Reflecting over the Meanings of the Qur’an Increases Iman – Shaykh Nabeel Ul-Haqq

Contemplation of the Qur’an is one of the greatest means of increasing one’s iman (faith).

Allah says about the believers:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

“When His signs (ayat) are recited to them it increases them in faith” [1]

The Qur’an is Allah’s greatest miracle. It is the clearest evidence of Allah’s existence, His Perfect Attributes and proof of His right to be worshipped alone. The more one comprehends Allah’s words, the greater ones conviction becomes. The more one loves Allah. As a consequence, one’s iman increases.

Sheikh ibn Sa’di stated, “The Magnificent Qur’an is the greatest proof of the uniqueness and perfection of Allah”[2] He also said, “When one contemplates on the structure of its words, reflects on its rulings, and realises that they conform with one another without any contradiction, he becomes certain that the Qur’an is revelation sent down from the Wise-One, Worthy of All Praise.”[3]

Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taimia wrote, “All of mankind, Arab and Non-Arab, knows there is no match for the Qur’an. This is true in spite of it being arduously opposed by many Arabs and Non-Arabs. The words of the Qur’an are miraculous; Its structure is miraculous; Its description of the unseen are miraculous ; Its commands and prohibitions are miraculous, Its promises and threats are miraculous; Its splendour, magnificence and ascendance over hearts are miraculous; If it is translated to other than Arabic[4] its meanings are miraculous.” [5]

If one does not have sound knowledge of Arabic, one can only attain this benefit of the Qur’an by reading its meanings in his or her own language.

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[1] Al-Anfal:2

[2] Al-Adilla Al-Qawati wal-Barahin fi ibtal Usul Al-Mulhidin – Al-Mujmu’a Al-Kamila li mu’allfat Al-Sheikh Al-Sa’di – Al-Qism Al-Khamis: Al-Thaqafa Al-Islamia 2/350

[3] Al-Tawdih Wal-Bayan li Shajaratil-iman p47

[4] Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taimia said, “The scholars are in agreement that the meanings of the Qur’an can be translated for one who does not know Arabic” Al-Jawab Al-Sahih 1/299

[5] Al-Nubuwwat 1/516