A Practical Guide - How to Reflect on the Quran
Hassan Saeed
Read time: 4 minutes
Reflecting on the Quran is not reserved for certain people.
We are all encouraged to reflect on the Quran, each depending on their level of knowledge and experience.
The more we learn and live, the better we are able to reflect on the Quran.
First, we collect the dots, then we connect them.
1. Horizontal knowledge
These individuals would have different experiences when reflecting on this verse:
A linguist
A cardiologist
A psychologist
A neuroscientist
Each one of them would have a different perspective, not because the Quran provides conflicting information, but because they bring their unique expertise and insights to their reflections.
[Adh-Dhariyat - 21] as there are within yourselves ˹countless signs˺. Can you not see?
2. Vertical knowledge
Now let’s imagine how these individuals would reflect on the following verses based on their understanding of human biology:
A teenager
A college student
A graduate student
An expert in human biology
[Al-Mu’minun - 12] And indeed, We created humankind from an extract of clay,
[Al-Mu’minun - 13] then placed each ˹human˺ as a sperm-drop in a secure place,
[Al-Mu’minun - 14] then We developed the drop into a clinging clot, then developed the clot into a lump ˹of flesh˺, then developed the lump into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, then We brought it into being as a new creation. So Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators.
3. Life experience
The more we live, the better we are able to reflect on the Quran.
Notice I said the “more” and not the “longer”. A younger person could have more life experience than an older man.
The best to reflect on Yusuf’s story is the one who’s been let down by those closest to them.
The best to reflect on the verses about honoring parents is someone who has reached the age of 40.
The best to reflect on the verses about Abraham's story of sacrificing his only son is a father who can't imagine even the slightest discomfort for his son or daughter.
Growing as individuals allows us to discover new insights every time we read the Quran.
To better reflect on the Quran:
Learn Arabic ➡️ to understand the language.
Read Tafsir ➡️ to understand the meaning.
Read the Sirah ➡️ to understand the context.
Keep learning ➡️ to understand from different angles.
However, following the steps above does not guarantee a better reflection on the Quran.
Abu Bakr and Abu Jahl both had the same knowledge of the Arabic language and experienced listening to the Quran directly from the Prophet (peace be upon him). Yet, one ended up being his best friend, and the other, his worst enemy.
We pray to Allah to help us become among those who read and reflect on the Quran.
Learn How I Memorized the Quran: