The Holy Quran, the unparalleled divine discourse and an unparalleled source for human guidance, possesses profound existential and epistemological dimensions that demand more than mere study and research for its comprehension and intimacy. This book, focusing on the concept of intimacy with the Holy Quran, examines the role of recitation and contemplation in fostering nearness to the Divine verses and presents the Quran as a living and conscious entity establishing a dynamic and reciprocal relationship with humankind. The objective of this work is to elucidate the truth that intimacy with the Holy Quran is a necessary prerequisite for delving into its inner meanings and attaining profound divine understanding. In this regard, an etymological analysis of the term recitation, its distinction from contemplation, and the status of various types of recitations (divine, angelic, prophetic, and human) are addressed.
Key Point: Intimacy with the Holy Quran transcends study and research; it requires an existential and emotional connection that links the heart and soul of man to the reality of the Divine verses.
To attain nearness to the Divine words and intimacy with the Lordly verses, one must go beyond study and research. Intimacy is an existential state resulting from continuous interaction with the Holy Quran through recitation, listening, and practical commitment. This relationship guides man from superficial understanding towards inner comprehension, as if it is a bridge connecting the soul to the sacred realm of the Divine speech.
Key Point: True Quranic knowledge goes beyond acquiring theoretical information; it necessitates intimacy and spiritual nearness realised through profound connection with the Divine verses.
Although study and research are essential tools for entering the Quranic knowledge, without intimacy and nearness they do not lead to genuine understanding. Purely academic approaches may result in mere accumulation of information without culminating in existential transformation or inner comprehension. Intimacy, as a bridge between apparent knowledge and inner cognition, holds a central position.
Key Point: Intimacy with the Holy Quran is achieved through multifaceted interaction including recitation, listening, touching, and looking at the verses, drawing one nearer to the truth of the Quran.
Intimacy with the Holy Quran is reinforced by practical actions such as carrying the Quran, kissing it, placing it upon the heart, and gazing upon the verses. These interactions, akin to friendship with a wise entity, guide man towards the realm of Divine knowledge. These seemingly simple actions form the groundwork for existential transformation and nearness to the Holy Quran, as if by love and commitment, the Quran consents to unveil itself.
Key Point: Purely scientific approaches to the Holy Quran, without intimacy, do not yield profound understanding and remain distant from penetrating the inner knowledge.
Scientific approaches to religious knowledge, devoid of intimacy, do not lead to deep understanding of the Holy Quran. These approaches are sometimes reduced to mere academic exercises that neglect the existential and spiritual dimension of the Quran. Intimacy, as a comprehensive approach, fills this gap and guides man towards inner cognition.
Intimacy with the Holy Quran is the key to entering the sacred realm of the Divine speech. This intimacy, beyond study and research, is obtained through multifaceted interaction with the Quran and guides man towards nearness and inner comprehension. Criticism of purely scientific approaches emphasises the necessity of intimacy as a prerequisite for penetrating Quranic knowledge.
Key Point: Recitation, due to its widespread accessibility and generality, is emphasised more in the Holy Quran than contemplation, which requires particular intellectual and spiritual capacities.
The Holy Quran places greater emphasis on recitation because of its widespread accessibility and generality than on contemplation. Contemplation, which necessitates deep thought and analysis of the meanings of the verses, is mentioned in limited verses, whereas recitation, as a widespread practice, is recommended on multiple occasions. This distinction reflects the Divine wisdom in guiding humanity at large.
Do they not then contemplate the Quran? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. (An-Nis: 82)
Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts? (Muhammad: 24)
[This is] a blessed Book which We have sent down to you, that they might contemplate its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded. (Sad: 29)
These verses underscore the necessity of profound reflection upon the verses but their limited number indicates the specialised nature of this act. Contemplation requires concentration, purity of heart, and the ability to analyse meanings, which may be possible only for a particular group (those endowed with intellect - ul al-albb).
Key Point: Due to its complexity and the need for intellectual and spiritual capacities, contemplation is less emphasised, whereas recitation, as a universal practice, is feasible for all.
Contemplation, because of its demand for profound knowledge and particular preparedness, is less recommended. The Holy Quran, recognising individual differences, promotes recitation as a widespread platform for intimacy, which can serve as a prelude to contemplation for those capable.
Key Point: The term Quran appears 58 times, and derivatives of recitation more than 8 times, highlighting the importance of recitation as the gateway to the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran uses the term Quran 58 times, and derivatives of recitation (such as Iqra, Qurn, Naqrauhu) over 8 times. This frequency illustrates the Qurans strategy in inviting the general public to an initial engagement with the Divine speech.
So recite what is easy [for you] of the Quran. (Al-Muzzammil: 20)
This verse, by omitting any complicated conditions, transforms recitation into a universal act possible for all people at any level.
Recitation, as the gateway to the Holy Quran, is feasible for all humanity and serves as a foundation for intimacy and gradual understanding. Contemplation, though a higher stage, is less emphasised due to the need for special capacities. This Divine wisdom facilitates the general guidance of humanity.
Key Point: The word Quran derives from the root قَرَأَ (qaraa), meaning gradual reading with understanding, which differs from قَرَى (qara) meaning gathering, and قَرَو (qaraw) meaning action.
The word "Quran" derives from the root qaraa (قَرَأَ), meaning gradual reading with comprehension. This root differs from qara (قَرَىَ), meaning to gather, as in a village (قريه), and qarawa (قَرَوَ), meaning to take action. The term qaraa (with hamza) specifically refers to reading progressively with understanding and awareness in Arabic.
The derivatives of the root qaraa (such as qaraa, qara, and qarawa) possess distinct meanings due to differences in the verbs middle letter. Qaraa refers to gradual reading with understanding, whereas qara means to gather, and qarawa implies undertaking an action. The choice of qaraa for the Quran reflects a gradual and conscious approach to engaging with the Divine Word.
Recitation, characterised by understanding and gradual progression, represents the primary method of intimacy with the Noble Quran. Unlike qara (gathering) or qarawa (action), qaraa is a cognitive and spiritual act that draws the human being nearer to the essence of the Quran.
Contrary to some assumptions, Quranic recitation is not merely vocal or mechanical but is accompanied by gradual understanding of its meanings. This comprehension, even if rudimentary, establishes intimacy and guides one towards awareness and nearness to the Noble Quran.
The etymology of the word qirah unveils profound semantic layers that underscore the necessity of conscious and comprehending recitation. As the principal method of intimacy, recitation draws the human being closer to the truth of the Noble Quran and lays the groundwork for deeper understanding.
The Noble Quran transcends paper and ink and is introduced as a living entity endowed with consciousness. This characteristic transforms the Quran into a dynamic being that interacts with humans and reveals itself to those who establish intimacy. Due to its wisdom and firmness, the Divine verses possess spiritual vitality.
Recitation through language and listening through the ear jointly connect the human being to the Quran. Both act as nourishment for the soul, producing spiritual effects and drawing humans nearer to the truth of the Quran.
إِنَّ عَلَيْنَا جَمْعَهُ وَقُرْآنَهُ ۖ فَإِذَا قَرَأْنَاهُ فَاتَّبِعْ قُرْآنَهُ (Al-Qiymah: 17-18)
Indeed, upon Us is its collection and recitation, so when We have recited it, follow its recitation.
This verse emphasises the existence of various recitations (Divine, angelic, prophetic). The Divine recitation presents the truth of the Quran to the world, and following it requires acceptance and adherence to this truth.
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا (Al-Isr: 82)
And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.
This dual effect is due to the inherent consciousness of the Noble Quran that interacts with human intention and disposition. It treats the believers with compassion and the wrongdoers with justice.
The Noble Quran, as a living and sentient reality, maintains a dynamic interaction with humans. Recitation and listening, as primary methods of intimacy, bring one closer to this reality. The types of recitations and the dual effect of the Quran on believers and wrongdoers demonstrate its existential depth and wisdom.
The aim of interpretation is not merely superficial understanding but to infiltrate the inner layers of the Noble Quran and access its profound insights. Such penetration is made possible through intimacy, purification, and practical adherence to the Quran. Interpretation must guide the human being towards nearness and friendship with the Quran.
Intimacy with the Noble Quran functions as a progressive force, breaking down the barriers of neglect and justifications, and connects the human being to the truth of the Quran. This intimacy is attained through continuous recitation, listening, and practical commitment, thus facilitating penetration into the inner Quran.
The goal of interpretation is penetration into the inner layers of the Noble Quran, achievable only through intimacy and practical adherence. This intimacy leads the individual from superficial knowledge to inner cognition and brings them closer to the truth of the Divine discourse.
This book, adopting a profound and existential approach, elucidates the importance of intimacy with the Noble Quran as a prerequisite for understanding and penetration into the Divine verses. Recitation, as a universal and practicable act for all, is introduced as the main pathway to intimacy, accompanied by gradual understanding and multifaceted interaction (reading, listening, seeing, and touching). Contemplation, although a higher stage requiring specific capacities, has received comparatively less emphasis. The Noble Quran, as a sentient and wise being, dynamically interacts with humans and reveals itself upon intimacy. The various types of recitations (Divine, angelic, prophetic, human) indicate the Qurans existential depth and the possibility of connection with its inner layers. The purpose of interpretation is penetration into the inner Quran and acquisition of Divine knowledge, attainable solely through intimacy, purification, and practical commitment. This perspective, while critiquing purely scientific approaches, stresses the necessity of an emotional and existential relationship with the Quran and provides practical strategies for intimacy. For researchers and specialists, this text serves as an invitation to reconsider interpretative methodologies and to focus on intimacy as the key to profound understanding of the Noble Quran.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
