MAKTABA-E-SALIK

TA’ARUF
Volume 1 Issue 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM June 2006

Assalam o alaikum,

The purpose of
TA’ARUF, a monthly
e-newsletter is to
provide some material
for Islamic studies. [al-Qayyama75:16-19] Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an)
TA’ARUF will refrain to make haste therewith. [16] It is for Us to collect it and to
from introducing any promulgate it: [17] But when We have promulgated it, follow thou
personal views, sectar- its recital (as promulgated): [18] Nay more, it is for Us to explain
ian prejudices and nar- it (and make it clear): [19] {Yusufali }
row ideas. Selection
of Quranic verses and
The above ayyats are from Sura al-Qayyama. The Prophet
Prophetic Traditions Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) is said to have been con-
will be in light to cerned that he might forget some of the revealed words so he used to
improve the under- repeat them the very moment of revelation. The above ayyats are in
standing of Islamic the first instance addressed to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu
concept, a guide to do alayhi wassalam) but there is no doubt that it applies to every person
better studies and to who reads, listens to or studies the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the word of
build infrastructure Allah, if one is really intent on understanding the message, he must
that may help to under- beware of a “hasty approach”. In Sura Ta-haa , Allah (Subhan Wa
stand and practice Taala) says:
Islam.

We pray to Almighty
Allah! O our Lord!
Accept our humble
dedication. Verily Thou [Ta-haa 20:114] High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not
art the Mighty, the in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is com-
Wise. (Ameen). pleted, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge."[ Yusufali]
The above Ayyat lays stress on need to read slowly and patiently to
Syed S. Zoha Hashmi. give full thought to the meaning of each word and phrase and to
avoid the hasty approach in reading or listening. It is very important
( MAKTABA-E-SALIK )
that one must not draw hasty conclusions from isolated verses or
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sentences taken out of their context, but should rather allow the whole
(continued page 4)

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P a g e 2 MAKTABA-E-SALIK T a ’ a r u f

H a d i t h
NEED OF HADITH

The Qur’an stands unique and unrivalled not only for its
remaining pure from corruptions of ages, but also for its complete-
ness of teachings, catholicity of views and universality of principles.
Those principles were illustrated and explained in the best possible
manner in prophetic life of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam)
and in his sermons and actions. The Qur’an declares:

[al-Ahzab 33:21] Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beauti-

ful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the
Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.
His preaching and sermons are not found only as “talk” , he
led armies as model of commander in battle field, we see him as hus-
band, to give us practical rules for guidance of family consisting Quranic
sons, daughters, wives and servants, we see him as a devout and vocabulary
true pious man to show examples to those who dedicate themselves
to Allah. There are examples in all field of life for us.
haste
There are so many instances for example like “ prayers and
Zakat” that Qur’an is without formulation of the particulars. It was
Sunnah or practices of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) Ever
which gave them a practical shape and form. hasty
In Islam every point is illustrated and explained by Prophet
Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) himself in his percepts A sign,
and examples. A Muslim therefore stands in absolute need of a copy revelation
of The Qur’an and a copy of Hadith for guidance of his life.
The sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu increase
alayhi wassalam) and his silence implying a tacit approbation of any
action done in his presence by his disciples, were all but inspirations an
and not mere frivolous talks that are usually held at one’s leisure. increase
The traditions have therefore , got no less value than what is sup-
posed to be. more,
addi-
tional

[53:3] Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire Is com-

[53:4] It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: pleted

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V o l u m e 1 I s s u e 1 MAKTABA-E-SALIK P a g e 3

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P a g e 4 MAKTABA-E-SALIK T a ’ a r u f

A N I N T R O D U C T I O N T O I S L A M
from page 1 Quranic Studies. 4. Read slowly, distinctly and intelligently with

of the Qur’an to be completed. Only the study of focus on meanings.

the whole Qur’an can give us a correct insight. 5. Read with sweet and melodious voice.
Qur’an can be understood only if it is read
Internal Manners
thoughtfully, as one integral whole, and not a
mere collection of moral maxims, stories or 1. Take a minute before opening the pages. Ask
yourself, why are you reading ? Is it just to get
disjointed laws. If Qur’an is read as it ought to be
information? Remember Prophet Muhammad
read, it becomes “its own best commentary”. It
(sallallahu alayhi wassalam) is described as
is very clear that He (Subhan Wa Taala) is to
“walking Qur’an”.
make us remember it and to cause it to be read
with mind and heart. Since Allah (Subhan Wa 2. Keep in mind The Qur’an is not just another
book.
Taala) is who reveals the Qur’an (message in
words) and bestows upon man the ability to un- 3. By reading one interacts Allah (Subhan Wa
derstand it He attributes its “recitation” to Himself. Taala) . He is talking to you, pay attention.
We are taught to be not in haste with Qur’an but 4. Make a habit of reading at least a page daily.
say, Do not rush to complete the Book. Read the
“O my Lord, advance me whole Qur’an, minimum once a year.

in knowledge”. 5. Read the translation in the language you un-

derstand the best.
Scholars have described some external and
internal manners of reading Qur’an as follows: 6. Every day after reading perform supplication
External Manners (Dua) to Allah (Subhan Wa Taala) .

1. Perform ablution or take bath if necessary.

2. Sit facing towards Ka’ba .

3. Remember before you start reading the Holy

Qur’an ,

[al-Nahal ,16:98] When thou dost read the
Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from Satan the
rejected one. [Yusufali]
Say:
“I take refuge to Thee from the accursed devil. In the
name of Allah the most merciful, The Most Compas-
sionate”.
[al-Baqara,2:286] "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we
forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a bur-
den Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us;
Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have
strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us for-
giveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector;
Help us against those who stand against faith."

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