Also, the Qur’an contains truths that may be beyond our...

Also, the Qur’an contains truths that may be beyond our comprehension, and so how can we ever bring the like of it. (peace be upon him and his family) said that whoever searches for salvation without the Qur’an is astray . The right path is the Qur’an. For example, we recite so many times daily, Qur’an (1:6-7) , “Guide us on the straight path, the path of those whom You have blessed – such as have not incurred Your wrath, nor are astray.” This is universal and applies to everyone.

You can break down every action in life into the three categories: 1) the straight path, 2) the path of those who go astray, and 3) the path of those that incur the Lord’s wrath. For example, if I wanted to make money to support my family, I can find Islamically permissible work (a straight path), or I can find work that involves bad acts or is harmful (going astray), or I can avoid work and just steal for the rest of my life (incurring wrath).

In every little action, one must find the straight path and take it ( i.e. , knowledge and action). As Muslims, we should read the Qur’an every day. But, how should we read? Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him and his family) said that I do not like someone who reads the Qur’an in less than one month . (Jalali, page 453). Why? One can answer the question with another hadith (tradition) from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him and his family).

He said that the Qur’an should not be read fast but, rather, should be read with pondering and meditation . It is important to not just move our tongues to make the sounds but to also comprehend and think. When I was younger, I memorized some of the shorter chapters of the Qur’an so that I can recite them during salah (Islamic ritual prayer). Arabic not being a native language for me, I was just happy to be able to pronounce the chapters in a halfway decent manner.

One day I thought to myself that I should really know what I am saying. Standing before the Lord (all praise is due to Him) and reciting without understanding did not seem right. Accordingly, I forced myself to understand the meanings of the chapters I memorized via English translations. Truthfully, when I started praying with the understanding of the words, my prayer felt more sincere and I felt more content.

If we believe that the Qur’an is truth and guidance, then we must ponder and attempt to comprehend it for our own benefit. Furthermore, there are some etiquettes and recommendations when reading the Qur’an. (Jalali, page 454).