The Holy Qur'an: A Miracle

September 24, 2024

1. Introduction:

The Qur'an is the final revelation from Allah ﷻ, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over 23 years. It serves not only as a guide but also as a comprehensive healing for both spiritual and physical ailments. Through its verses and the sayings of the Prophet ﷺ, the Qur'an’s significance is elaborated upon in multiple dimensions: as a guide, a cure, and a mercy for believers.

2. Qur'anic Verses on the Importance of the Qur'an

The Allah ﷻ speaks about the Qur'an itself in many verses, directly and indirectly, emphasizing its importance as a book of guidance, healing, mercy, wisdom, and a reminder.

2.1. The Qur'an as Guidance

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2):

"This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah."

The Qur'an begins by affirming its own role as an infallible guide for those who fear Allah ﷻ, showing that it leads the believer toward righteousness.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185):

"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion."

Here, the Qur'an is established as not just any guide, but the ultimate guide for humanity, revealed in the blessed month of Ramadan.

Surah Al-Isra (17:9):

"Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward."

The Qur'an here is described as leading towards the "most suitable" path, emphasizing its role as the straight path for those seeking success.

2.2. The Qur'an as Mercy and Healing

Surah Al-Isra (17:82):

"And We send down from the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss."

Surah At-Tawbah (9:124-125):

"Whenever a surah is revealed, some of them ask ˹mockingly˺, “Which of you has this increased in faith?” As for the believers, it has increased them in faith, and they rejoice. But as for those with sickness in their hearts, it has increased them only in evil upon their evil, and they die as disbelievers."

These verses clearly indicate the healing power of the Qur'an. It is a spiritual remedy for the believer's heart and soul. It offers mercy to those who accept its teachings while bringing regret to those who reject it. Those who reject the Qur'an and turn away from its guidance are actually doing an injustice to themselves. The Qur'an does not leave them in the same flawed state they were in before, but rather causes them even greater loss. Before its revelation, their downfall was due to ignorance alone, but once the Qur'an made clear the distinction between truth and falsehood, they had no justification to remain in ignorance. Therefore, their rejection after knowing the truth leads them to an even worse state than before. The Prophet ﷺ has summed this up in this concise and comprehensive sentence: The Quran is either an argument in your favor or against you.

Surah Yunus (10:57):

"O mankind, there has come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the hearts and guidance and mercy for the believers."

This verse extends the concept of healing to the emotional and spiritual turmoil people often face. The Qur'an cure mental, psychological, moral, cultural, spiritual and even physiological diseases.

2.3. The Qur'an as Light and Enlightenment

Surah An-Nisa (4:174):

"O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light."

The term "light" here reinforces that the Qur'an is not only a guide but also a source of enlightenment, providing clarity in life and purging ignorance.

2.4. The Qur'an as the Final Revelation

Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:48):

"We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ this Book with the truth, as a confirmation of previous Scriptures and a supreme authority on them. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires over the truth that has come to you. To each of you We have ordained a code of law and a way of life. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given ˹each of˺ you. So compete with one another in doing good. To Allah you will all return, then He will inform you ˹of the truth˺ regarding your differences."

This verse reaffirms that the Qur'an is the final, complete message that confirms and supersedes previous revelations, positioning it as the most authoritative guide for humanity.

Surah Al-Hijr (15:9):

"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an, and indeed, We will be its guardian."

Allah ﷻ promises to protect the Qur'an from alteration or corruption, ensuring that it remains a pure and preserved source of guidance.

2.5. The Challenge to Produce Something Like the Qur'an

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:23-24):

"And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful. But if you do not – and you will never be able to – then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers."

Surah Al-Isra (17:88):
"Say: 'If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each assist the other.'"

Surah Yunus (10:38)
"Or do they say, 'He invented it'? Say, 'Then bring forth a surah like it and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful.'"

This challenge, repeated throughout the Qur'an, emphasizes its miraculous nature, asserting that no human or jinn could ever replicate its eloquence, depth, or wisdom.

2.6. The Qur'an as a Reminder and a Warning

Surah Sad (38:29):

"[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that the men of understanding would take heed."

This verse encourages reflection upon the Qur'an’s verses, reminding believers of their duties and the truths of existence.

2.7. The Qur'an as a Criterion (Al-Furqan)

Surah Al-Furqan (25:1):

"Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be to the worlds a warner."

The term "Criterion" signifies that the Qur'an is a decisive standard by which to distinguish right from wrong and truth from falsehood.

3. The Qur'an as a Source of Healing

The Qur'an's role as a spiritual and physical healing is emphasized in many verses and is further elaborated in prophetic traditions (hadiths).

3.1. Qur'anic Healing Verses

Surah Fussilat (41:44):

"Say, 'It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure.' And those who do not believe – in their ears is deafness, and it is upon them blindness. It is as if they are being called from a distant place."

This verse again links the Qur'an with healing. It is a cure for both spiritual blindness and deafness for believers, while disbelievers turn away from the truth it speaks, deliberately ignoring it and distancing themselves from it.

Surah Al-Hashr (59:21):

"Had We sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will reflect [upon the example]."

Although this verse is metaphorical, it hints at the immense spiritual power contained in the Qur'an that can transform even the hardest of hearts. If a mountain, vast and solid as it is, would feel humble and crumble in fear of Allah if it were able to comprehend the Qur’an, then what about you, O mankind? Why do your hearts not soften and humble themselves in fear of Allah, despite your ability to understand His commands and comprehend His Book?

3.2. Hadith on Healing through the Qur'an

Sahih al-Bukhari (5735):

Narrated Aisha (RA): "When the Prophet ﷺ was ill, he used to recite the Mu'awwidhat (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) and then blow his breath over his body."

In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ demonstrated the use of the Qur'an for physical healing through the recitation of specific chapters known for their protective qualities.

Sunan Abu Dawood (3883):

It was narrated from Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri (RA) that some of the companions of the Prophet ﷺ came across a tribe, and one of them had been stung by a scorpion. A man from among them recited Surah Al-Fatiha, and the sick man was cured. When they informed the Prophet ﷺ, he approved of this practice.

This hadith emphasizes the healing power of specific verses, such as Surah Al-Fatiha, known as "The Opener" or the "Mother of the Book."

4. Prophetic Hadiths Emphasizing the Importance of the Qur'an

4.1. Hadith on the Qur'an as an Intercessor

Sahih Muslim (804):

"Recite the Qur'an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqara and Surah Al 'Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them."

The Prophet ﷺ reassures believers that the Qur'an itself will act as an intercessor on the Day of Judgment, pleading for those who read and follow it.

4.2. The Virtue of Learning and Teaching the Qur'an

Sahih al-Bukhari (5027):

"The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it."

This famous hadith places a special emphasis on learning and sharing the Qur'an's teachings, showing the immense reward and significance of engaging with the Qur'an.

4.3. Holding Fast to the Qur'an

Sunan Ibn Majah (3773):

"I have left behind me two things, the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and if you adhere to them, you will never go astray."

In another narration:

"...the Qur'an and the members of my family.."

This hadith is a reminder that following the Qur'an, in tandem with the Prophet's ﷺ Sunnah, ensures a life lived in the light of divine guidance.

5. The Etiquettes of Engaging with the Qur'an

The Qur'an holds a sacred status in Islam, and interacting with it requires special respect and observance of certain etiquettes.

5.1. Purification and Cleanliness

Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:79):

"None touch it except the purified."

These verses emphasize the importance of purity when handling the Qur'an, stressing its sacred nature.

Ablutions (Wudu'): In earthly practice, it emphasizes the need for Muslims to be in a state of physical purity when handling or reading the physical Qur'an.

Spiritual Purity: It emphasizes the importance of purity of heart and soul for truly connecting with and understanding the Qur'an's divine message.

6. The Rewards for Those Who Recite the Qur'an with Proficiency

Reciting the Qur'an with proficiency and care is a highly meritorious act in Islam. Not only does it strengthen one’s connection with Allah ﷻ, but it also brings immense rewards in both this life and the Hereafter. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of its recitation, and numerous hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasize the special rank and rewards for those who recite the Qur'an with skill and dedication.

6.1. Hadith on Proficiency in Reciting the Qur'an

One of the most well-known hadiths regarding the reward for reciting the Qur'an with proficiency is the following:

Sahih al-Bukhari (4937) and Sahih Muslim (798):
"The one who recites the Qur'an and is proficient in it will be with the honorable and obedient scribes (angels), and the one who recites the Qur'an and struggles with it, finding it difficult, will have two rewards."

Explanation:

Proficient Reciters:

Someone who has mastered the art of reciting the Qur'an, which includes understanding its rules of Tajweed (proper pronunciation and articulation), is placed in the ranks of the "honorable and obedient scribes", who are believed to be angels of high status.
Being in the company of these noble angels is a tremendous honor, highlighting the spiritual elevation of those who excel in Qur'anic recitation.
This hadith signifies the immense closeness to Allah ﷻ and the high spiritual rank attained by those who recite the Qur'an with care and expertise.

Struggling Reciters:

For those who find it difficult to recite the Qur'an properly due to lack of fluency or understanding, this hadith is extremely encouraging. Despite the hardship, they receive double the reward: one for the effort they put into learning and one for the act of recitation itself.
This shows Allah’s ﷻ mercy and recognition of the sincere effort put into engaging with the Qur'an, even when it's challenging.

6.2. Hadith on the Multiplication of Rewards for Reciting the Qur'an

Sunan al-Tirmidhi (2910):

"Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah ﷻ will receive one good deed as ten good deeds. I do not say that Alif Lam Meem is one letter, rather Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Meem is a letter."

Explanation:

Every single letter of the Qur'an recited brings a reward multiplied by ten, as explained by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This reflects the immense value and blessing in even the smallest act of reciting the Qur'an.
Alif Lam Meem, although often understood as mysterious combinations of letters (known as Muqatta'at) at the beginning of certain surahs, still bring rewards as individual letters. This means that every part of the Qur'an, no matter how simple or complex, carries divine rewards for the reciter.

6.3. The Qur'an as an Intercessor for the Proficient Reciter

Sahih Muslim (804):

"Recite the Qur'an, for it will come as an intercessor for its companions on the Day of Resurrection."

Explanation:

The Qur'an will serve as an intercessor on the Day of Judgment for those who dedicated themselves to its recitation and study. This intercession could be the key to salvation for many, highlighting the eternal benefit of reciting the Qur'an.
Those who recite with proficiency and dedication will be among those the Qur'an advocates for, reinforcing the idea that the Qur'an is both a spiritual guide in life and a savior in the afterlife.

6.4. Hadith on the Elevation of Rank in Paradise

Sunan Abi Dawood (1464):
"It will be said to the companion of the Qur'an: 'Recite and rise up, recite as you used to in the world, for your rank will be at the last verse you recite.'"

Explanation:

This hadith describes how those who regularly recite the Qur'an will be invited to recite and ascend the ranks of Paradise. The more they recite, the higher their rank in Paradise will be.
It is significant that the recitation in this world directly impacts a person’s status in the Hereafter, with each verse of the Qur'an recited elevating them spiritually. Those who are proficient in recitation will find themselves able to ascend even higher due to their familiarity and mastery of the Qur'an.

7. The Benefits of Mastering Qur'anic Recitation

7.1. Increased Closeness to Allah ﷻ:

Reciting the Qur'an with proficiency brings a believer closer to Allah ﷻ, as they engage deeply with His divine words. This closeness is a source of immense spiritual satisfaction and tranquility.

7.2. Spiritual Purification:

Mastering the Qur'an allows one to internalize its meanings more effectively, leading to greater self-purification and moral rectitude.

7.3. Community Leadership:

Those who master the Qur'an often take on leadership roles in their communities as teachers, imams, or scholars. They help others learn and engage with the Qur'an, which is a source of great ongoing rewards (Sadaqah Jariyah).

7.4. Protection in Life and the Hereafter:

The Qur'an acts as a shield and a source of guidance throughout life and on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet ﷺ has said that the Qur'an will protect those who recite and live by it.

Conclusion:

The Qur'an is the ultimate guide, healer, and mercy for all of humanity, offering healing not only for the soul but also for physical ailments through its divine verses. As the preserved word of Allah ﷻ, it plays a central role in a Muslim's life, providing a path to success in both this world and the Hereafter. By reciting, reflecting on, and applying its teachings, one draws closer to Allah ﷻ and finds spiritual, emotional, and physical peace. Reciting the Qur'an with proficiency brings immense rewards, placing the reciter in the company of angels and elevating their rank in Paradise, while the Qur'an intercedes on their behalf. Each letter recited is rewarded, and those who struggle with recitation are granted double the reward, making the effort to recite the Qur'an with care and excellence a path to divine favor and spiritual elevation.