In the name of Allah, the most beneficial, the most merciful:
When we wish to test the physical health of our bodies, blood samples are taken, body parts are checked, and so on. When we want to test the pressure of our tires a gauge is inserted, giving us an accurate reading. Even the non-physical can be tested— internet speed, for example, or even emotions.
The Ultimate Test
But the ultimate test is the test of the heart. Forget the pumping organ we can’t live without— I’m talking about the soul, which has infinitely more power over us. The vital mass of tissue on the left sides of our chests is inconsequential when compared with the soul that determines our eternity. And what stands as the most valuable assessment of our inner soul? The Quran.
Who Can Truly Grasp the Quran?
I often wonder how some people are unable to read the Quran without tears, while others seem capable of “reading” the most glorious book while texting, checking sports highlights on TV, and having music blasting in the next room. You don’t think it’s possible? Neither did I.
Among the other prophets, the miracles of the final Prophet (pbuh) might be seen as comparatively limited. The character of the man— the most glorious creation himself— and the transmitted words made into a book are his miracles but only for those who are guided. Surah Yaseen says, “The Qur’an was sent to remind the one who is alive”, or whose heart is alive. Allah also says: “The Quran is a guidance for the one who gives heart”. Such is the marvel of the most holy text.
What is the Variable?
Ibn al Qayyim (rah), an extremely influential and pious Muslim scholar, has stated that the variable causing such variation in reaction to the Qur’an is the heart. Our hearts are cold and hollow, unable to understand the beauty of the words we read. We are content with merely “parrot-reading”, or, even worse, understanding the words without feeling that which is in our inner being stir even remotely.
What is the Answer?
Spiritually, we are zombies, the living dead, unable to remove the veil that separates us from the greatest sign of the Lord to which we shall return. But for every condition there is a cure, for every ailment, a resolution. And Allah, infinitely merciful and understanding, has provided us with the resolution. Ibn al Qayyim (rah) has said that for one seeking to remove the screen between his or her self and the creator, there are three steps: 1). Tawbah, 2). Tawbah, and 3). Tawbah.
Repent . . .
Seek forgiveness from the Exalted, and cease and desist from sin. Sin has created the crust around our souls that prevents the penetration of the magnificent words, and we must repent if we are to achieve results.
Before this, though, there is another condition. We must truly want a bond with Allah. The Quran is a gift— the most superb of all physical gifts. Why would it be given to the unwilling or to those whose hearts are spoiled? Every single one of us has a shell encasing his or her heart, and it is necessary that we devote ourselves to breaking down the barrier that stands between us and the Lord.
. . . and Be Forgiven
On the authority of Abu Dhar, Allah’s Messenger conveyed that Allah said: “If you draw closer to Me by a hand span, I will draw closer to you by forearm’s length. If you draw closer to Me by a forearm’s length, I will draw closer to you by an arm’s length. And if you come to Me walking, I will come to you running.”
Can any of us say that we could do without He who created us?
Ibraheem Lunat is currently a student in Marietta, GA, USA.
Alhamdullillah.
Rabbi Zidni Ilman
Alhamdulillah
Allaahummajalnaa mina thawaabeen-Aameen
Masha allah. Very true. It’s first repentance, then repentance then again repentance.Liked it very much. May Allah accept it.
excellent
Jzk for really touching, incouraging and giving hope to a hopeless artical, Alhamdullillah.
(36;2)Surely U are One of the Messenger…
What a artile… mashallah eyes opening ..
why can’t its possible for us to read the Quran more than we use our laptops or other devices?
really its big problem in our heart..
this article show us a way to clean our heart and start turn ur way to quran..
jazakallah khairan.
Jazaka Allahu khairan.
Mashallah! Jazakallah for the encouragement. More exited to read my Quran and duah pls Allah grant me to read it everyday without fail inshallah ameen.
Alhamduliallah.
Mashallah Subhanallah a wonderfull article
leaving a good impact on readers and motivation as well.
Jazakallahu Khair wa khairan katheera
MashaAllah it is a lovely article which went right to the depths of my heart and I especially loved the advice by Ibn al Qayyim (rah) who said that for one seeking to remove the screen between his or her self and the creator, there are three steps: 1). Tawbah, 2). Tawbah, and 3). Tawbah.
JazakAllah khairan kaseeran for making me truly understand the Hadith of Allah coming closer to us the more we seek his closeness… may Allah make it easy for us… ameen
MashaAllah. so beautiful