Read the Extracts from the Introduction to the Book, Volume 1:
Studying the Qur'an
The Quran basically is a book
of moral guidance for man. It addresses itself to the totality of the human
situations, internal as well as external. Its subject matter is man in relation
to his guidance, his beliefs, attitudes and motives, his personality and
character, his individual and social life, his role in history.
The greatest favour bestowed on mankind by God Almighty is the guidance that He sent from time to time through His Messengers and Prophets to guide His creatures. He sent down countless numbers of apostles, some of whom left written records. It begins with Adam (as), the first prophet and with Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) the ultimate Messenger to mankind. He is the Prophet to all peoples and for all times to come.
The Quran is the last message
to entire human race and is the only authentic and reliable book that we
possess today. In the Quran there are also references to the contents of the
earlier scriptures which contained the same basic message but also brought specific
instructions (Shariah) for the particular people at particular periods of time
and particular circumstances. With changing circumstances and different
situations, new guidance from God was required. This helps to explain the
continuous process of revelation. The message contained in the Quran revealed
to the Prophet (pbuh) is the last and final testament to the world – A message
for all times and for all people. The Quran addresses the whole mankind: O
mankind! I am the Message of God to all of you. (7:159)
It is a message from God to
man and so of utmost importance and significance to us. Being Muslims, we have
accepted the responsibility to transmit this message to all around us. However,
the point is that: how far do we realise this responsibility and burden that we
carry on our shoulders.
The Quran itself says:
"If we had sent this
Quran down on mountains, you would have seen it solemnly splitting open out of
awe for God. These are the parables we make up for mankind so that they
meditate.” (59:22)
At another place the Quran
says:
“O mankind! There has come to you an admonition from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and for those who believe, a guidance and a mercy. Say: In the bounty of God and in His mercy, that is better than the (wealth) they hoard.” (10:58-59).
There is also a tradition narrated by Uthman ibn Affan (ra) in Sahih Bukhari that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “The noblest of you is one who has studied the Quran and then taught it to others." An attempt is made here to provide the reader of the Qur'an with a few useful hints to seek guidance from the Book. He should bear in mind the following essential points when taking up the Quran for study.
Essential Points
The first and foremost is that
man should not forget the fact that the Quran is the word of God. His heart,
therefore, should always be open to the grandeur and exalted nature of the Book
and he should constantly recall and remember the fact that the Book he recites
and studies is the most sacred, magnificent and sublime document revealed to us
through Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). If the reader has developed this attitude and
approach towards the Quran, he would feel that it greatly assists him in making
his the meanings of the message.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
was not only the recipient of the divine revelation contained in the Quran, but
he was also its truest interpreter and expounder. The Quran testifies to it:
And we revealed to you the
reminder (the Quran) so you may explain to mankind what was revealed to them
and reflect upon. (16:44)
At another place in the Quran
God says:-
In the
life of the Prophet you have the best model (to follow). (33:22)
The Prophet (pbuh) during his
23 years of prophethood explained the Quran and put it into practice. So
whatever of the Book was explained, interpreted and practiced by the Prophet
(pbuh) had been recorded in Hadith and Sunnah. His life is best exegesis of the
Quran. It is the living Quran. The Quran is deeply linked to the life of
Muhammad (pbuh). Unless we rely upon the Prophet (pbuh) and follow in his
footsteps and obey him in our actions, we cannot really benefit from the Quran
for God has made clear in more than one place that we must: "Obey God and
the Prophet” (3:33)
As we know the Quran came down to the Prophet (pbuh)
in piecemeal. Different portions of the Book were revealed at different stages
of the unfolding of Islam, according to the requirement of the time and the
situation. In order to study the Quran and appreciate its contents, the reader
should know the social, historical and other prevailing conditions that applied
at the time of Revelation.
Emphasis on Deeds
The Quran is a book which
emphasizes “deeds” rather than “ideas”. It is not a collection of abstract
ideas meant for mere intellectual discussion or theoretical hair-splitting. It
rather makes heavy demands on the person who believes in it. Belief and actions
go together. Actions are the natural outcome of belief. Iman and A'mal (action)
are mentioned together at many places in the Book. Salvation of man in the
Hereafter depends on both. To quote a verse from the Quran: “By the time (which
is fleeting) man is (indeed) at a lost! Except those who believe and perform
good deeds."
The path of Quran is therefore
the path of surrender, of practising what it tells you even if one learns only
one verse. One verse (ayah) learnt and acted upon by the reader is better than
a thousand ones, which are explained beautifully but are not acted upon.
Obedience is the real key to understanding.
--Extracted from Al Azim Tafsirul Qur'an: English Commentary of the Holy Qur'an, Volume I, pp. 11-14.
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