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THE FIVE RIGHTS OF THE QUR'AN

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FIVE RIGHTS OF THE QUR'AN
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1.) Belief:

The Qur'an is, as we believe, the final revelation and only intact word of God. As Allah says:

"O you who believe! Believe in Allah and His messenger and the Scripture which He hath revealed unto His messenger, and the Scripture which He revealed aforetime. Whosoever disbelieve in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and his messengers and last day, he verily hath wandered far astray." (Qur'an 4:136)

In this verse, Allah ta'la is asking us (yes, the believers) to believe in the Qur'an. Why are those declared to be believers being asked to believe? It would be understandable if the Qur'an asked the Jews, Christians, polytheists, and hypocrites to believe, but why does the Qur'an address the believers and ask us to believe? The answer is simple: It is one thing to declare that we believe, and another thing to be firm in that declaration in real life when we face challenges.

For example, one of the strongest challenges is sometimes posed by science and technology. There is little doubt that this force has been instrumental in recent times. But whenever scientists attempt to go beyond their mental limited sources of knowledge - the use of the five human senses to observe, listen, touch, taste, and smell - they cannot provide knowledge which is complete and perfect. Human senses cannot reach for distances; they cannot see the realities beyond the heavens even with the aid of a telescope; and they cannot explain the fire that did not harm Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh). It cannot explain how Musa (pbuh) safely passed through the sea while Pharaoh drowned in it. Science cannot explain how the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus (pbuh). The Qur'an is demanding Iman (faith) despite science, that is a total faith in the statement of the Qur'an whether we understand it or not.

2.) Recitation/Study:

The second obligation upon a Muslim towards the Qur'an is the recitation and reading of the Qur'an seriously - at least the way we seriously study other books. In Surah Muzammil, verses 4 and 20, Allah says,

"And recite the Qur'an in measure" (73:4)

"And recite the Qur'an whatever is easy you". (73:20)

Recitation is only a first step towards the understanding and study of the Qur'an. Perhaps we need to use a pen and highlighter so that we can underline statements whenever we need to. Allah says,

"Recite that which hath been inspired in thee of the Scripture, and establish worship. Lo! worship persevereth from lewdness and inequity, but verity remembrance of Allah is more important. And Allah knoweth what ye do." (Qur'an 29:45)

In an authentic hadith, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, "The best among you is one who learns Qur'an and teaches it." (Sahih Bukhari).

3.) Reflection:

The third right of the Qur'an upon Muslims is reflecting on its content. This deep thinking is not just encouraged, but demanded in the Qur'an.Allah says,

"With clear proofs and writings, We have revealed unto thee the Remembrance that thou mayst explain to mankind that which hath been revealed for them, and that they may reflect." (Qur'an 16:44).

Furthermore, in Surah Muhammad says,

"Will they then not meditate (reflect) on the Qur'an, or are there locks on their hearts." (47:24)

This reflection will lead to stronger faith and a better understanding of the Qur'an so that we can act upon its teachings.

4.) Action:

The fourth right of the Qur'an is for us to act upon its teachings and apply them whole heartedly in all aspects of our lives - individual, family and social. As Allah says in Surah As-Saff,

"O you who believe, do you say which you do not do? It is grievously hateful in the eyes of Allah that you say what you do not do."

Furthermore, in an authentic hadith narrated by Labeed bin Zaid, it is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) mentioned something serious and said that it will happen when knowledge will be lifted. Zaid said, "O messenger of Allah ,how will knowledge will be lifted while we are studying it and teaching it to our children, and our children are studying it and teaching it to their children?" The Prophet (pbuh) said "I thought you are the wisest man in the town. Do you not see the Jews and Christians read the Torah (Old Testament) and Injeel (New Testament) but do not act upon any of it?"

5.) Communication/Jihad:

Finally, we must learn, teach, spread, and communicate the message of the Qur'an in every possible way and engage in Jihad (struggle) with it. In an authentic hadith, the Prophet (pbuh) emphasizes the importance of communicating the Qur'an message."Communicate from me, even if it is only one ayah (verse) of the Qur'an"

Furthermore, we must use the Qur'an to struggle against the temptations presented by ourselves, our loved ones, and others. Allah says,

"Engage into struggle with the help of the Qur'an - in the greater struggle."