The Quran in Ramadan and all Year Round

What does the Qur’an mean to you? As you have been reading it throughout Ramadan, does it mean more to you now than it did before? Understanding the role of the Qur’an in our lives is essential if we are to make good use of it all year round.

The Qur’an is life’s guide book or manual provided by the One who created all there is. Its message gives all kinds of indicators about courses of action you can adopt to be a truly successful person in your spiritual life, in your relationships and in everything you do. Without this message, we would be left to the dictates of our own minds that have such a limited capacity to perceive beyond our own selves.

When we read the Qur’an we are reading a message from the Creator of the universe. It is a message from our Creator, our Sustainer - the One to whom we will all ultimately return. Allah the Almighty speaks to us through the Qur’an. It is His everlasting words. So we see how important it is that we stop and reflect while we are reading. Reading the Qur’an should not be a race to see how quickly we can finish it. We should be hoping to understand more and to feel more enlightened as we read and ponder.

The Qur’an is not an intellectual concept and it is not a literary work. It is the words of Almighty Allah that brings tears to the eyes of people who hear it recited even though they do not understand its meanings. It strikes a chord in the heart.

Our copy of the Qur'an should be our most valued possession. When we feel down or confused, we should be able to pick it up and read it and think about it deeply. It contains the answers to our fears, our questions, and our deepest thoughts. The Qur’an inspires and uplifts the soul, calms the heart, brings peace to the mind and motivates us to do more good deeds and move beyond our fears. It is the last word. For Muslims, it is the evidence for any action, stance, position or decision.

We know that Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an and we should realize that it is our guide throughout the whole year. We should keep the Qur’an near us and read it often and reflect. Through it, Almighty Allah will guide us, bless us, strengthen us and help us face life’s struggle. The Qur’an is the ultimate solace for a broken heart and how many of us suffer from sadness, loss or grief?

When we read the Qur'an we feel a personal connection to the Creator and this is something that is very difficult to describe. It is concerned with matters of the heart that can only be experienced, not explained. When a person is close to Almighty Allah and sincerely seeks to tread His path, there is a light in his or her face, calmness and something that inspires us and attracts our attention. The Qur’an inspires noble values in our hearts and urges us to do and be good and pious. It calls us to remember Allah the Almighty and turn to Him constantly for forgiveness, help and guidance. It warns us of the consequences of spreading evil in this world and gives glad tidings to those who seek goodness and persevere patiently.

The Qur’an was revealed in a certain time and place but its meaning has relevance for all time and all places until the end of the world. The challenge is to understand its message: its meaning, and how we should implement it in today’s world. By knowing how and when and where it was revealed, we get indicators of how to understand it in today’s context.

If you managed to read the whole Qur’an during Ramadan you have attained a great reward according to your intention. If you did not manage to read it all, do not despair. The Qur’an is for all times and places. Read it everyday. Even if you read just a small part, you will be building up a good habit; a connection with the Creator who describes Himself as the most Merciful, the ever Compassionate.