Monday, 7 September 2009

Day 17: Reflecting on the Qur'an

“And this is a blessed Message which We have sent down: will ye then reject it?” Qur'an 21 verse 50

The Qur'an is the most precious gift from Allah to Mankind. Through it, Allah has revealed His mercy to us in a language we can reflect upon and understand. Best and most efficient way to feel the power and uniqueness of the Qur'an is to always relate it to yourself, family and your environment. Allah says, “We sent aforetime our messengers with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance (of Right and Wrong) that men may stand forth in justice.” Qur'an 57 verse 25

Qur'an is that light desperately needed in total darkness and without it, we're doom to fail. “God is near unto those who have faith, taking them out of deep darkness into the light - whereas near unto those who are bent on denying the truth are the powers of evil that take them out of the light into darkness deep: it is they who are destined for the fire, therein to abide.” Qur'an 2 verse 257 Life can be complicated and complex. Sometimes the demarcation between right and wrong is blurred by the relativity of issues and circumstances. Allah has provided us with the tool and torch, which serve as “…the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Behold, as for those who are bent on denying God's messages - grievous suffering awaits them: for God is almighty, an avenger of evil.” Qur'an 3 verse 4

If you buy a hot drink at a cafe, most likely it will be written on the coffee cup, “Warning the content is hot and can burn you.” Do you really need to be told? But the written warning serve a purpose. From the moment you're aware of this warning you begin to sip (not gulp) the drink. Even when the drink is cool, you're still sipping rather than guzzling, you're afraid because now and again, you still see the written warning. Hence, subconsciously you still think its going to burn you. You obeyed the warning till the last drop. A warning from a human being telling you what you know and you were so careful and made sure you adhered strictly to this warning may Allah have mercy on us.

Now let us reflect, Allah warns us of burning fire, nothing like we have experienced in this world and went further to give guidance to avoid entering it. But man does not believe! He thinks this world is all that matter. How can you avoid this blazing fire? Read the Qur'an. It emphasises again and again the caution you need to take. Do you think you do not need that light that can guide you out of the total darkness you're in?

In this days of growing secularism and materialism, some people feel ashamed to be connected to an ‘ancient’ book or to a ‘religious’ book. They wish such books are hidden or even discarded. Allah says of such people, “Those who conceal Allah's revelations in the Book, and purchase for them a miserable profit,- they swallow into themselves naught but Fire; Allah will not address them on the Day of Resurrection. Nor purify them: Grievous will be their penalty. They are the ones who buy Error in place of Guidance and Torment in place of Forgiveness. Ah! what boldness (They show) for the Fire! (Their doom is) because Allah sent down the Book in truth but those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism Far (from the purpose).” Qur'an 2 verses 174-6

People are far disconnected from the Qur'an. They claim they do not see the effect or importance of the Qur'an. You can only realise the effect of the Qur'an by reading and understanding it. Then it forms part of you if you put into practice what you learn from it. Then it becomes obvious to you that this is the assured way back to the Creator. This is why in Ramadan, the recitation and studying of the Qur'an is constantly emphasised. You cannot have too much of it during this season. It helps your reconnection with your Creator and that is what gives you internal satisfaction. Such feelings affect your physical outlook, your physiological well-being and your mental stability.

The Qur'an has changed my perception of this world, if it is going to take the rest of my life to do, I want to understand every verse as revealed and live my life accordingly. I want to be in a position whereby all my activities are pleasing to Allah Insha'Allah. I have truly experienced the Rahmah (Mercy) of Allah. I have seen the result of the little effort I'm putting to please Allah, if these are the result of such little efforts, then I would continue to strive to please Him.

“And this is a blessed Scripture which We have revealed.
So follow it and ward off (evil), that ye may find mercy.” Qur'an 6 verse 155

- Contributed by Jubril Salami, UK.

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