How Can I Understand the Subtleties of the Quran?
Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa
Question
What are the means available to understand the subtleties of the Quran?
Answer
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.
Discussing the means available to understand and contemplate the Quran does not mean turning a Muslim into a commentator who understands the meaning of every verse without referring to the sayings and interpretations of the scholars, or mentioning detailed rules on how to interpret and know the meanings. The intention is to mention some matters that assist in the precise understanding of the secrets of the Quran, so that his reading of the Quran is always associated with contemplation and understanding, and to remove the barrier that prevents him from proper contemplation of the Holy Quran, and to clarify the correct means that he should follow to understand the Quran accurately and correctly, because interpretation means explaining the intention of Allah (Most High) from His words.
Here are some guidelines for the correct way to understand the subtleties of the Quran:
First: Refer to Books of Tafsir (Exegesis)
To understand the words of Allah (Most High), make sure to refer to books of tafsir, starting with those that interpret the Quran by the Quran itself, because the best one to interpret the Quran is the Quran itself. Then refer to the Sunna, for the Quran was revealed to the chosen one (Allah bless him and give him peace) to explain it to the people, as Allah (Most High) says:
“And We have sent down to you (O Prophet) the Reminder, so that you may explain to people what has been revealed for them, and perhaps they will reflect.” [Quran, 16:44]
Then refer to the sayings of the Companions, because they witnessed the revelation and experienced its contexts, and they have an understanding that others do not. As Ibn Mas‘ud said: “By the One besides whom there is no deity, there is no verse from the Book of Allah about which I do not know where it was revealed and about whom it was revealed. If I knew of anyone who had greater knowledge of the Book of Allah than me, and camels could reach him, I would go to him.” [Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir; Suyuti, al-Itqan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran]
Second: Consider the Context of the Verses
If you wish to understand the Quran correctly, do not focus solely on the verse you are reading. Instead, look at the entire context of the verse, what precedes it, and what follows it. Also, search for the meaning of the verse in other suras, as what is summarized in one place might be explained in detail in another. This is a Quranic methodology that Allah (Most High) has guided us to, and He has condemned those who adhere to some verses while neglecting others, such as citing ambiguous verses and ignoring the clear ones. Allah (Most High) says:
“Do you believe in some of the Scripture and reject the rest??” [Quran, 2:85]
He also says:
“Those with deviant hearts follow the elusive verses seeking (to spread) doubt through their (false) interpretations.” [Quran, 3:7]
An example of this is found in Surat al-Baqara, where Allah (Most High) says:
“Then Adam was inspired with words (of prayer) by his Lord, so He accepted his repentance.” [Quran, 2:37]
The specific words are not mentioned in Surat al-Baqara but are found in Surat al-A‘raf:
“They replied, ‘Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will certainly be losers.’” [Quran, 7:23]
Third: Knowing the Circumstances of Revelation
The circumstances of the revelation provide clear context regarding the reasons and conditions under which the verses and suras were revealed. An example of this is what ‘Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
“Praise be to Allah whose hearing encompasses all sounds. The woman who disputed came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) arguing with him while I was in another part of the house, and I could not hear what she was saying. Then Allah revealed: ‘Indeed, Allah has heard the argument of the woman who pleaded with you (O Prophet) concerning her husband.’” [Quran, 58:1] [Ahmad]
Fourth: Knowledge of the Arabic Language
The Quran was revealed in the language of the Arabs, and understanding it correctly requires knowledge of the Arabic language, including the customs of the Arabs in their speech, actions, and circumstances. An example is when a Bedouin heard Ibn ‘Abbas reciting: “And you were at the brink of a fiery pit, and He saved you from it.” [Quran, 3:103]. The Bedouin said, “By Allah, He did not save them from it while intending to put them into it,” to which Ibn ‘Abbas responded, “Take this from someone who is not a scholar.” [Dinawari, ‘Uyun al-Akhbar]
Fifth: Prioritizing the Important over the Trivial
When seeking to understand the words of Allah (Most High), do not focus on details that neither harm by their ignorance nor benefit by their knowledge. Direct your mind to what is useful. For instance, what benefit would you gain by knowing the number of dirhams for which Yusuf (peace be upon him) was sold, as mentioned in Allah’s words: “They (later) sold him for a cheap price, just a few silver coins” [Quran, 12:20]? Similarly, what benefit is there in knowing the type of dog that accompanied the People of the Cave as stated in Allah’s words: “We turned them over, to the right and left, while their dog stretched his forelegs at the entrance.” [Quran, 18:18] Focus on the broader lessons and guidance offered by the Quran rather than on such specifics.
Sixth: Recognizing the Quran as the Speech of Allah
As you read the Quran, contemplate that these words are from the One who owns the heavens and the earth. Reflect on the messages it carries, whether commands or prohibitions, and imagine that they are directed to you personally by the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind. Seek forgiveness if you fall short in applying them.
When you come across verses of mercy, such as Allah’s words: “And the foremost (in faith) will be the foremost (in Paradise). They are the ones nearest (to Allah).” [Quran, 56:10-11], feel hopeful and ask your Lord to make you one of them.
If you encounter verses of punishment, such as: “On the Day their faces are (constantly) flipped in the Fire.” [Quran, 33:66], feel fearful and seek refuge in Allah from His severe punishment.
When you read verses that include supplications, like: “(They are) those who pray, ‘Our Lord! Bless us with (pious) spouses and offspring who will be the joy of our hearts.’” [Quran, 25:74], ask Allah for the same.
Seventh: Reflecting on the Relationship between Verses and Allah’s Names
Many verses conclude with one of the names of Allah (Most High), and understanding the relationship between the meaning in the verse and the name mentioned opens wide horizons for understanding Allah’s words.
For example, Tibi mentioned that Asma‘i was reciting Allah’s words: “As for male and female thieves, cut off their hands for what they have done—a deterrent from Allah. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” [Quran, 5:38]. Asma‘i made an error and recited: “And Allah is Forgiving and All-Merciful.” Next to him was a Bedouin who said, “Whose words are these?” I said, “The words of Allah.” He replied, “This is not the speech of Allah!” I realized my mistake and recited correctly: “And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” The Bedouin said, “You are right; this is the speech of Allah.” I asked, “Do you read the Quran?” He said, “No.” I asked, “Then how did you know?” He replied, “O man, He is Mighty and Wise, so He commanded cutting off. If He were forgiving and merciful, He would not have commanded cutting off.” [Ibn Ashur, al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir]
Eighth: Repetition of Verses
One of the most beneficial ways to contemplate the Quran is to repeat verses; it is a way to unlock its treasures and secrets.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) stood repeating Allah’s words: “If You punish them, they belong to You after all. But if You forgive them, You are surely the Almighty, All-Wise.” [Quran, 5:118], until morning came… He repeated a single verse throughout the night.
Bishr Ibn al-Sari said: “The verse is like a date; the more you chew it, the more sweetness you extract.” [Zarkashi, al-Burhan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran]
Ninth: Knowing that the Essence of Worship and the Life of the Heart Originate from the Quran
Reflect, as you read the Quran, that this text is the word of the One who has dominion over the heavens and the earth. Allah (Most High) describes the Quran as spirit, life, and light:
“And so We have sent to you (O Prophet) a revelation by Our command. You did not know of (this) Book and faith (before). But We have made it a light, by which We guide whoever We will of Our servants.” [Quran, 42:52]
Therefore, it is no wonder that a believer finds the life of their heart in contemplating the Quran, tasting the sweetness of communing with the words of their Lord. They live in the horizons of the verses, feeling their spirit move within their heart, finding a new life for their heart and a delight in their reading that cannot be described by words or recorded by pens. This is due to the majesty of the divine speech and its profound beauty, which captivates the mind of the contemplator, softening their soul and enveloping it with tranquility and reverence. The meanings manifest to the heart, flooding it with light and grace, bestowing on the reader a sense of grandeur and beauty. [‘Abd al-Rahman al-‘Aql, Hina Ya‘takif al-Qalb]
Tenth: Living with the Quran
One of the aids to understanding the subtleties of the Quran is to live with it, rejoice in it, and read it with a spirit of gladness and appreciation. Whoever seeks to understand the Quran should read it with joy and hope, for this is one of the greatest motivations for contemplation. Allah (Most High) describes His believing servants:
“Whenever a sura is revealed, some of them ask (mockingly), ‘Which of you has this increased in faith?’ As for the believers, it has increased them in faith and they rejoice.” [Quran, 9:124]
He also says:
“O humanity! Indeed, there has come to you a warning from your Lord, a cure for what is in the hearts, a guide, and a mercy for the believers. Say, (O Prophet,) ‘In Allah’s grace and mercy let them rejoice. That is far better than whatever (wealth) they amass.’” [Quran, 10:57-58]
Living with the Quran through contemplation is the key to a steadfast heart. Nothing equals living with the Quran in strengthening and stabilizing the heart. This is not for every reader, but for those whose concern, when starting a sura, is: “When will I be admonished by what I recite?” and not: “When will I finish it?” Their intention is to understand Allah’s message, to heed His warnings, and to take lessons. Reciting the Quran is an act of worship, and worship should not be done heedlessly. [Abd al-Rahman al-‘Aql, Hin Ya‘takif al-Qalb; Akhlaq Hamilat al-Quran]
Notes on Quranic Interpretation:
• If people knew the value of reading the Quran with contemplation, they would engage in it to the exclusion of everything else. Whoever reads with reflection and comes across a verse they need for the healing of their heart should repeat it even a hundred times or for the entire night. Reading a single verse with thought and understanding is better than completing a whole Quran without contemplation, more beneficial for the heart, and more likely to achieve faith and taste the sweetness of the Quran. Reading the Quran with reflection is the foundation for the heart’s rectification.
• Interpreting the Quran is a serious matter. As Masruq said: “Beware of interpretation, for it is a narration about Allah.” [Tabari, Tafsir al-Tabari; Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf; Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
Ibn ‘Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“Whoever speaks about the Quran without knowledge, let him take his seat in the Fire” [Ahmad; Ibn Abi Shayba]
• Understanding the subtleties of the Quran means contemplating its meanings and reflecting deeply on its principles, consequences, and implications. It goes beyond the apparent words and seeks to understand the profound messages carried by the Quran’s words and verses. It also involves searching for wisdom and guidance within the verses.
• Understanding the subtleties of the Quran stirs the hearts, removes their veils, opens their windows, pours light into them, moves emotions, and creates a life for the spirit that beats with it, brightens, and illuminates. [Sayyid Qutb, Fi Zilal al-Quran]
• Understanding the subtleties of the Quran encourages believers to reflect on the relationship between the verses and their daily life journey. This reflection, in turn, impacts the application of Quranic principles, visibly influencing the behavior and actions of Muslims.
• Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud said: “Do not hastily recite the Quran as if it were poetry, and do not spread it like inferior dates. Stop at its wonders, move hearts with it, and let not your concern be the end of the sura.” [Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf; Bayhaqi, Shu‘ab al-Iman]
The meaning of “Do not hastily recite the Quran” is not to rush in recitation. The term “inferior dates” refers to a type of dates that do not stick together; when scattered, they quickly separate, likening this to hastily reading the Quran without contemplation. [Ibn Qutayba, Gharib al-Hadith]
• Among the characteristics of the Kharijites, whom the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) condemned, was that “they recite the Quran, but it does not go beyond their throats. They pass through the religion as an arrow passes through the target.” [Bukhari]
• Imam Zarkashi stated that reading the Quran without contemplation is disliked, and he cited the hadith of Abdullah Ibn ‘Amr where the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “He does not understand the Quran who reads it in less than three days.” [Abu Dawud; Zarkashi, al-Burhan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; Muhammad Ali ‘Abd al-‘Aziz, Fath al-Rahman fi Bayan Hajr al-Quran; Ghanim Quduri, Muhadharat fi ‘Ulum al-Quran]
•Sufyan Ibn ‘Uyayna understood from Allah’s words: “I will turn away from My signs those who act unjustly with arrogance in the land.” [Quran, 7:146], that Allah will remove the understanding of the Quran from their hearts. [Ibn Abi al-Dunya, al-Zuhd]
• Ahmad Ibn Abi al-Hawari said: “I read the Quran and ponder over a verse, and my mind is bewildered by it. I marvel at the memorizers of the Quran! How can they enjoy sleep and be occupied with worldly matters when they recite the words of the Most Merciful? If they understood what they recite, recognized its due right, delighted in it, and enjoyed the intimate conversation with it, they would not sleep out of joy for what they have been given and blessed with.” [Sulami, Tabaqat al-Sufiyya]
• Dhul-Nun Misri said:
The Quran, with its promises and warnings, prevented the eyes from sleeping at night.
They understood the words of the Great King, a comprehension that made their necks humble and submissive.
Conclusion
Dear questioner, try to implement these ten guidelines I have mentioned to you. The Quran is full of blessings and goodness. Dedicate as much time as you can to contemplate it when you are active. Reflect on its prohibitions and commands, organize your life with it, and you will see the difference yourself. Remember that the companions (Allah be pleased with them) regarded the Quran as letters from Allah that they would read in their night prayers and apply during the day. They would not go beyond ten verses until they learned them, understood what was in them, and then acted upon them. Thus, they were granted both knowledge and action together, becoming the best of nations.
For further research on contemplating the Quran, I recommend the following books: “Al-Khulasa fi Tadabbur al-Quran” by Khalid Ibn ‘Uthman al-Sabt, “Fath al-Rahman fi Bayan Hajr al-Quran” by Muhammad Ibn Fathi Al Abdul Aziz, “Hina Ya‘takif al-Qalb” by Abdul Rahman al-Aql, “Tahaqiq al-Wisal bayn al-Qalb wa al-Quran” by Majdi Hilali, and the concise tafsir book by Dr. Wahba Zuhayli (Allah have mercy on them).
May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa
Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.
He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.
He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.
Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.
