How Allah Describes the Qur’an
Allah the Exalted defines the Qur’an in the following words:
"Indeed, the Qur’an is nothing but a reminder for all the worlds." (Al-Qalam 52)
"Certainly, We have brought them a Book, which We have explained with knowledge—a guidance and a mercy for those who believe." (Al-A'raf 52)
"Verily, it is a guidance and a mercy for the believers." (An-Naml 77)
"This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you so that they may reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding may take heed." (Sad 29)
"Indeed, it is the ultimate truth and certainty." (Al-Haqqah 51)
The Prophet’s Words on the Qur’an
The Messenger of Allah [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] described the importance and attributes of the Qur’an in these profound words:
"In it is the news of those who came before you, the decree of what is to come after you, and the judgment of what occurs among you. It is the decisive word that distinguishes truth from falsehood; it is not idle speech.
Whoever abandons it out of arrogance, Allah will ruin him. Whoever seeks guidance elsewhere will be led astray. It is the unbreakable rope of Allah, His wise words, and the straight path.
It is a Book that desires and whims cannot corrupt, nor can tongues confuse its meanings. The scholars never tire of it, nor does frequent recitation cause it to wear out. Its wonders are never-ending.
When a group of jinn heard it, they were compelled to say: 'Say, it has been revealed to me that a group of jinn listened and said: We have heard a wondrous recitation that guides to the right path, and we have believed in it. We will never associate anyone with our Lord.' (Al-Jinn, 1-2)
Whoever speaks in accordance with it speaks the truth. Whoever acts upon it earns reward. Whoever judges by it does so with justice. And whoever calls to it is rightly guided." (Tirmidhi; Darimi)
Ibn Mas’ud’s Reflections on the Qur’an
Ibn Mas’ud [radiyallahu anhu] described the Qur’an as the source of all knowledge, saying:
"Whoever seeks the knowledge of what came before and what will come after should delve into the Qur’an. The greatest knowledge within the Qur’an lies in the Names and Attributes of Allah the Exalted. However, most people only understand these Names and Attributes at a superficial level; they fail to comprehend their deeper meanings."
He also emphasized that the Qur’an is meant to be lived, not merely recited:
"The Qur’an was revealed so that people may act upon it. But instead, they consider its mere recitation to be sufficient. One among them will recite it from Al-Fatiha to the end without neglecting a single letter, yet he abandons its teachings in practice!"
Thus, he underlined the importance of implementing the Qur’an in daily life.
Certainly, reciting the Qur’an is a virtuous act of worship. However, true benefit is only derived when one acts upon its teachings. The purpose of reading is to embody its guidance.
Hasan al-Basri [quddisa sirruhu] described the approach of the early generations toward the Qur’an:
"The earlier generations regarded the Qur’an as a letter sent to them from Allah. They would contemplate upon it by night and act upon it by day. But you merely say, 'Let me learn it,' without applying it. You busy yourselves with learning its pronunciation and articulation, and you turn it into a means of livelihood."
Imam Ghazali [rahimahullah] explained the essence of understanding the Qur’an:
"To truly comprehend (tafaqquh) the Qur’an means striving to understand each verse to the best of one’s ability. The Qur’an contains descriptions of Allah’s attributes, His actions, the conditions of past prophets, the fate of those who denied them, the divine commandments and prohibitions, and the realities of Paradise and Hellfire."
Ibn Arabi, rahimahullah, highlighted the profound connection between the Qur’an and the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam]:
"Anyone from this nation who did not meet the Messenger of Allah [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] and wishes to see him should look at the Qur’an. There is no difference between looking at the Qur’an and looking at the Prophet himself. It is as though the Qur’an has taken the form of a physical being named Muhammad, son of Abdullah. The Qur’an is the word of Allah and one of His attributes. Likewise, Muhammad [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] is a manifestation of divine truth."
Thus, the most perfect embodiment of the Qur’an is found in the life, character, and speech of the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] for he was both the recipient of divine revelation and its most perfect interpreter in action.
Abu Hafs al-Haddad [quddisa sirruhu] stated that true nearness to Allah is attained through adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah:
"If a person does not measure all his states and actions according to the Qur’an and Sunnah, and if he does not view his own thoughts and ideas with a sense of deficiency, he will not be recorded among the rijalullah—the true men of Allah."
The Qur’an is an eternal blessing from Allah to His servants, an unbreakable bond. Whoever clings to it is drawn near to Allah. It builds and refines those who not only read it but live by it.
Hasan al-Basri [quddisa sirruhu] described the impact of the Qur’an on a believer’s heart:
"By Allah! Whoever recites the Qur’an with faith will experience increased sorrow for the hereafter, diminished ease in worldly comforts, and an increase in tears. His laughter will lessen, and his engagement in worship will grow. His attachment to leisure and idle pursuits will diminish."
For the Qur’an calls a person to reflect upon their existence and the world around them, inspiring awe and contemplation. It removes one’s heart and hands from matters of futility, drawing them instead toward a life of meaning and purpose.
