The Qur’an starts some chapters with some letters like: Alif, Lam, Mim like at the beginning of Chapter 2. Generally, most scholars would say: only Allah knows what He meant by these letters. Some others scholars attempt to give meanings to these letters, but they are generally regarded as wrong because the Prophet never gave any explanation though he explained subsequent verses.
Allah has warned about the existence of some verses that could be the cause of distraction to some “He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: in it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical seeking discord and searching for its hidden meanings but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord"; and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.” Qur’an 3 verse 7
The existence of these letters are regarded as part fo the miracle of the Qur’an. Some scholars explained that their existence indicate the superiority of Allah over the entirety of His creations in terms of knowledge. Qur'an says “we have given mankind only limited knowledge”.
Another explanation given for this letters is that it is a way of Allah making an oath about the things which come thereafter. Others opined that it is a way of calling attention to something important coming thereafter. Some further held that it is a literal style to challenge Arab poets and establish His superiority over them.
It is wrong to imply that there is no meaning for these letters, rather, Allah alone knows the meaning. Nothing in the Qur’an is vain or superficial; every letter therein is revealed for a purpose. Allah says: “Alif. Lam. Ra. (This is) a Scripture the revelations whereof are perfected and then expounded. (It cometh ) from One Wise, Informed.” Qur’an 11 verse 1 When we are at a loss about the clearity of issues in the Qur’an, we should seek the understanding from other parts of the Qur’an as it explains itself: “Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful message in the form of a Book consistent with itself (Yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah's praises. Such is the guidance of Allah: He guides therewith whom He pleases but such as Allah leaves to stray can have none to guide.” Qur’an 39 verse 23
The non-explanation of these letters should not be an opportunity for agents of Ilm-al-Batin (those who claim to have hidden knowledge) to thrive and mislead. There is nothing like hidden knowledge.
These letters do have meaning, but it is only known to Allah; delving into research to understand it should not be our concern, we must concern ourselves with Allah's message which follows from the next verse (Qur’an 2 verse2) till Surah Nas (Qur’an 114) and Surah Al-Fatiha.
What we should concern ourselves with is the guidance contained in the Qur’an, wherein there is no doubt and it is guidance that leads to the straight path for those who follows that path and these are the believers, not the hypocrites or those whose heart are diseased. This is why you should be close to the Qur’an, to purify yourselves, your hearts, your doubts and to be guided and be firm on the Straight Path.
Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)….” Qur'an 2 verse 185. Allah’s Words (Al-Qur'an) can take us closer and nearer to Him. Therefore, completing the Qur'an recitation in Ramadan is highly recommended; listening to its beautiful rendition elevates the soul; and exploring its meanings and explanations (tafsir) is a commendable venture. All these form part of Ramadan.
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Fasting and the Qur'an intercede for a man. Fasting says, 'O my Lord, I have kept him away from his food and his passions by day, so accept my intercession for him.' The Qur'an says, 'I have kept him away from sleep by night, so accept my intercession for him.' Then their intercession is accepted.” (Tirmidhi)
Indeed the Qur’an is Amazing only to those who drink from its juice of tranquility (Sakina) and guidance (hidaya). May Allah count us all amongst those who will be truly success. Amin.
- Contributed by Shamsideen AbuSuad, UK.
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