INTRODUCTION - AL QURAN EASY TO UNDERSTAND

 

In The Name Of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

What is happening today? Reading al-Qur'an has become daily practice (or ritual) for most Muslims, but one fundamental issue needs to be answered...? When reading or reciting al-Qur'an, most of us (Muslims) do not understand what we read. Why does this happen? The most common response we hear is that we are not Arab-speaking people, so how would it be possible for us to understand the Arabic language of al-Qur'an without learning the language !?

Somehow, there are religious and Quranic teachers (especially in Malaysia and in many other countries in Asia) who believe that by reading al-Qur'an without understanding the meaning of the verses (or ayats), the reader will still be rewarded by Allah with good deeds (Pahala). In fact, they strongly believe that Allah will reward a Muslim equivalent to ten (10) times for each Quranic abjad (alphabet letters) that he or she reads, even without understanding it.....Not only that, the writer read an article that claimed that more than 50% of Arabs do not understand Al-Qur'an because many Arabs speak Amiyyah (some people term it as 'market Arab" comprising a mixture of Arab, Egyptian, and other Arab dialects). Those who speak and know Arabic Fusha are those who attend former school. Sorry, I am not sure whether this information is true, so the Writer would like to apologize to our Arab brothers for saying this.

Nevertheless, contrary to earlier strong belief (on the issue of good deeds), there are also religious and Quranic teachers that thought otherwise. To the later, if we read al-Qur'an without understanding its meaning, we will not get any reward (good deeds). Still, the Qur'an (refer to surah 68 Al Qalam - origin source of al Qur'an in heaven, and we shall discuss this in a later session), will curse us and become a witness against us on the Day of Judgment (Hereafter) for not putting any effort in trying to learn and understand the Arabic language of al-Qur'an. The Writer agrees (i.e...this reason for not putting any effort..), and this is the main reason why the Writer decides to write this blog...Of course, according to those who believe in the later, there are some exceptions such as one is illiterate, no teacher to teach, not aware (they do not have the translation of Al-Qur'an, especially our mother, father and our descendant that have passed away were at that time, there were not many teachers of Quran Arabic language), deaf, dumb, etc. Allah will reward them on how much effort they place to read and understand the Al Qur'an. He is Most Knowing. There are verses of the Qur'an that mentioned this matter, which we will discuss in the latter part of this page.

To support the Writer's view of why it is wajib (a must) of us Muslims to understand the Qur'an Arabic language, let's view what Wikipedia dictionary defined the word read. 

Please click this link to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_(process), what is meant by the word "Reading") ...and the following explanation appears...

"Reading is a complex cognitive process of decoding symbols to construct or derive a meaning (reading comprehension), or in brief, reading is a process by which we derive the meaning or simply, read to understand...".

When we use an online dictionary from Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (a Malay online dictionary), the word "Read or recite" is defined as "sounding superscript letters and understand what is written."

So, reading al-Qur'an without understanding its meaning is just like reading a Korean language book (even if one understands Korean text symbols and how to pronounce them but do not know what the meaning...!) What benefits does he get? Of course, nothing! Similarly, if we study science in school, we learn to understand. Likewise, kids reading comic scripts and writing would like to understand what they read.

But for this pertinent question ....why reading al-Qur'an without understanding is acceptable by most Muslims, we need to answer by examining the relevant verses in al Qur'an. However, no one knows how this practice becomes RITUAL  especially knowing Allah has repeated the same verses four (4) times in surah al Qamar (54), one time in Surah Yusuf (12), and another time in Surah al-Zukhruf (43). 

To the Writer, when Allah repeats similar verses several times, it is a serious implied instruction from Allah to all Muslims that we must understand al Qur'an Arabic language. The main reason is to enable us to understand Allah's law as a guide to mankind (to us from going astray)  in this world and to prepare for the Hereafter.

Suppose one intention is to first memorize the verses of al Qur'an for prayer purposes etc. and later study Fusha Arabic to understand al Qur'an. In that case, we can accept this reason...but if one reads the al-Qur'an continuously without understanding. It later becomes a daily ritual (...but have time to continuously learn (from young to old age) the tajwid (the correct pronunciation of the al Qur'an), learns taranum, i.e., learn various reading methods according to the Arab dialect, able to speak English well as a second language or even 3rd language. Still, he or she is putting himself or herself in a path, not according to what is revealed by Allah in al-Qur'an. 

We are seeing the side effects in this generation of Muslims,...the wars (including in-fighting among the Muslims), power-hungry (killing each other for wealth and position), greed, backstabbing, slanders, defamation, cheating, etc(this include leaders) are common happening among the Muslims in this generation (especially in the social media) apart from not using Allah's law. 

Allah revealed in Al Qur'an; if the Muslims failed to uphold Allah's law, Allah will replace existing Muslims with other Muslims. What's happening in Europe, many people are reverting to Islam. In Malaysia, the reverted Muslims are becoming more involved in doing dawah while existing Ustaz (particularly the Malays in Malaysia), are arguing among themselves on furu'  (small matters about the difference in practices) issues, etc. Allah reminds the Muslims in this ayat.

At-Tawba 38 & 39.

There are stories of twelve (12) destroyed nations in al-Qur'an as lessons learned and warning to all of us. Allah punished them for not obeying His laws and tsunami (even perhaps, in Acheh where the majority of people who perished were Muslims), may also be a warning from Allah. Bad weather, climate changes, frequent earthquakes, virus (including the latest Covit-19)... may also be some kind of signs of near judgment Day as narrated in some Hadiths more than 1400 years ago, now begin to happen frequently (only Allah is Most Knowing). But like Allah says, they are the heedless ones (Al-A'raf 7:179)

Most likely many will say, " We can read the translation...!" However, are we really sure that the translation could explain the true meaning of the verses that they read...? In addition, are we also sure that the reader will see the translation each time he reads, or can he associate one verse with another without "taddabur" because al-Qur'an was revealed by Allah through his Angel Jibra'il (Gabriel) in stages (due to certain incidences, to answer certain questions raised, implementation of certain laws as a guide at a certain particular time, etc over a period of some 23 years from 610 AD when Muhammad was 40 years old up to 632)  to our beloved Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

There are also people who will say, "..We also have the tafsir (for both al Qur'an and hadith) from known Islamic scholars..". Have you heard about various khilaf (differences of opinion) among the scholars? Even today these differences are still being debated by scholars of Hadiths..!? What Allah says, " ...if you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (this means..al Qur'an) .." So Al -Qur'an will be the primary source and followed by the Hadith and sayings of the companions (the best 300 years).

Al-Maeda (4:59)

So why are we referring to the Kitab (books)  written by Ulama' and depends SOLELY (without doing research on our own too) on the advice of religious teachers (just like the Jews and Christian do) without placing effort in learning from the original source of authority? Yes, Kitab from Ulama'  is a good source but should be after al Qur'an (..and understands the Quran Arabic language) and sahih Hadith !! So, why don't we learn the original guide first then refer to the Kitab written by Ulama'. Why the short-cut?

As earlier mentioned, if we do not understand what Allah says in the al-Qur'an, this means that we are relying on the saying (as guidance) of our religious and Koranic teachers who may also do not understand the Arabic language of al-Qur'an but due to our existing religious education system, the teachers are still considered qualified to teach the al Qur'an. By relying only on our religious teacher and Quranic teachers (not the verse of the al-Qur'an) we may liken ourselves to what the Jews and Christians do because they rely heavily on their priests, rabbis, etc for all religious matters. Even in Christianity, their priests have "godly powers" to forgive their church followers' sins. For the Christians, as long as they believe that Prophet Isa (Jesus) is the son of Allah (or the concept of the trinity), they will go to heaven without reckoning and for the Jews who claimed to be, the chosen people of Allah (Yes! before the coming of Prophet  Muhammad S.A.W. as affirmed by the al-Qur'an) are no longer the chosen people because they have failed to uphold Allah's laws. To the Jews, the last Prophet must also be a Jew but when they failed to uphold guidance given by their Prophets, the final prophet was raised from the brethren of Prophet Ishmael, elder brother of Jacob (later named as Israel), son of Abraham.

As for the Jews who also believe that they will go to heaven regardless of their sins, including mischief on earth as mentioned by Allah in verse 2:11, This verse seems to imply the Jews (perhaps not all Jews) but Jews who are Zionist (one story said they hijacked the Jew religion and they are actually Kazakhs - people who managed to break away from the wall built by Prophet Zulqarnain - Wallahualam). If we are to look at how they caused so much destruction and mischief without any remorse feelings on human lives in the world today.... for example, what happens in Palestine...) it is a clear sign that they have put aside the Torah.

Al-Baqarah (2:11)

 "We are only peacemakers", don't you think it sounds familiar or synonymous with the saying " police of the world...?" Who? Which country? Your guess may be as good as mine...!

Now see Surah Al-Maidah (5:41) on what Allah said on the Jews:


Al-Maidah (5:41)

When religious and Quranic teachers continue to hold their opinion that reading the al- Qur'an without understanding and the readers would still be rewarded by Allah, indirectly these religious and Quranic teachers are responsible for changing the words of Allah, just like Jewish priests do, they may be in the position to what is mentioned by Allah under 5.41 above. 

In long term, when most ordinary Muslims believe in what the religious and Quranic teachers say, they will hold to it, and would not put any effort to learn and understand the arabic language of the al Qur'an. This is happening today....! Many Muslims are not concerned in spending or allocating time to learn the Arabic language of the al-Qur'an but instead focus their energy, time, and money on self-improvement for worldly gains by improving themselves with secular education certificates, diploma, degrees, masters, PhDs, and courses related to management using western theories but not on guided knowledge as contained in the al-Qur'an.

Allah promises that He will open to people blessing from heaven and the earth if they follow Allah's laws but most do not believe or do not take serious of Allah's promises. They continue to follow the worldly ways...

Al-A'raf (7:96)

Allah says, people have a heart but do not want to understand and have eyes but do not want to see, and have ears but do not want to hear the truth....they are like an animal (some translations say...like cattle) or worse than that..! Such as strong word from Allah (your creator)

Al-A'raf (7:179)

Those who believe in al-Qur'an are willing to accept al-Qur'an as their guide, but actually, it was revealed as a guide for all mankind. As earlier mentioned, what is happening in the world today (...as said earlier about war, infighting, etc...) is due to humanity not using al-Qur'an as guidance in this world. Perhaps, we can say that to non-Muslims, but in reality, even the Muslims themselves do not use it. In the Hereafter, what will the Prophet says about his people (umat)..!

Al-Furqan (25:30)

Allah also says about the same thing in other ayat:


Al-A'raf (7:52)

Al-A'raf (7:51)

Al-Anaam (6:115-116)

The meaning of ayat Al-Anaam (6:115) is clear..! No one can change the words of Allah in  al-Qur'an. Clearly by the arguments (complete with the relevant ayats...that we shall present later), all Muslims MUST understand al-Qur'an Arabic language...!.

In surah Al-Anaam (6:116), Allah says,...if we are to follow what the majority of people would like to say, for example, " It's okay for us not to understand what we read al-Qur'an as we can just read the translation, ....what is important is for us to pray the daily "wajib" prayers (although without understand it but Allah knows what is our intention and requests...),  fasting and pay zakat.....",.BUT what they are not aware of is that they are being misled from the path of what Allah demands from them...

Excuses that we are not Arabic speaking people cannot be used...! The Writer asked some Arab friends this question, " If Arabic is your native language but if you do not learn al-Qur'an, how much would you able to understand what the al-Qur'an says...?" The Writer is not sure whether their opinions are true but most say, they would only understand about 10-20% of its meaning...! Why is this so? As earlier mentioned, Al Qur'an Arabic is known as "Fus-ha" while the common speaking Arabic is known as "Amiyah". These are actually different languages although there may be a number of similar words.

Can we conclude, ...even an Arab speaking person must learn the al-Qur'an Arabic language...so no more excuses that we are not Arab speaking people..! 

There are many verses of Al Qur'an where Allah demands the believers to READ, THINK, UNDERSTANDS, and IMPLEMENT.  From the Writer owns the experience, after attending weekly sessions in Al-Qur'an Arabic (fus-ha) language classes, Alhamdulillah, the Writer feels that learning Al-Qur'an is actually easy (everyone who is a believer can do it) as promised by Allah..! What you need is strong will to learn, consistent (..istiqomah) and do not forget to regularly pray or make doa to Allah, for His guidance, and to make your learning process easier, especially when you only realize "Wajib to understands the al-Quran" at advanced age...akin to the Writer. It is worth studying it when you are still young and not after retirement because learning al-Qur'an needs a reasonably good memory.

Moving back to the original title of this article, the Writer will outline now all arguments (...supported by relevant verses of the al-Qur'an) to explain why it is IMPORTANT for Muslims to learn the Arabic language of the al-Qur'an and the Writer hopes that all readers of this blog to also share this blog address to others, especially to your family members.

To begin our explanation, let's look at Surah al-Qamar as follows:

Al Qamar (54:17)

The same verse is repeated four (4) times in Surah al-Qamar. In addition to Al-Qamar (54:17), you can read the same verse is repeated in (54:22), (54:32) and (54:40). In addition, there are two (2) other verses that say, Allah, revealed in the Arabic language for the Muslims to understand.

Yusuf (12:2)

Allah says, .........in order that you may understand..? but how to understand when you do not make effort to learn it?

Al-Zukhruf (43:3)

Allah repeated the words "...Arabic.." and "..understand.." in all the six (6) verses above. So what does this mean or imply..? Verily, Allah guarantees that the al Qur'an is easy to learn, easy to understand, and easy to remember!. Isn't this is an indication from Allah commanding Muslims to learn and understand the al-Qur'an? If not, why would Allah repeat the same verses over six (6) times..?

However, we as Muslims can be proud to have many al-hafiz (Muslim who can recite the al Qur'an by heart) but somehow also among the Hafizan, many of them do not understand what they memorized.

Az Zumar (39:23)

Allah has sent down the best statement, a book (this Qur'an), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, often repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allah. This is the guidance of Allah. He Guides therewith whom He pleases and whomever Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide.

According to the above ayat, people who understand the al-Qur'an, when reading it, their skins will shiver with fear! Why? because they understand many verses on Allah's punishment to those who disbelieve (rejects al -Qur'an).

The Writer believes that Allah would not reveal this verse (39:23) unless Allah wants the Muslims to understand the al-Qur'an..! but how to fear of Allah when we cannot understand what we read!

Before we continue this discussion. let's look at one word that confuses many Malays. The Arabic word " kafir" means " infidel (disbeliever") and also means "..defiant or rebellious".. in Malay. By right, the Malay translation should use the word "..defiant or rebellious or ingkar" instead of the Arabic word "kafir"(Arabic translation). This is to avoid their thinking (i.e. the Malays) that the word "kafir" is just meant for all non-Muslims like the Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and others. By right, the word "kafir" or "kufur" which is more accurate, should also refer to people who claimed to be Muslims but do not practice and do not take Allah's law as guides in their daily lives.


If we really examine the word "infidel or kafir.." and the "..disbeliever or kufur.." in al Quran context, the words are synonymous, but the word "disbeliever or kufur" is the common word used for non-practicing Muslims and the word "infidel or kafir.." is used to non-Muslims. However, we must remember that we cannot label someone as an infidel or a disbeliever as only Allah is Most Knowing. The Writer prefers to refer to them as ..not yet Muslim and what we should do is to make dua (doa) for Allah to open one's heart (...a friend or someone who does not understand Islam or those who oppose Islam) to be a true Muslim or for Allah to open their hearts to Islam.

Now, let's continue our subject matter.

As said earlier,...many of us have a diploma, degree, Ph.D., etc. and some can speak other languages but with that qualification, there are many Muslims still do not understand al -Qur'an. Why? Maybe they feel that the al-Qur'an cannot vouch for their life on earth? The Qur'an is only for reading and not as a guide? They do not believe Allah's promise to bless those who follow the al Qur'an blessing from heaven and the earth!

How to respond to Allah in the Hereafter when He questions us why we do not understand the al-Qur'an and do use it as a guide?

For example, surah al-Fatihah (The Opener) is read by all Muslims in our obligatory five (5)  daily prayers totaling seventeen (17) times a day (Subuh x2, Zohor x4, Asar x 4, Maghrib x3 and Isyak x4...). Assume, we have been praying diligently all these past years but without understanding the meaning of al-Fatihah (what more the additional two short surahs during every prayer). Using simple calculation as per Chart 1 below, let see how many times we have recited the al-Fatihah during our prayers these past years...!

 Chart 1

When we leave this world, how to answer to our Creator....? We have no time, no teacher, no money, no opportunity, etc... to understand the meaning of al-Fatihah (what more the whole surahs in the Al Qur'an) after reciting al-Fatihah 310,250 times for 50 years...? Is our excuse acceptable by our Creator..?  Think about it..?

Although the Writer himself is in process of learning the Al Qur'an Arabic language, he wishes to share what little knowledge he has learned thus far, due to the following ayat:

Al Baqarah (2:254)

The word "...Spend" also applies to what you learn not just what you have or earn. The above ayat is also translated by ulama' and Islamic scholars that even we learn a little, we must share and spread Allah's ayat to others before the coming of the day of judgment (we do not know when?),  where there is no exchange (no bargaining) and no friends (who will benefits) and no intercession (mediation/negotiation) and those who disbelieve, they are the ones who do wrong (wrongdoers).

 In addition,

 

Allah says,

Ali-'Imran (3:110)

As Muslims, we are all obligated to spread Islam in whatever possible. Conveying what we learn is one way of imparting to others.

 Al-Ahzab (33:36) 

In surah al-Ahzab (33:36) above, it is very clear that when Allah and His Messenger have decided on a matter...one of it is we must understand the verses of the al-Qur'an i.e. the Arabic language of al-Qur'an, we have no option BUT to obey Allah...and not to listen to others. If we are not obedient to Allah and His Messenger, we have followed the wrong path, and not only that, it is a plain error on our part.

The al-Qur'an was brought down to Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (PBUH) through Angel Gabriel (Jibra'il) from Allah in stages and ....do we know the proper sequence of events or stages when the ayat of the al-Qur'an was brought down...? You can buy a book sold under the topic "Asbabun Nuzul Al-Qur'an" that provides the reasons, background stories, or events behind the revelation of a verse of the Quran, to avoid error in understanding the verses of Allah. However, another way of understanding the sequence of events is to undergo the reading process of what is known as "Taddabur.." (or the process of reading, interpreting, hearing, reviewing, and implementing Allah's law...)  as the al-Qur'an is meant as a guide for one's life as a true Muslim. Through the learning process of taddabur, most questions pertaining to the al Qur'an are answered by the al Qur'an itself. If not answered, then you seek the hadith (saying of the prophet Muhammad S.A.W (PBUH) as the secondary sources. As for the hadith, you have to refer to the authentic hadiths. Best, focus on the Sahih hadiths of Bukhari and Muslim.

This blog and its contents, which was written with supporting dalil (verses) of the al-Qur'an, are in the form of  'taddabur". Avoid listening to a religious teacher who speaks about religious matters without supporting dalil from the al Qur'an. Don't behave like the Jews and Christian as earlier mentioned. 

One other reason why one must understand al-Qur'an Arabic is due to some errors in the translation. So make sure you purchase your al Qur'an from a known translator. An example of these errors (most likely not intentionally but perhaps, the wrong usage of words by the translator). Let's look at this very simple mistake...

Yusuf (12:23)

  

The Quran word for "robbii ahsana" was correctly translated in English as "my master" but was wrongly translated as " Tuhanku or my God" instead of " tuan ku" (my master) in Malay. From time to time, we shall reveal the error if it is related to the article written by the Writer.

Last but not least, the Writer wishes to stress that he is not a Shariah scholar nor a religious teacher and therefore do not claim to be an expert in this subject matter. The purpose of this blog is to share information that he has learned (...from Semat Qur'an and from other religious talks in masjids, public lectures on Islam, and also from his personal research..) as demanded by Allah under surah al-Baqarah 254 and hadith. For some reason, he is sharing his practical knowledge on  Islamic banking (...initially on his practical side of the system but at a later stage on his personal view of the system..) via blog http://islamicbankingway.blogspot.com  For information, the Writer has stopped writing about Islamic banking for many years and some of the facts may be outdated.

The Writer hopes, Followers of this blog can also share this blog address with others (particularly to their own relatives and friends)  and together we pray for Allah's blessing in this world and Hereafter. Any query, which he is unable to answer, shall be forwarded to those who are knowledgeable on subject matters and the Writer will revert later to the enquirer. Your query can be emailed to ismail.aminuddin2@gmail.com

To help those who are interested in "Taddabur", please refer to chart 2 below so you can use this chart to discuss the topic.

Chart 2

Al-Baqarah (2:174)

Before we end this topic, let's view this youtube video on Why and How to Learn Arabic for comprehension of the Al-Qur'an by Nouman Ali Khan.

ONLY ALLAH KNOWS BEST. 
alqamar5417.blogspot.com 

NOTE

1) The Al Quran verses used for this blog were extracted from the website  http://quran.com   and http://thisistruth.org. Al Quran translation is by Muhsin Khan, Yusuf Ali, Pickthall, and others. For authentic hadith visit http://www.sunnah.com

2) In addition to ayats calling for Muslims to learn the Al Quran, we shall also include interesting articles/topics extracted from other blogs and websites for sharing purposes. You can also share your articles for publish in this blog by emailing the same to alqamar5417@gmail.com   Nevertheless, the decision to publish the article shall be at the sole discretion of the Writer.

3) The Writer also would like those who are knowledgeable on the subject matter to advise the Writer should any of the writings are wrong or if there are other opinions, for the benefits of the Muslim ummah.

4) Do view this section which covers almost similar subject matter but with more illustrations and pictures for easier understanding.. do click this link satan your uninvited companion

5) Writer plans to convert writings from this blog to an e-book. The writer will let all followers know when this plan materializes.



Last updated 19 Jan 2021.