaffirms faith in Allah’s promises and warnings.
6. Daily ‘Talk’ (Munajaat) with Allah SWT
The Prophet (ﷺ) would interact with the Quran as he recited it.
“When he recited verses glorifying Allah, he glorified Him. When he recited verses of supplication, he supplicated. And when he recited verses seeking refuge, he sought refuge.” (Sahih Muslim hadith-772)
Just as we cannot go a day without speaking to loved ones, how can we neglect our daily conversation with Allah, who loves us more than our mothers?
7. Live Guidance
Every time we read or listen to the Quran, it serves as live guidance from Allah SWT. It is a direct message to us. Failing to comprehend it is a tremendous loss.
8. Relationship with Allah SWT
Building a strong relationship with Allah requires trust, love, remembrance, and reflection on His signs, creation, and names. This relationship is developed slowly and steadily, with the Quran acting as the constant source of warmth.
9. Quranic Character
Aisha (RA) said:
“His (the Prophet ﷺ) character was the Quran.” (Sunan Abu Dawood hadith-1342)
The Quran is the theory, and the Prophet’s life (Seerah) is its practical demonstration. Understanding the Quran daily, alongside studying the Seerah, transforms one’s character to align with the Quran.
10. Quranic Vision
As a doctor diagnoses problems and prescribes solutions, the Quran provides solutions to life’s challenges. This ability to derive solutions comes only through consistent pondering and relating the Quran to daily life.
About the Author
