The Essence and Truth of the Quran and the Ways to Attain It

Seyed Hashem Moosavi

Introduction

The blessed month of Ramadan has numerous unique characteristics, each of which is enough to distinguish this month from the rest of the year. Some of these features, perhaps due to their extraordinary significance, have been specifically emphasized both in the Holy Quran and in the narrations of the infallibles (peace be upon them).

The first and foremost characteristic of Ramadan, which has even given its name to this month, is fasting. That is why, in some expressions, Ramadan is referred to as the “month of fasting.” On the surface, fasting means abstaining from eating, drinking, and other nullifiers. However, it holds a deeper essence and profound inner truth. Attaining the ultimate rewards of fasting depends on understanding its inner meaning. In the previous issue, this characteristic was briefly discussed.

The Strong Bond Between the Quran and the Month of Ramadan

The second and most significant characteristic of this month is its profound connection with the Holy Quran. This is because it was during this month, on the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), that the Quran was revealed to the heart of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). As the Quran states,

 إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

“Indeed, we sent it [the Quran] down during the Night of Decree.” (Surah Al-Qadr: 1)

And in another verse:

 شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآن

“The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 185)

For this reason, one of the most significant acts during this month is the recitation of the Holy Quran. The Quran is not exclusive to a specific group of people; just as great scholars, philosophers, and eminent scientists benefit from it, ordinary individuals who can recite it can also derive benefit from it according to their ability and understanding. This unique characteristic is not found in other books.

The importance of Quranic recitation is so great that it is considered one of the best ways to attain spiritual purity, inner peace, and constant remembrance of God. In this regard, Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) narrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) said,

مَنْ قَرَأَ عَشْرَ آيَاتٍ فِي لَيْلَةٍ لَمْ يُكْتَبْ مِنَ اَلْغَافِلِينَ

“Whoever recites ten verses of the Quran at night will not be recorded among the heedless.”

In another narration, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) states,

 نَوّرُوا بُیُوتَکُمْ بِتِلَاوَةِ الْقُرْآنِ

“Illuminate your homes with the recitation of the Quran.”

Furthermore, in another hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) says,

ولِتالِى آیة مِنْ کِتابِ اللّه خَیرٌ مِنْ تَحْتِ العرش الى تُخوم السّفلى

“For the one who recites a single verse from the Book of Allah, the reward is greater than everything between the Throne (Arsh) and the lowest depths of the earth.”

This means that the reward for reciting a verse of the Quran surpasses all that exists between the Divine Throne and the lower realms of existence.

Recitation of the Quran in Ramadan

As the blessed month of Ramadan approached, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) delivered a sermon known as the Sha’baniyah Sermon, in which he said,

فَاسْأَلُوا اللَّهَ رَبَّکُمْ بِنِیَّاتٍ صَادِقَةٍ وَ قُلُوبٍ طَاهِرَةٍ أَنْ یُوَفِّقَکُمْ لِصِیَامِهِ وَ تِلَاوَةِ کِتَابِهِ

“Ask Allah, your Lord, with sincere intentions and pure hearts to grant you success in fasting and the recitation of His Book.”

One of the main reasons for the strong emphasis on Quranic recitation during Ramadan is that fasting purifies the human heart, making it receptive to divine teachings. The Quran, being the ultimate source of divine guidance, is best understood and absorbed in such a state of spiritual purity.

For this reason, the recitation of the Quran is considered one of the most virtuous acts during the nights and days of this sacred month. In fact, the reward for reciting a single verse of this divine miracle in Ramadan is equivalent to reciting the entire Quran in any other month.

The Availability of the Fruits of the Holy Quran in Ramadan

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) beautifully describes the deep connection between Ramadan and the Quran, stating,

لكل شيء ربيع و ربيع القرآن شهر رمضان

“Everything has a spring, and the spring of the Quran is the month of Ramadan.”

This means that during this sacred month, the fruits of the Holy Quran are more accessible to us, allowing us to benefit from its blessings more quickly and easily than in any other month.

Numerous narrations emphasize that reciting even a single verse in this month carries the reward of completing an entire Quran recitation. More importantly, this great reward serves as a reminder that one of the greatest blessings of this month is the Quran itself, and we should not neglect it.

Therefore, reciting the Quran, studying its translation, and reflecting on its interpretation are all essential ways to benefit from this divine book during Ramadan. Undoubtedly, this heavenly prescription soothes our pains and brings peace to our hearts and souls. However, the ultimate salvation lies in striving-within our capacity-to reach the inner essence and truth of the Quran.

What Is the Essence and Inner Truth of the Quran?

The inner truth (bāṭin) of the Quran stands in contrast to its outer meaning (ẓāhir). While some Quranic verses hint at this concept, such as,

وما یعلم تاویله الا الله والراسخون فی العلم

“And none knows its interpretation except Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 7)

The primary source confirming the existence of both an outer and inner meaning in the Quran is the narrations of the infallibles (peace be upon them). One well-known hadith, reported by both Sunni and Shia sources from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny), states,

ان للقرآن ظهرا و بطنا و لبطنه بطنا الی سبعة ابطن

“Indeed, the Quran has an outer meaning and an inner meaning, and its inner meaning extends to seven layers of depth.”

The outer meaning of the Quran is what any Arabic speaker can understand at first glance-its apparent linguistic and literal message. However, the inner truth of the Quran is something far beyond these written words and audible sounds. Though it is presented in the form of words and verses, its essence transcends ordinary human understanding.

This is similar to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), who outwardly appeared in human form, yet in reality, he embodied the Greatest Name of Allah. His true essence was far beyond mere physical appearance, as he possessed the highest stations of prophethood.

The inner truth of the Quran is the manifestation of Allah’s Greatest and Most Comprehensive Name (Ism A’zam). In simple terms, it encompasses everything necessary for human guidance and spiritual development. This is why Allah states,

و نزلنا علیک الکتاب تبیانا لکل شیء

“And We have sent down to you the Book as a clarification for all things.” (Surah An-Nahl: 89)

Thus, if we wish to attain the boundless rewards promised by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) for reciting the Quran in this great month, we must strive to reach the higher truth of the Quran. We should step into the realm of its divine light, immerse ourselves in its teachings, and seek to unlock its hidden meanings. Only then can we illuminate our hearts and strengthen our connection with Allah in this blessed month.

 The Path to Attaining the Inner Truth of the Quran

While the deepest understanding of the Quran’s inner meanings is reserved for the firmly rooted in knowledge-namely, the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them)-there are essential conditions that enable us to gain some degree of access to its truth. Here are a few key conditions:

1. Reflection and Contemplation

The Quran is a manifestation of God, addressing the innate nature (fitrah) of every human being in all eras. Those who humbly seek its truths, reflect deeply on its verses, and courageously ask questions will receive answers in proportion to their sincerity and intellectual effort.

2. Purity and Moral Integrity

The most fundamental prerequisite for accessing the depths of the Quran is inner purity and righteousness. Allah states,

انه لقرآن کریم فی کتاب مکنون لا یمسه الا المطهرون

“Indeed, it is a noble Quran, in a well-guarded Book, which none shall touch except the purified ones.” (Surah Al-Waqi’ah: 77-79)

This verse highlights that only those who have attained a high level of spiritual purity can truly grasp the Quran’s hidden meanings.

3. Recognizing the Greatness of the Quran

One cannot uncover the precious treasures hidden within the Quran without first recognizing its immense greatness. If the reader does not perceive the Quran as a magnificent and exalted reality, they will not strive to extract its deeper meanings.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) emphasized the Quran’s greatness by elevating the status of Ramadan itself. In the supplications after the daily prayers of Ramadan, we recite: « عظمته و کرمته» “O Allah, You have made this month great and honoured it.”

The nobility of Ramadan comes from fasting, while its greatness stems from being the month in which the Quran was revealed. This implies that Ramadan is so exalted that it serves as the vessel for the descent of the Quran, which itself is an immensely grand and divine reality.

The Quran describes its own greatness,

لو انزلنا هذا القرآن علی جبل لرایته خاشعا متصدعا من خشیة الله وتلک الامثال نضربها للناس لعلهم یتفکرون

“Had We sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and crumbling in awe of Allah. Such are the parables We present to people so that they may reflect.” (Surah Al-Hashr: 21)

This honour and majesty are so profound that, on one occasion, a person addressed the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) by simply saying “Ramadan,” without the preceding title “month of Ramadan.” The Prophet was displeased and corrected him, saying: “Do not say ‘Ramadan.’ Rather, say ‘the month of Ramadan,’ for ‘Ramadan’ is one of the Names of Allah and is the vessel in which the Quran was revealed.”

Thus, by deeply contemplating the Quran, purifying our hearts, and recognizing its greatness, we can take steps toward unlocking its inner truth and allowing its divine light to illuminate our souls.