Connecting with the Qur’an

I was asked the following question on Instagram which, due to its deep and sensitive nature, led me to write this post:

“…I saw your story and wanted to ask whether you follow a plan when reading the Quran. I ordered a copy of M.A.S Haleem translation a few months ago and have really been able to read in the way I was hoping I’d read once I had this particular translation. Are you reading from the beginning? Can you tell me how you’ve been reading the translation and interacting with it?”

Not only did I see my couple-of-years ago self in that question but also myself now. For those of us who are seeking, I feel that we are constantly wanting to have a deeper connection with Allah, always wanting to dig deeper, become more vulnerable and find that “special pathway” towards Him (swt). I believe this is what the question is referring to: How do we establish a special connection with Quran?

I feel completely unqualified to answer this question for more reasons than one. Please read it with the understanding that it is coming from a regular person going through self discovery and struggles just like you.

Tawfeeq

The concept of tawfeeq is such a beautiful one in our faith. Nothing truly happens in our body and surroundings, especially spirituality in this context unless Allah has given us the ability to do it. The mere desire to pray is a tawfeeq Allah has granted some of us that many of us do not have. The need and the desire to be more devout is a gift and it should be understood as such. A gift, not just any gift but one that Allah bestows Himself, deserves thanks, deserves reverence, deserves to be cherished. The fact that the sister is asking this question and that we desire to do the same is a gift which I often feel is taken for granted.

Take that same line of thinking and truly thank Allah for putting the desire in your heart to connect with His Word. Begin each reading session with a dua that begins with giving thanks to Him for the gift and end that dua with asking Him to make this session blessed for you.

Gain

What are you hoping to gain from this experience? With the Qur’an and/or its translation open in front of you, what is it that you are wanting to achieve? The answer may be: To understand His Words, to find out why the Quran is special, to understand your deen. While all of these are commendable reasons to want to study the Qur’an, I feel that they are second to the one that should always be first: To seek closeness with Allah. At the end of it all when we find ourselves enveloped in the darkness of the grave, the one saving factor that will introduce Light is our relationship with Allah. The hours we spend in cultivating that will make the interrogation in the grave that much easier and our meeting with Him (swt) that much more rewarding.

In your dua before opening up the Qur’an, add in your desire to seek His Nearness. You are taking this step to just be close to Him, to have Him in your heart at all times, to be constant in your remembrance of Him, to be conscious of Him throughout the day until the very last one – that is your ultimate reason.

Guidance

When it comes to translation, it is important to have guidance while reading it. There are numerous resources online whether on Youtube or podcasts where you can read alongside a person of knowledge who is breaking down the basics of the surah as s/he goes along. Find the style that suits you and most importantly, find someone who is credible.

The opportunity to misread and misunderstand the translation or even the Arabic is very strong. Having some on hand who can answer your queries is a gift. As for me, you can read more about my approach in my Ramadan prep blog posts.

Avoiding Pressure

Just a handful of years ago, I was joyfully immersed in wanting to know the Quran more. I was fortunate to attend Quran Intensive to begin my journey in Quranic Arabic which then led me towards Bayyinah’s Access course, a gift I can never forget. I would spend a couple of hours each week taking the classes, Quran Journaling, doing the homework and those hours are still very dear to my heart. Then my life changed and my sickness took over but it did take my heart some time to comprehend how my new routine is not going to mimic my old one. My new routine resulted in my reduced connection with the Qur’an as a non-negotiable task to be performed daily, much different than what it was before.

That perhaps was the hardest thing for me. Chronic illness can effect you in more ways than just one, I learned. It continues to effect me physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. The reason why I wanted to share that with you is that your life will dictate how much time and energy you can put forward in working on that relationship with the Qur’an. Whether you are reading it casually like I have been or if you are dedicated to it with a notepad and a pen, make it special with the dua in the beginning and allow whatever you are able to do move you.

Even little readings in a day can result in a compounded effect with the help of dua and understanding the why of making the effort to begin with.

To my sister who asked this question, I hope that this approach delivers some answers. I have a much natural and relaxed approach to understanding Qur’an currently due to my health limitations however I feel much blessings have come due to it. I have learned to be less concerned with checking off the lists of classes and to-do lists, and more with how to focus and apply what I am learning (as deeply flawed as I am).

It is very important to reiterate that your connection with the Qur’an is different than someone else, as it should be. Your approach can not mimic your friend’s or your family’s because it is tailored to your life and circumstance. As long as how you are understanding it and taking rulings from it is coming from a teacher you respect, any change is a good one. Begin with dua and end with dua. Finally, whichever approach you take, make sure to take small steps and build on them as you become more sure of your footing.

My favorite way to end my reading of Qur’an is the following:

“Oh Allah, please accept this from me: My imperfect approach to your Perfect Words, my divided attention, my lack of understanding, please accept this effort of becoming closer to You regardless of those things. Allow the Qur’an to fill my heart, allow it to penetrate every aspect of my life, unite me with it on the Day of Judgement, allow it to be a friend and a cherished companion. Ameen.”