Quran Garden

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Before we begin the Tafseer of Surah Al-Fatiha, we should learn some facts about the Quran.  Today, we answer the question "Did Prophet Muhammad explain the entire Quran?" and learn about the story of Khuzayma and Prophet Muhammad's debt.  Grab a coffee, sit back, and listen!   

Session 2

An Introduction to the Quran

All thanks are due to God, Lord of creation, and may His blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad and his family.  I have been known among my peers for my reflections on the Quran.  These reflections are not meant to explain the Quran; rather, they are a collection of moments of clarity a believer might have regarding one or a few of its verses.  

If the Quran were to be fully explained, then Prophet Muhammad would have been the foremost authority to explain it because it was revealed to him.  However, he, peace be upon him, explained to his companions only what was appropriate for their time.  He clarified all the responsibilities, duties, and rights of a Muslim that result in a reward if properly carried out or punishment if mishandled.  Thus, since the time of the Prophet, all believers have had equal and clear access to this knowledge.  However, when it came to all the other matters regarding the creation and the secrets and treasures of the Quran, the Prophet shared from his knowledge as much as the minds of his time could comprehend and value. 

The Quran wasn't revealed to uncover scientific facts or explain the hidden secrets of creation.  These insights are embedded within its verses, waiting for the right moment to unfold and shine.  More specifically, when the scientific minds are actively searching and studying such fields, God makes these verses shine with their true meaning.  This makes each scientific revelation in the Quran more appropriate for its time and more impactful as it is delivered when the scientific minds are ready.  The Prophet left the explanations of the verses not related to matters of duties and religious law to be revealed over time. 

The Quran is God's words, and God calls its verses "Ayat," which, in the Arabic language, means "signs."  God uses the same word, "Ayat," to describe His creation in the universe, such as the sun, the stars, life in all its forms, and so on.  God Almighty says:

In the creation of heavens and Earth, and the alternation of the night and day, and the ships which sail the seas to people's benefit, and the water which God sends down from the sky -by which He brings the Earth to life when it was dead and scatters about in it creatures of every kind- and the varying direction of the winds, and the clouds subservient between heaven and Earth, there are Signs for people who use their intellect.  (2:164)

So, these signs are present both in God's creation and in His Book -the Quran- and with time, one will explain and complement the other.  

Now, let's look into the meaning of the word "Quran."  In the Arabic language, "Quran" is derived from the verb "to read," meaning "the red" or "the recited." The use of the word "Quran" is restricted to God's revelation to Prophet Muhammad, intended for guidance and proof.  God also refers to the Quran as الكتاب  "the Book."  Why?  Because the Quran is preserved not only in the minds of those who memorize it but also on the pages of the holy text.  So when relating to the revelation in its read form, it is called the "Quran," and when relating to it in its written form, it is called "the Book"الكتاب

Historically, as the Quran was being collected and written down in its book form, two rules were implemented for writing down each verse.  The first rule required that two people who had memorized the verse were present, and the second rule required that the verse was also found written down by one of the Prophet's companions.  These two conditions were met for each and every verse in the Quran except for one.  This one verse was found written down; however, it was only memorized by one companion.  So, according to the rules, it should have been excluded from the Book.

But here comes an incident that shows the wisdom and mercy of God Almighty.  This particular verse was memorized by a man named Khuzaima, and no one else.  The scribe who was writing down the Quran remembered that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Whomever Khuzaima testifies for, it should suffice."  The Prophet had given Khuzaima's testimony the weight of two testimonies.  This was based on an event that happened while he, peace be upon him, was alive. 

The Prophet had borrowed money from a man and then repaid him the debt.  After some time, the man returned to the Prophet, asking for his money back.  The Prophet told the man that he had already repaid the debt in full.  So this man asked the Prophet to bring forward a witness who saw the transaction.  However, no one was with the Prophet at the time he repaid the debt.  This is when Khuzaima came forward and said, "I was present when the Prophet repaid you the money."   After the man left, the Prophet turned to Khuzaima and said, "I know you were not present when I repaid my debt; no one was there!  How could you say that you were with me?"  Khuzaima looked at the Prophet and said, "How can I believe you in all the revelations you brought from the heavens and then disbelieve you about a few coins?"   Khuzaima, through his wisdom, saw that the Prophet, the most honest and truthful man he knew, could not be dishonest about a small worldly matter when he was honest in delivering God's message.  When the Prophet saw Khuzaima's deep understanding and belief, he was delighted and said, "Whomever Khuzaima testifies for, it should suffice."

Now that we know how the Quran came to be written, let's take some time to define it.  If you were to give the most complete and accurate definition of the Quran, you would say "The Quran is" and then recite it from the very first verse until the very last one.  Here is the short definition of the Quran given by the scholars: the Quran is the words of God that were revealed to Prophet Muhammad for the purpose of guidance and as proof of His message.

In some sense, the Quran resembles all the holy books revealed previously, such as the Torah and the Gospel.  These books were revealed for the purpose of guidance and to clarify God's message.  But, the Quran uniquely serves two purposes: the first is to offer guidance and to explain God's message, and the second is to serve as a lasting miracle and proof of the Prophet's message.  The Torah delivered God's message and set of laws, while Moses' staff was his miracle.  The Gospel was the Book of guidance of Prophet Jesus, while Jesus' healing of the blind and the sick was his miracle.  The Quran combined both: the message of God and the miracle of Prophet Muhammad.

Why does this difference exist?  Because God's previous messages were meant for a certain period of time and for specific people.  The message of the Quran, on the other hand, is intended for all humanity and all times until the Day of Judgment.  Thus, its miracle should be ever-present.  Any of the Prophet's followers should be able to say -at any time- that Muhammad was the Messenger of God, and this here is his miracle.  One might say that Jesus is the Prophet of God; however, he or she cannot point and say that "this here is his miracle." The miracles of the previous prophets were like a flame that lit brightly.  Whoever saw that flame witnessed the miracle.  Once the flame extinguished, its power and light could only be transferred through storytelling.  We believe in all these miracles because they are mentioned in the Quran, but none of us has seen these miracles firsthand. 

Since the miracle of the Quran is to last until the end of time, its revelations should continue until the end of time.  It is the gift that keeps on giving and continues to shine through the ages.  This requires that not all parts of the Quran be explained at the time of the Prophet.  God says,

We will show them our signs on the horizon and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. (41: 53)

The word "it" in this verse alludes to the Quran.  Thus, scientific discoveries will continue to emerge, proving the Quran is the truth.

Congratulations on completing the first step in your Quran journey!  Join us next week as we discuss how the Quran challenged the disbelievers and the strategies the elites of Mecca used to fight back.