Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
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Introduction
The Holy Qurán is the most widely read book in the history of mankind, a source of immense inspiration, guidance and wisdom for millions of Muslims all over the world. It is the pivotal point of imaan, faith, and integral to the foundations of an Islamic society being the basis of its shariah, Islamic legal injunctions and law. As such one of the aims of Minhaj-ul-Qurán is to ensure a continuous link remains between the body of the Islamic community, the ummah and its heart, the Holy Qurán. It is a book not just to be read, but to be studied, understood and ultimately revered. This paper is an attempt to provide an introduction to the Holy Qurán so that Muslims and non-Muslims alike can have an insight into its complexity but also understand its necessity to the Islamic faith and its importance to the Holy Prophet’s (saw) status. The research regarding this paper is based entirely on the books, lectures and notes of Shaykh-ul-Islam so all credit is due to him for his unending efforts. However since I have had the honor to compile this paper I take the ultimate responsibility of any mistakes that may occur in this compilation, I thus seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah for any errors that may occur.
Meaning of the Word Qurán
The Holy Qur’an is the literal word of Allah (swt), divinely revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) through the Angel Gibraeel (as). Before any attempt is made to describe the meanings of the word “Qur’an” the etymological base of the Arabic language needs a brief explanation first. The Arabic language is one of the richest languages in the world word containing many meanings and hidden depths, which have no comparison in the English language. In order to appreciate the true meaning and understanding of a particular word a threefold inquiry has to take place, looking into the:
etymological base of each word
its grammatical category
its contextual location
Etymological Aspect of Each Word
Most Arabic words have a root word consisting of 3 or 4 letters. These root words form the foundation of many nouns, verbs and adjectives. One root word can be responsible for a whole host of words. Any Arabic word that consists of the same 3 letters will have the same root word as its origins. In Arabic a root word is called “Mada” meaning subject matter. Every root word has its own individual meaning and the basic meanings travel into every noun or verb that is created. Once vowel sounds of the Arabic language are inserted into the root word they give a more precise and specific meaning.
Grammatical Category
Secondly every noun, verb or adjective also belongs to a specific grammatical or composite category, which have its own particular properties and meanings. These words carry on those characteristics and meanings in addition to the root word itself. Once the original meaning of the root word is combined with the prevailing grammatical and composite characteristics of that word this is then studied in light of the context of the original matter in discussion.
Contextual Location
Once the above two stages take place then the word in question is studied in light of the context, usage, contents and subject matter of its placement. This will finally lead to the exact and precise meaning of the word and give a true picture of what the writer is trying to convey. One has to remember that in the context of the Holy Qur’an, this is a divinely revealed book of God. As such every word can be taken to have been specially chosen for man to read and then understand as the Arabic language has an enormous breadth of vocabulary. Thus a detailed knowledge of Arabic grammar and linguistics as well as the language itself needs to be understood before any attempt can be made to provide a comprehensive “tafseer” or explanation of the Qur’anic verses.
Root Words of the Qur’an
The word Qur’an can be derived from four root words, each with their own individual meanings. The first root word is “qara’a” whose literal meaning is to collect or to compile. In this respect the Qur’an is a book which was collected and codified under the divine protection of Allah (swt). When Angel Gibraeel (a.s) used to bring the divine revelation of Allah (swt) to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) he had already been instructed by God to reveal the exact placement of each ayah (in the relevant Surah) as well as the arrangement of the Surah’s and their names. Since this was the case it was impossible for others to interfere in the Qur’an in any manner or form. It will remain in its actual and original state until the Day of Judgement the Qur’an itself testifies to its divine protection:
“It is for us to collect and recite it” (75:17)
In the context of the Qur’an, the word qara’a is also taken as being the book which contains all knowledge of the universe. Every as aspect of life as we know has been codified and collected within it[1]. An answer to any question man wishes to have answered can be found in the verses of the Holy Qur’an:
“And we have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things, a guide, a mercy and glad tidings to Muslims”. (16:89)
“A detailed exposition of every thing”. (12:11)
“We have omitted nothing from the book”. (6: )
The second root word is “qar’ana” meaning a union or conjunction. The root word does not specify what the union consists of, merely that a process of combination is indicated. In reference to the Qur’an this refers to the literal physical existence of the Qur’an and its properties. Imaam Fakr-al-Deen Razi quotes Imaam Sufyan Sorri as stating that the Holy Qur’an was given its own special name because letters are joined to make words, words are joined to make ayahs, ayahs are joined to make surahs and surahs are joined to make the Qur’an. This beautiful combination of literature has produced the most magnificent book in the world.
Another academic implication of the word “qar’ana” is that the Qur’an is combined with guidance, the two being inseparable. The Holy Qur’an refers to this combination:
“This is the book: it is guidance sure, without doubt”. (2:2)
“Here is a plain statement. To one, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah”. (3:138)
“For one who had certainly sent unto them a book, based on knowledge, which we explained in detail; a guidance and mercy to all those who believe”. (7:52)
“There are clear evidences to me, and a guidance and mercy to those of assured faith”. (45:20)
The third root word is “qira’athun” meaning to read or recite. In reference to the Qur’an this is one of its most important features. Although other books that claim to be divinely revealed are also read and recited, the Holy Qur’an has a specific characteristic, superiority and individuality compared to them. This is because it is the most widely read book in the world. Millions of Muslims all over the world recite it in their daily prayers 5 times a day. The Qur’an is read and recited daily in what is called ‘tilawat’ where Muslims read the Qur’an whenever they have some spare time to get the Blessings of Almighty Allah. During the month of Ramadhan the entire Qur’an is recited over a period of 30 days in the special ‘tharawih prayers [2]’, as well as being individually read by Muslims in their homes. Often, during this month of fasting, each member of the household will have completely read and finished the Qur’an at least once if not twice.
As well as being read and recited, the Qur’an acts as a practical guide in all affairs of Muslims, be they social, cultural, legal, economic or political. Unlike its biblical counterpart, the Qur’an does not merely contain stories of Prophets or an analogue of Islamic history. Rather it contains an array of topics to be of use in ones daily life. Codes of behavior and their limits are explained, mutual rights and responsibilities of men, women, children are laid down as well as international principles to be used to govern communities, countries and nations. The Qur’an acts as a practical guide of life to Muslims in the personal and official spheres of life. To make it more accessible to different nations and peoples of various countries, it has been translated in almost every language of the world.
Furthermore, from the period of the Holy Prophet (saw) up until the present day some 1400 hundred years later, millions of Muslims have learnt the Qur’an off by heart[3]. It is unimaginable how many people must have learnt the Qur’an over the last 14 centuries, suffice to say no other book can claim to have these particular traits attached to it. And this trend and inclination will continue till the Day of Judgement.
The fourth and final root word of the word Qur’an is “qira’in” which is the plural of “qarina” which meaning evidence, argument or symbol. In the context of the Qur’an this is taken to mean how one verse interprets, elaborates and gives arguments and evidences for previous verses. In ayah 5 of surah Al-Fatiha[4] for example, man is told to ask Allah for the right path:
“Guide us Thou on the right path”.
The following verse then answers this request and explains what the right path is:
“The path of those whom You have favored. Not those who have earned your anger or gone astray”. (1:6-7)
So the Qur’an is self-evident and self-explanatory. If one verse gives a general meaning than the other gives a more specific definition. Similarly if one verse gives an absolute commandment then the other verse will gives its exceptions and qualifications. The Holy Qur’an testifies to this fact:
“Oh mankind! Verily there has come to you a convincing proof from your Lord for we have sent into you a light (that is manifest)”. (4:174)
Moreover the Qur’an contains 100’s of evidences of its own truthfulness being the best evidence of the truth of its claim. That is why a challenge was given to the non-believers that if all of mankind and jinn kind were to come together to create a similar or equal book to that of the Qur’an they would fail, this being an impossibility:
“Say. If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support.” (17:88)
Fourteen hundred centuries have passed and no change or alteration has taken place in the Holy Qur’an. The text that is present today is exactly the same text that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw). This is so despite hundreds of attempts by non-Muslims to try and insert alterations and changes into the Qur’an. That is why Allah (swt) himself gives it divine protection:
“We have, without doubt, sent down the message; And We will assuredly guard it (from corruption”. (15:9)
Just as there have been no alterations made to the Qur’an, similarly there are no conflicts or contradictions in the text of the Holy Qur’an. If one reads the beautiful verses each one compliments the next. The surahs and ayah’s of the Qur’an work in consistent harmony with each other. The Holy Qur’an is truly a uniform piece of work. In contrast the Encyclopaedia of America for example states that there are about 30,000 errors in the text of the bible and in its various versions. Although the accuracy of this type of observation is open to debate, what is clear is that any book that claims to be divinely revealed would surely not even entertain one error let alone hundreds or thousands of errors. The very nature of God, His Omnipotence, All Knowing and Most Powerful nature presupposes that His divinely given book would be clean of all mistakes. Indeed the Holy Qur’an is a living testament to that fact.
Names of the Holy Qur’an
The Qur’an has been referred to by many different names in the holy text. The word Qur'an itself can be found in the scriptures:
"We do relate unto you the most beautiful stories, in that We reveal to thee this (portion of the) Qur'an: Before this thou too was among those who knew it not." (Yusuf, 12:3)
"Nay this is a glorious Qur'an (inscribed) in a tablet preserved". (Al-Buruj, 85:21-22)
However Allah Almighty refers to the Holy Qur'an using several other names:
al-nur the light (7:157)
al-hukm the judgment (13:37)
al-dhikr the reminder (15:9)
al-kitab the scripture (21:10)
al-furqan the criterion (25:1)
al-tanzil the revelation (26:192)
Further descriptive titles include mubarak (blessing)[5], mussadiq (confirmation of truth)[6], mubin (explanation)[7], hakim (wisdom)[8], majid (glorious)[9] and karim (honoured)[10]
Divine Revelation
Definition of “Wahi”
The Arabic word wahi comes from the root word waha and is used to describe divine revelation. It has a variety of different meanings in the Arabic language, being interpreted as “a quick or divine indication”, “to give or convey a message” or “gentle speech”. In Islamic terminology, wahi can be precisely defined as God’s divine message conveyed to Allah’s chosen persons (Prophets). This message can be conveyed openly or in a hidden and concealed manner, imparting wisdom and knowledge that is beyond the material and physical realities of man.
The renowned scholar, Hafiz ibn Hajr as-Qalani defines wahi as that knowledge regarding the Shariah that Allah conveys to His Prophets. Imaam Qastalani states that wahi is information given to the Prophets by Allah Almighty, in the form of a book, through Angels or through dreams. Descriptions of wahi are also given in the Holy Qur’an:
“So we sent this inspiration to the mother of Musa” (28:7)
“Remember thy Lord inspired the Angels (with the message): I am with you” (8:12)
“Nor does He say (ought) of his own desire. It is no less than inspiration sent to him”. (53:3-4)
“This is part of the tidings of the unseen which we reveal unto thee (oh Prophet) by inspiration”. (3:44)
Introduction
The Holy Qurán is the most widely read book in the history of mankind, a source of immense inspiration, guidance and wisdom for millions of Muslims all over the world. It is the pivotal point of imaan, faith, and integral to the foundations of an Islamic society being the basis of its shariah, Islamic legal injunctions and law. As such one of the aims of Minhaj-ul-Qurán is to ensure a continuous link remains between the body of the Islamic community, the ummah and its heart, the Holy Qurán. It is a book not just to be read, but to be studied, understood and ultimately revered. This paper is an attempt to provide an introduction to the Holy Qurán so that Muslims and non-Muslims alike can have an insight into its complexity but also understand its necessity to the Islamic faith and its importance to the Holy Prophet’s (saw) status. The research regarding this paper is based entirely on the books, lectures and notes of Shaykh-ul-Islam so all credit is due to him for his unending efforts. However since I have had the honor to compile this paper I take the ultimate responsibility of any mistakes that may occur in this compilation, I thus seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah for any errors that may occur.
Meaning of the Word Qurán
The Holy Qur’an is the literal word of Allah (swt), divinely revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) through the Angel Gibraeel (as). Before any attempt is made to describe the meanings of the word “Qur’an” the etymological base of the Arabic language needs a brief explanation first. The Arabic language is one of the richest languages in the world word containing many meanings and hidden depths, which have no comparison in the English language. In order to appreciate the true meaning and understanding of a particular word a threefold inquiry has to take place, looking into the:
etymological base of each word
its grammatical category
its contextual location
Etymological Aspect of Each Word
Most Arabic words have a root word consisting of 3 or 4 letters. These root words form the foundation of many nouns, verbs and adjectives. One root word can be responsible for a whole host of words. Any Arabic word that consists of the same 3 letters will have the same root word as its origins. In Arabic a root word is called “Mada” meaning subject matter. Every root word has its own individual meaning and the basic meanings travel into every noun or verb that is created. Once vowel sounds of the Arabic language are inserted into the root word they give a more precise and specific meaning.
Grammatical Category
Secondly every noun, verb or adjective also belongs to a specific grammatical or composite category, which have its own particular properties and meanings. These words carry on those characteristics and meanings in addition to the root word itself. Once the original meaning of the root word is combined with the prevailing grammatical and composite characteristics of that word this is then studied in light of the context of the original matter in discussion.
Contextual Location
Once the above two stages take place then the word in question is studied in light of the context, usage, contents and subject matter of its placement. This will finally lead to the exact and precise meaning of the word and give a true picture of what the writer is trying to convey. One has to remember that in the context of the Holy Qur’an, this is a divinely revealed book of God. As such every word can be taken to have been specially chosen for man to read and then understand as the Arabic language has an enormous breadth of vocabulary. Thus a detailed knowledge of Arabic grammar and linguistics as well as the language itself needs to be understood before any attempt can be made to provide a comprehensive “tafseer” or explanation of the Qur’anic verses.
Root Words of the Qur’an
The word Qur’an can be derived from four root words, each with their own individual meanings. The first root word is “qara’a” whose literal meaning is to collect or to compile. In this respect the Qur’an is a book which was collected and codified under the divine protection of Allah (swt). When Angel Gibraeel (a.s) used to bring the divine revelation of Allah (swt) to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) he had already been instructed by God to reveal the exact placement of each ayah (in the relevant Surah) as well as the arrangement of the Surah’s and their names. Since this was the case it was impossible for others to interfere in the Qur’an in any manner or form. It will remain in its actual and original state until the Day of Judgement the Qur’an itself testifies to its divine protection:
“It is for us to collect and recite it” (75:17)
In the context of the Qur’an, the word qara’a is also taken as being the book which contains all knowledge of the universe. Every as aspect of life as we know has been codified and collected within it[1]. An answer to any question man wishes to have answered can be found in the verses of the Holy Qur’an:
“And we have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things, a guide, a mercy and glad tidings to Muslims”. (16:89)
“A detailed exposition of every thing”. (12:11)
“We have omitted nothing from the book”. (6: )
The second root word is “qar’ana” meaning a union or conjunction. The root word does not specify what the union consists of, merely that a process of combination is indicated. In reference to the Qur’an this refers to the literal physical existence of the Qur’an and its properties. Imaam Fakr-al-Deen Razi quotes Imaam Sufyan Sorri as stating that the Holy Qur’an was given its own special name because letters are joined to make words, words are joined to make ayahs, ayahs are joined to make surahs and surahs are joined to make the Qur’an. This beautiful combination of literature has produced the most magnificent book in the world.
Another academic implication of the word “qar’ana” is that the Qur’an is combined with guidance, the two being inseparable. The Holy Qur’an refers to this combination:
“This is the book: it is guidance sure, without doubt”. (2:2)
“Here is a plain statement. To one, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah”. (3:138)
“For one who had certainly sent unto them a book, based on knowledge, which we explained in detail; a guidance and mercy to all those who believe”. (7:52)
“There are clear evidences to me, and a guidance and mercy to those of assured faith”. (45:20)
The third root word is “qira’athun” meaning to read or recite. In reference to the Qur’an this is one of its most important features. Although other books that claim to be divinely revealed are also read and recited, the Holy Qur’an has a specific characteristic, superiority and individuality compared to them. This is because it is the most widely read book in the world. Millions of Muslims all over the world recite it in their daily prayers 5 times a day. The Qur’an is read and recited daily in what is called ‘tilawat’ where Muslims read the Qur’an whenever they have some spare time to get the Blessings of Almighty Allah. During the month of Ramadhan the entire Qur’an is recited over a period of 30 days in the special ‘tharawih prayers [2]’, as well as being individually read by Muslims in their homes. Often, during this month of fasting, each member of the household will have completely read and finished the Qur’an at least once if not twice.
As well as being read and recited, the Qur’an acts as a practical guide in all affairs of Muslims, be they social, cultural, legal, economic or political. Unlike its biblical counterpart, the Qur’an does not merely contain stories of Prophets or an analogue of Islamic history. Rather it contains an array of topics to be of use in ones daily life. Codes of behavior and their limits are explained, mutual rights and responsibilities of men, women, children are laid down as well as international principles to be used to govern communities, countries and nations. The Qur’an acts as a practical guide of life to Muslims in the personal and official spheres of life. To make it more accessible to different nations and peoples of various countries, it has been translated in almost every language of the world.
Furthermore, from the period of the Holy Prophet (saw) up until the present day some 1400 hundred years later, millions of Muslims have learnt the Qur’an off by heart[3]. It is unimaginable how many people must have learnt the Qur’an over the last 14 centuries, suffice to say no other book can claim to have these particular traits attached to it. And this trend and inclination will continue till the Day of Judgement.
The fourth and final root word of the word Qur’an is “qira’in” which is the plural of “qarina” which meaning evidence, argument or symbol. In the context of the Qur’an this is taken to mean how one verse interprets, elaborates and gives arguments and evidences for previous verses. In ayah 5 of surah Al-Fatiha[4] for example, man is told to ask Allah for the right path:
“Guide us Thou on the right path”.
The following verse then answers this request and explains what the right path is:
“The path of those whom You have favored. Not those who have earned your anger or gone astray”. (1:6-7)
So the Qur’an is self-evident and self-explanatory. If one verse gives a general meaning than the other gives a more specific definition. Similarly if one verse gives an absolute commandment then the other verse will gives its exceptions and qualifications. The Holy Qur’an testifies to this fact:
“Oh mankind! Verily there has come to you a convincing proof from your Lord for we have sent into you a light (that is manifest)”. (4:174)
Moreover the Qur’an contains 100’s of evidences of its own truthfulness being the best evidence of the truth of its claim. That is why a challenge was given to the non-believers that if all of mankind and jinn kind were to come together to create a similar or equal book to that of the Qur’an they would fail, this being an impossibility:
“Say. If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support.” (17:88)
Fourteen hundred centuries have passed and no change or alteration has taken place in the Holy Qur’an. The text that is present today is exactly the same text that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw). This is so despite hundreds of attempts by non-Muslims to try and insert alterations and changes into the Qur’an. That is why Allah (swt) himself gives it divine protection:
“We have, without doubt, sent down the message; And We will assuredly guard it (from corruption”. (15:9)
Just as there have been no alterations made to the Qur’an, similarly there are no conflicts or contradictions in the text of the Holy Qur’an. If one reads the beautiful verses each one compliments the next. The surahs and ayah’s of the Qur’an work in consistent harmony with each other. The Holy Qur’an is truly a uniform piece of work. In contrast the Encyclopaedia of America for example states that there are about 30,000 errors in the text of the bible and in its various versions. Although the accuracy of this type of observation is open to debate, what is clear is that any book that claims to be divinely revealed would surely not even entertain one error let alone hundreds or thousands of errors. The very nature of God, His Omnipotence, All Knowing and Most Powerful nature presupposes that His divinely given book would be clean of all mistakes. Indeed the Holy Qur’an is a living testament to that fact.
Names of the Holy Qur’an
The Qur’an has been referred to by many different names in the holy text. The word Qur'an itself can be found in the scriptures:
"We do relate unto you the most beautiful stories, in that We reveal to thee this (portion of the) Qur'an: Before this thou too was among those who knew it not." (Yusuf, 12:3)
"Nay this is a glorious Qur'an (inscribed) in a tablet preserved". (Al-Buruj, 85:21-22)
However Allah Almighty refers to the Holy Qur'an using several other names:
al-nur the light (7:157)
al-hukm the judgment (13:37)
al-dhikr the reminder (15:9)
al-kitab the scripture (21:10)
al-furqan the criterion (25:1)
al-tanzil the revelation (26:192)
Further descriptive titles include mubarak (blessing)[5], mussadiq (confirmation of truth)[6], mubin (explanation)[7], hakim (wisdom)[8], majid (glorious)[9] and karim (honoured)[10]
Divine Revelation
Definition of “Wahi”
The Arabic word wahi comes from the root word waha and is used to describe divine revelation. It has a variety of different meanings in the Arabic language, being interpreted as “a quick or divine indication”, “to give or convey a message” or “gentle speech”. In Islamic terminology, wahi can be precisely defined as God’s divine message conveyed to Allah’s chosen persons (Prophets). This message can be conveyed openly or in a hidden and concealed manner, imparting wisdom and knowledge that is beyond the material and physical realities of man.
The renowned scholar, Hafiz ibn Hajr as-Qalani defines wahi as that knowledge regarding the Shariah that Allah conveys to His Prophets. Imaam Qastalani states that wahi is information given to the Prophets by Allah Almighty, in the form of a book, through Angels or through dreams. Descriptions of wahi are also given in the Holy Qur’an:
“So we sent this inspiration to the mother of Musa” (28:7)
“Remember thy Lord inspired the Angels (with the message): I am with you” (8:12)
“Nor does He say (ought) of his own desire. It is no less than inspiration sent to him”. (53:3-4)
“This is part of the tidings of the unseen which we reveal unto thee (oh Prophet) by inspiration”. (3:44)
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
Quran Quotes Islamic Quotes In Urdu About Love In English About Life Tumblr Wallpapers In Arabic Images On Marriage About Women
