How to Understand Quran without External Influence
HOW TO UNDERSTAND QURAN FROM QURAN ITSELF AND WITHOUT ANY EXTERNAL INFLUENCE
In this Article, we are discussing the following
- QURAN IN ARABIC LANGUAGE
- The Reasons why Quran is in Arabic Language as per Quran?
- Is getting Hidayah really linked with the need to learn the Arabic Language?
- Is Quran only for scholars or Arabic language experts & How being a non-Arabic language speaker is actually an advantage as per our experience!
- BASIC RULES AND REMINDERS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE STUDYING QURAN
- Quran is the ONLY source of Deen
- Emaan & Ayaat are the Basic Foundations of Deen
- Deen is Haqq- Absolute truth, Justice at its Best, Duty & Responsibility
- There is no Force, Compulsion, or Hardship in Deen
- There is no Contradiction in Deen
- It will take Time and Efforts- DO NOT RUSH, Invest Time & Efforts
- Wazah- Why Context, order & placement is so important?
- Overall Approach- Rational Approach to Deen & It’s three levels
- REQUIRED TOOLS & AIDS
- Quran with word-by-word translation,
- Smart phone Apps
- Websites
- UNDERSTANDING KEY QURANIC WORDS- STEP BY STEP GUIDE
- We’re going to practically demonstrate, through a step-by-step guide with examples as how we do research to understand Key Quranic words from Quran itself without any external influence
- Availability of our research work- A brief Overview of WQT APP- Quran (Words & Concepts)
- WHY WE DO NOT USE ROOT-WORD METHOD ANYMORE! & Examples of Main Issues such as
- Same Root Words with entirely different meanings;
- Lack of agreement among scholars w.r.t. the Root words; and
- Classifying the SAME word under different root words
REASONS & IMPLICATIONS OF QURAN BEING IN ARABIC LANGUAGE
REASON WHY QURAN IS IN ARABIC LANGUAGE
First and foremost, we have to keep in mind that Quran’s Language is NOT the current Spoken Arabic language at all- it was the classical medieval Arabic language spoken 1400 years back.
Many languages of the Kitaab, that is the language in which it was revealed earlier; are not spoken anymore, for instance the Aramaic language, in which the earlier Kitaab was revealed, is not spoken anymore- in fact currently it’s in endangered status, since it is not a commonly spoken language anymore and used mainly by the older generations only. Similarly, the Hebrew Language, another one in which the Kitaab was revealed, died completely as no one spoke it anymore, an attempt was made to revive it later.
Just because the name is the same, doesn’t mean the current spoken Arabic is the same language in which Quran was revealed- Every language goes through transformation and changes. I’ll illustrate how the spoken Arabic language has changed over time. The Urdu language which originated in the Indian subcontinent ard 12th century, was an army of languages combining words from other languages such as English, Arabic, Persian etc. Many words of Arabic that got inserted into Urdu language around the 12th century are more aligned with Quranic Arabic then even the current spoken Arabic. For instance, the word Na’imat Khana- referring to the top most shelf- is derived from the meanings of the word Na’imat as height or benchmark. Whereas the current spoken Arabic translate the word Na’imat and Ana’m as either only blessing or animals. Similarly, the word Tahet in Urdu means in accordance with, or in alignment with, which is what Quranic Arabic has used the word, whereas the current spoken Arabic uses the word Tahte as flowing. Thus, the classical medieval Arabic language has gone through many transformations and changes over the last 1400 years and it is not the same as the Quran’s language anymore. Quran’s language is unique and can ONLY be understood by Quran itself, without any external influence at all.
WHAT IF QURAN WAS IN AJAMI (FOREIGN) LANGUAGE?
[41:44] And if We had Ja’alna (appointed) it an Aj’ami (non-Arabic) Qur’an, they would have said, “Why are its Ayaat not explained in detail? “ Ajami and Arabiy? Say, “It is, for those who Amanu (seek knowledge, use Aqal), a Hidayah (guidance) and Shi’faa (healing, treatment) ” And those who do not Amanu, in their ears is deafness, and it is for them blindness. Those are being called from a place far.
What this Ayah is basically telling us is that, Had Allah revealed the Quran, in a language other than the language of the Nabiy, and the communities the Rasool lived in, then they would have found an excuse as if the Nabiy and the Kitaab is Ajami, foreign to them and thus they cannot understand it.
This Ayah is also giving us the criteria as to how to take Hidaya- which does not matter if one is Arabiy or Ajami, what matters is that it is for those who Amanu- seek knowledge, use Aqal, intellect to be at Aman, w.r.t. the five fundamentals of Emaan, those who are at Aman, peace, harmony and goodwill with others; and those who are upholders of their oath, covenant & Meesaq with Allah. For such people, it’s Hidayah- guidance and a Shifaa – healing and treatment.
But for those who do not Amanu- do not seek knowledge, do not use their faculties- for such people, it’s like they are being called from far off place.
REASON WHY QURAN IS IN ARABIC LANGUAGE
When we wonder why Quran is in Arabic Language- is it because Arabic is the holy language or the language of God Almighty? The general impression and behaviors of Muslims is, as if it is. If we think, say, or act as it, then this is like confining Allah to a certain language only, when Allah is the creator of every language and everything!
Now, let’s understand Why Quran is in Arabic language as communicated to us by Quran. Although there are many reasons mentioned in Quran, such as aiding Zikar, observing Taqwa, establishing and spreading knowledge of the Kitaab etc. but I would confine our today’s discussion to just 2 important reasons.
The primary one is based on this Ayah, which tells us what’s the purpose of selecting any language by Allah for Allah’s Kitaab!
[14:04] And We did not send any Rasool except in the Lisaan (language) of the people in order to Yubayyina (make Bayyin), then Yazalil (get misled) Yasha’u (whoever wills) and Yahdi (gets guidance) Yasha’u (whoever wills). And Allah is Aziz the Hakeem.
Here we need to understand the Vocabulary of the word Bayyin– the basic meanings are derived from the process of segregating wheat, i.e., the food from the chaff, hay & straw, i.e., the useless aspects. Thus, it means distinctly separating for instance the Haqq from the Batil, Kufar from Emaan, etc. Based on the word ‘Bayyan’, the word Bayyin and Mubeen also means explaining things in detail with examples as well as it also means to give clear and distinct evidences.
Thus, this ayah is basically telling us the reasons why Allah send the Kitaab in the Lisaan- the language of the people of the Rasool, so that the Kitaab could be Yubayyina- made Bayyin, Mubeen, in all these meanings.
[43:2-3] “And the Kitaab-e-Al-Mubeen. WE Ja’alna Quranan Arabiya so that you Ta’qaluna”
This Ayah Highlights the 2nd imp reason as to why Quran is in Arabic. But here let’s discuss vocabularies of Kitaab, Quran and Ta’qaluna First.
Vocabulary- Kitaab– Kitaab means written, the compilation of all that has been Kutiba- made Fard & obligatory, the books of revelations.
Vocabulary- Quran– means to read, understand & implement practically, also means to compile, all the Ahkimaat, the laws and to proclaim to others, verbally, in writing, and through one’s conducts and behaviors.
Vocabulary- Ta’qaluna- Basis Aqal: The word Aqal means brain, our thinning, reasoning and intellectual faculties. Quran places immense importance on using one’s Aqal rather than blindly follow whatever is being told. Whenever Allah has used the word Taqaloon or Yaqaloon or Aqallo, it means to use the brain, our intellectual and reasoning faculties to understand things and matters.
What this Ayah is saying is that the Kitaab has been made Bayyin/ Mubeen- distinctly clear as evidence, segregating the clear distinction between Emaan Kufar, Haqq Batil, etc. and explained in detail with examples. The Kitaab is the same, the same Ahkimaat, but it’s Quran- reading, understanding, compilation within oneself, implementation and proclamation to others- that has been Ja’alna- appointed by Allah as Arabiya in order for us to use our Aqal, thinking and intellect.
Let’s look at another Ayah as follows
[12:1-2] “Alif Lam Ra- These are the Ayaatu the Kitaab-e- Al-Mubeen. Indeed, WE Anzalna Quranan Arabiya so that you Ta’qaluna”.
Please note that if the Arabic Language of Quran would be the same as spoken Arabic language, people do not need to use their Aqal, since it would be commonly spoken and understood. We would just use the meanings whatever comes naturally to us. But here when Allah says ‘so that you Ta’qalun’ means we need to use our thinking and intellect to read, understand and implement the Kitaab because Quranic Arabic is NOT the spoken language. We cannot take whatever is given on face value, we have to question and seek the divine wisdom behind every word and Ayah. Then we have to apply the meanings out of the many usages in Quran based on the Wazah- the context and placement, in order for it to make sense to us. We cannot simply follow blindly our forefathers or whatever we’re told.
The point to Really think about for both of these Ayahs is that the word ‘Lisaan’, meaning language is not mentioned which shows that the word Arabia may not be referring to language. Let’s discuss the Vocabulary- Arabia: If we look at the use of the word Arabe in Classical/medieval Arabic, it means to express or state clearly. For instance, in Ayah 56:37, the word Auruban is not used in the meanings of Arabic language, tradition, or culture etc. but in terms of stating or expressing clearly. Thus, the phrase Quranan Arabiya basically means the Kitaab of Allah, whose Ayaat and which itself has been made Bayying and Mubeen, it’s Quranan- that is reading and understanding has been Arabia- stated and expressed clearly so that we can use our Aqal. Similarly, while citing other reasons, the same phrase is used, that is Quranan Arabia- meanings Quran has been stated and expressed clearly by Allah so that we do Zikar, observe Taqwa and establish, spread its knowledge.
WHO ARE THE ADDRESSEES OF THE QURAN?
Quran is for people of all races, geographies, languages and diversities, for all times to come until the end of the world!, we all know that, and say that too, but do not believe this as we practice as if it’s ONLY for certified scholars or Arabs or Arabic Language experts ONLY, as in restricted or limited to them only!
Who are the addressees of the Quran?- there are many examples of Quranic Ayahs, specifically addressing it’s addressees, such as Oh Mankind, Oh Bani Israel, Oh Bani Adam, Oh Ahl-e-Kitaab, Oh Those who Amanu, Oh the Rasool, etc…. THERE IS NOT EVEN A SINGLE AYAH which addresses Oh the Arabs or OH those who know Arabic language! Many a times we come across people who are proud due to them being Arabs or if they know spoken Arabic, as if somehow this is their distinction and honor in Islam, Whereas Allah says
[30:22] And of the Ayaat of Allah is the creation of the Sa’mawa’t and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are Ayaat for those of knowledge.
Thus, it is neither a matter of pride or arrogance, if one is born Arab or knows Arabic language; neither it is a cause of embarrassment, disadvantage or shame for anyone if one is a non-Arab or does not know the spoken Arabic language- since no one is the owner or the creator of these languages. Same is the case with the color of the skin, or the way you look, none of these are matters of pride, arrogance, shame or embarrassments at all, as Allah is the one who has created everyone and everything.
QURAN IS NOT JUST FOR SCHOLARS OR ARABS OR ARABIC LANGUAGE EXPERTS!
If the qualification to speak Arabic language was required to understand Quran, then it would have been next to impossible to spread Islam all across the world. Additionally, this requirement of Arabic Speaking would have been mentioned in Quran Itself as a requirement. On the contrary as per Quran, in multiple Ayahs, Allah Says
“[54:17, 22, 32, 40] We have made the Quran easy for Zikr, but is there anyone who would pay attention?”
Here we need to under the word Zikar- Vocabulary of the word Zikar: Zikar is used in Quran in Multiple meanings. It’s used for Quran itself. Then remembering and being grateful about the many blessings of Allah and becoming Shakir is also termed as Zikar- that is becoming Aabid- follower of Allah’s Laws out of utter gratitude. Additionally, the word is used in the meanings of understanding and implementing the Ayahs of Allah as well as taking Ibrat- lesson from previous stories as narrated in the Kitaab. Thus, when Allah says, Allah has made Quran simple and easy for Zikar, the word is used in ALL of these meanings.
If anyone says that you cannot understand Quran if you are not a scholar; if you’re not an Arab or if you don’t know Arabic language, then that person is actually going against this very explicit Quranic ayah, as an act of Munkir- rejecting Allah’s Ayaat and Kufar- trying to conceal Allah’s Ayaat. By doing this that person is strengthening the huge wall between you & the Quran; whereas, this wall needs to be shattered as Quran is for you and me, people from all over the world with different languages and geographies- it’s for the mankind as a whole!
ADVANTAGES OF BEING A NON-ARAB SPEAKER
DISADVANTAGES OF BEING AN ARAB OR ARABIC LANGUAGE SPEAKER
First, let’s discuss the disadvantages of being an Arab or an Arabic Language Speaker. Contrary to what people normally believe, if someone is an Arabic Language expert or speaker, one of the major disadvantages of knowing Arabic as our mother tongue while reading Quran is that we tend to use whatever meanings of the Arabic word we use in our day to day life. Since, as Arabs or Arabic language speakers, we would be under the impression that we know the Arabic language, therefore we don’t need to pick up Quran to understand the language, whereas,
- the Quranic vocabulary is much different than the spoken Arabic nowadays and
- there are many words which are used in Quran in many different ways and meanings, whereas in usual day to day use, the Arabic language utilizes only one or a couple of these meanings.
For instance, consider the word ‘Raham’ which is normally translated as ‘Mercy’ as per common spoken Arabic, whereas the word is used in Quran in multiple meanings neither of which is mercy; or for example, the word “Na’mat” which is normally translated as ‘Blessings’ as per commonly spoken Arabic, whereas both these words have many different meanings and need to be applied based on the context and use of the word in any particular ayah.
Hence when we do not pick up the Quran, as an Arabic Speaking expert or an Arab, we can make mistakes, and misinterpret key Quranic words by picking up the meaning whatever is normally spoken without referring Quran and by ignoring the context- thus we end up making mistakes and misunderstanding key Quranic Words.
ADVANTAGES OF BEING A NON-ARAB OR NON-ARABIC LANGUAGE SPEAKER
For Non-Arabs, or those who are not Arabic Language speakers or experts, there is a phenomenon, an experience, a process of learning any 2nd language.
Our mother tongues, i.e., our 1st language we are born with, has solid imprints on our brain. Whenever we try to learn any other language, for example Quranic Arabic, our brain translates these words into the meanings in our mother language in order for us to be able to understand and speak Quranic Arabic.
Since it’s not possible to memorize whole new vocabulary, we can remember only a few meanings of one single word. And therefore, we always have to refer to these meanings.
This means that even that without knowing the spoken Arabic, or even after knowing spoken Arabic, we will still need to research on these Key Quranic words, since we cannot memorize the whole new vocabulary. We have to refer the Quranic vocabulary again and again and then apply the meanings based on the context of each Ayah. Since due to this we have an advantage as a non-Arab to always refer to the context and all the meanings and then pick whichever one is applicable unlike what we would have done naturally as an Arab or Arabic language speaker.
BASIC RULES AND REMINDERS
BASIC RULES & REMINDERS- QURAN AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF DEEN
[6:114] Shall I seek other than Allah as Hikm (Lawmaker/Judge) when it is Allah who has brought down to you the Kitaab fully detailed? And those to whom We gave the Kitaab know that it is sent down from your Rabb with Haqq so never be among the doubters.
This Ayah as well as many other ayahs in Quran gives us an important message that Allah is the only Hikm, the only law maker, the only judge in matters of Deen and All the laws of Allah as per Deen-e-Islam are mentioned in Quran, therefore Quran is the ONLY source of Deen. Let’s look at another Ayah
[Quran 42:13] Allah has ordained for you the same Deen as HE enjoined upon Noah, and what WE have revealed to you, and what WE enjoined upon Ibrahim, and Mosa, and Easa: “Establish (Aqemu) the Deen, and be not divided therein.” This is difficult and a big task for the Mushrikeen, what you call them to…..
Since the only Hikm, the only lawmaker in Deen is Allah, whoever follows any laws, other than the laws of the Deen, then that is Shirk and therefore it is Akbar, a big task, very difficult for the Mushrikeen not to be divided in sects or groups, by following other man-made laws. Above ayah is clearly telling us that, if we follow any of the kitaab of Allah, then we will be following all the Anbiya, since every Nabi and Rasool got the same Hidayah, the same Kitaab. Therefore, we cannot pick and choose one particular Nabi to follow, we have to pick the Kitaab and follow the commandments of Allah as ordained in the Kitaab, in order to avoid Shirk, since Allah is the only Hikm in matters of Deen.
BASIC RULES & REMINDERS- EMAAN & AYAAT AS BASIC FOUNDATIONS OF DEEN
[10:101] Say, “Observe what is in the skies and the earth.” But of no avail will be Ayaat and the warners to people who do not Amanu (seek knowledge, Use Aqal)
Vocabulary- As foundations of Deen- AYAAT & AMANU
Ayaat: means signs of Allah, including both, the kalam of Allah and the creations of Allah in science and universe. Ayat also means to pause, to think and to pause, in fact the definition of Ayat only gets completed when we Think and Ponder.
Amanu: to seek knowledge and be at Aman by using one’s faculties, especially Aqal; be At Aman- peace, harmony with & goodwill for others; and being upholders of one’s covenant & Meesaq with Allah
Thus, those who do not Amanu, for them the Ayaat is not an Ayaat at all
[25:73] And those who, when Zukiru (do Zikar) of the Ayahs of their Rabb, do not fall upon them deaf and blind.
This Ayah Shows the importance of thinking, intellect and use of our faculties in order for Ayat to become an Ayat- the basic foundations of Deen rests on one’s use of Aqal, otherwise, as per Quran, we can even fall deaf dumb and blind on Allah’s Ayaat, cannot blindly follow even Allah’s Ayaat.
BASIC RULES & REMINDERS- DEEN IS HAQQ
[39:69] “And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord, and the Kitaab will be placed, and the Nabiyeen and the witnesses will be brought, and it will be judged between them in Haqq, and they will not be wronged”
Here the word the Kitaab, is used both in the meanings of our record of deeds as well as the Kitaab revealed by Allah. This means that the accountability on the day of judgment is going to be based on the Kitaab- that is not only our deeds but in accordance with the Kitaab- the book revealed by Allah.
[45:06] These are the Ayaat of Allah which We recite to you in HAQ. Then in what Hadith after Allah and His Ayaat will they believe?
Vocabulary- Haqq– the word is used in Quran in multiple meanings
- The Absolute Truth- wherein there is no possibility of any doubt or falsehood
- The Absolute Justice- justice at its best
- Someone’s Due right- as per Allah’s solid judicial principals
- Our duties and responsibilities as a Muslim
Thus, When Allah says, Deen is Haqq, it means, there cannot be any falsehood or any injustice of any kind as per Deen- thus there cannot be any injustice. Also, Deen is Haqq upon us as our bare minimum duty, obligation and responsibility as Muslims.
BASIC RULES & REMINDERS- THERE IS NO FORCE, COMPULSION OR HARDSHIP IN DEEN
[2:256] There is no Ikra’a (force, dislikeness, compulsion) in Deen. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut (Evil) and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
[22:78] ….. Allah has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your Deen – the Deen of your father Abraham. ……..
Thus, there is no concept of any force, compulsion, pressure or hardship as per Deen- i.e., as per these laws of Islam as mentioned in Quran.
BASIC RULES & REMINDERS- THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION IN DEEN
[39:29] Allah cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners, compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source. Are they the same? The Hamd is for Allah; most of them do not know.
(4:82) Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.
There is no concept of any contradiction among any Ayahs in Quran- It is consistent and aligned and synchronized. This is one of the most important basic reminders to keep in mind. What this means is that if any concept from any Ayah, as you’re understanding it, contracts any other basic rules or any other ayahs then those understanding need to be reviewed. For example if we take the understanding as Allah is ordaining beating of wife in Ayah 4:34, then this concept contradicts not only the basic rule of no injustice, force, or compulsion as per Deen but clearly contradicts many other ayahs, for example Ayah 30:21, where Allah describes a husband and wife relationship as one of the Ayaat of Allah, wherein they both are created from the same Nafs, so that they find Sakuun and affection and tranquility in each other, wherein Allah has placed Rahmat between them, then how is it possible that Allah then advises the husband to beat his wife, as there cannot be any contradiction between Any Ayahs?
BASIC RULES & REMINDERS- DO NOT RUSH, INVEST TIME & EFFORTS
What needs to be done as you move along in your study of Quran is that DO NOT RUSH, INVEST TIME, if you want to get the Hidayah, it’s going to take time and efforts! So be ready! Blind following is easy, But to come out of your comfort zone, to think, to research and be on Hidayah is not!. In fact this is the exact definition of doing Abd, to become Aabid, which is to go through a small hassle and trouble in order to seek long term and permanent benefits !
[20:114] “Most Exalted is Allah, the only Haqq Maalik. Do not rush into the Quran before it is completed in/to you in revelation and say, ‘My Rabb, increase my knowledge.”
While doing research and study, use Aqal, your intellect & reasoning- this is your most important power that you have been blessed with. Thus, while doing research on Quran,
- Never ignore whatever question comes to your mind
- No matter how stupid that question might sound, ask!
- At most times, Allah addresses that question within the next couple of Ayahs and almost always, within Quran- It’s amazing as if Allah is reading your mind!
- Ask yourself, Ask everyone, Seek answers, research, investigate!
- And do not rest until you have the answer to your question that comes to your mind.
BASIC RULES & REMINDERS- MOST IMPORTANT RULE- KEEP IN MIND & ALLIGN WITH WAZAH
MAWAZIHI & WAZAH: The word Wazah is used in Quran in the meanings of settings, placements, contexts, alignment, perspective, circumstance, background, or framework through which something is originally intended and planned by Allah. Therefore, when Quran uses the word Mawazihi, it is an action noun denoting something to which Wazeha, the act of placement, framework has been done as per its’ original intended divine design, placement and order.
Therefore, as per our experience, the Wazah Order, the context and placement of All Quranic Ayahs and Surahs are extremely important and MUST be adhered to in order to understand the divine guidance! We can never take a phrase or an Ayah of the Quran out of it’s Wazah, context, placement and intended divine order. You will experience as if Allah is handholding you, graduating you from a Kindergarten to the Hidayah as you move from Surah to Surah. It’s because of this reason, we should not do a TOPIC wise research. Instead, should ALWAYS go with the flow of the Quran first. Once we complete the whole of Quran in its Wazah, then and ONLY then, do a topic wise search!
BASIC RULES & REMINDERS- OVERALL APPROACH TO DEEN TO BE RATIONAL
Our approach to understand Quran, should always be rational, which works at three levels as follows
- Primary Versus Secondary– focus on the primary source of information for Deen, which is Quran- Quran is not just primary source of information for Deen, it is the ONLY source of information. Nothing should be relied upon from external to Quran sources
- Lateral Versus Vertical– Vertical thinking means that whatever I learn from my forefathers, I learn only that and try to pass on the same knowledge to my children. Whereas our approach to understanding Quran should never be Vertical, which comes under blind following. It should be Lateral, that is learning from our environment, using our faculties, especially our Aqal, thinking and reasoning abilities and our intellect.
- Logical Versus Emotional– What is prevalent among Muslims today, is that we think emotionally about Deen, We become emotional while discussing matters of Deen or we block ourselves completely from such discussions. This is emotional approach to Deen. Quran Ask us to approach taking the Hidayah- the guidance from Quran in Logical, fact-based manner- to use our Aqal, seek knowledge, do research and seek facts. When it comes to matters of Deen, more so than other matters of our life, we should always base our decisions and reasonings on facts, rather than emotions.
TOOLS AND AIDS REQUIRED
In order to do research on Quranic words, you would need the following
QURAN WITH WORD-BY-WORD TRANSLATION
Quran with Word-by-Word Translation, do not Take Tafseer or Exegesis, like explanation, interpretation, context or commentary at all, but take Quran with word-by-word translation ONLY. Can take any that you’re comfortable with.
SMART PHONE APPS
There are many Smart Phone Apps available, you can pick whichever ones you’re most comfortable with.
WEBSITES WITH WORD-BY-WORD QURAN TRANSLATION
There are many Websites available that can aid your research through word-by-word Quran translation- You can refer whichever ones you’re comfortable with.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE WITH EXAMPLES
The following is a A-Step-by-Step Guide as to how we, at WQT – Worldwide Quran Thinkers research on Key Quranic Words. Please note that this is the session where we are explaining, how we, at WQT, do research on Quranic words & Ayahs and in no way a compulsion or force upon you to follow suit. Please feel free to use your own methods if you find them better, in which case please share with us as well so that we can all learn from each other.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
Step No. 1- Take out All the Ayahs with the use of this word, since currently there is no other source, except the Root word, then unfortunately we have to route this through the root word data compilation but Ignore the Root word’s different extensions but look for the same word that’s used elsewhere in Quran. Take out all the ayahs with the use of the exact same word
Step No. 2- Check each and every of this ayah list to see what is the meanings of the word used there- check the Wazah, by checking at least the previous 2-3 ayahs and the next 2-3 ayahs of that referred ayah
Step No. 3- Identify the common meanings or set of meanings that are used across these Ayahs
Step No. 4- once arrived at these meanings, then cross check the same if those meanings are applicable in other ayahs too.
EXAMPLE WORD ‘ANHAAR’ AS UNDERSTOOD THROUGH THIS STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
NAHAR & ANHAAR (plural). The word Nahar is normally translated as day or as streams, or rivers, but the real meanings of the word is truly reflected as per the following Ayahs, that we checked through the same illustrated process.
[Quran 71:12] “And give you increase in Amwaal (wealth, title, resrouces, properties, etc.) and children and provide for you Jannat and provide for you Anhaar.”
So, from this ayah if we translate it as provide you with streams or days, none of this would apply. It seems that this ayah is talking about something that we desire, or want for ourselves just like Amwaal, and Awlaad- children, and Jannat.
[Quran 7:43 “And we will remove whatever is within their hearts of the resentment, Tajri (provided in abundance) of Tehteha (in accordance with) the Anhaar, and they will say, the Hamd is for Allah who has Hadaina (guided) us to this…”
Seems here the Anhaar are linked with removal of resentment, worries and unhappiness from one’s life and based on the above two and others, it seems that the word Anhaar means anything and everything that we desire and want for a fulfilled life that is devoid of any unhappiness, any resentment, any worries at all- when one is a Sakuun, peace, tranquility, self-actualized state, which as per this ayah is also reflective of the state when is as per Hidayah.
[Quran 16:15 “…and Allah has made therein (the earth) the Sabeel and the Nahar, so that you may get Hadiyah”.
Here the word Anhaar has nothing to do with streams or rivers, but is used alongside with Subulan– i.e., Sabeel-path of Allah, reflective of all such things which strengthens our Nafs- Nafs-e-Mut’mainna, wherein we’re happy, satisfied and in an actualized state of mind and soul.
Let’s look at another ayah that we checked through the same process. This ayah is a description of the Nabi warning his nation, the phrase is
[Quran 2:249] “…He said, ‘Indeed, Allah will be Mubtala (surround) you with a Nahar, then whoever Sharaba (engulfed in, overwhelmed & overpowered by) it…”
This does not mean that Allah will Mubtala you, surround you, with day or river, but the word Nahar includes any of those things which would be provided as a situation or condition, that one craves for and desires for such as Amwaal, wealth, title, resources, Awlaad, children, peace, popularity, spouse, prestige, etc. through which they, those with the Nabiy, would be tested and tried in terms of bringing out the real characteristics of them.
When Allah is describing the Jannat in Quran, in addition to Jannat the phrase is “Tajiri min Thethehol Al-Anhar (plural of Nahar)”- Allah is not talking about rivers at all. Tajri means will be provided in abundance, and ample supply, Tehthea- means in accordance with and in alignment with, the Anhaar- whatever one craves for and desires for. This means that Jannat is the place where peace, tranquility and all ways and means which are necessary to a fulfilled, happy and satisfied life would be provided for in ample supply and in abundance. Therefore, Nahar , plural Anhaar– are all those things that we crave for, and such as Amwaal, Aulaad, peace and tranquility, Zawj-partners, prestige, popularity, standing, etc. basically all those things that fulfill our needs and requirements for a psychologically and mentally fulfilled life and health- and nothing to do with rivers or steams at all.
EXAMPLE WORD ‘A’ABA’’ AS UNDERSTOOD THROUGH THIS STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
A’ABA is normally translated as refused,
For instance, as per the following Ayah 2:34,
[Quran 2:34] “And when We said to the Malaik, “Do Sajda to Adam they did Sajda except for Iblees who A’baa (normally mistranslated as refused)….”
But if we take the word as refused in this Ayah, this would be a clear contradiction of another Quranic Ayah, – remember the basic rules and reminders- there cannot be any contradiction- should be consistent. for instance, as per this Ayah Allah tells us that Malaik obey whatever Allah ask them to Amar of, they cannot disobey Allah’s Amar.
Ayah 16:49-50, “And to Allah everything does Sajda whatever is in the skies and whatever is on the earth of Dabbatan (creations of Allah), and the Malaik, and they are not Yastakbarun (proud and arrogant). They Yukhafuna (focused, concerned about) their Rabb Foqehem (above) them, and they do what they are Yumaruna (Amar of)”.
Let’s discuss the Ayahs and the meanings used as per those ayahs, that we checked as per this Step-by-Step Process!
[Quran 33:72] “Indeed We offered the trust to the skies and the earth and the mountains, and they Aa’beyen to carry it, and they feared from it…”
If we translate the word as refuse in this ayah, can skies and earth and mountain refuse Allah???? Like is it even possible that anything or anyone in the earth, or the skies can refuse God Almighty? It seems that the word is used here not in the meanings of refusal or rejection by the earth, the skies and the mountains but in the meanings of their inability to carry that trust- like they could not, were unable to.
Let’s look at another Ayah
[Quran 20:56] , “And We certainly showed him (the Firaun) our Ayaat but he Kazaba (denied, refused, rejected) and Aa’ba (was not able).
In this Ayah, the word for refusal, denial, making fun of something is already which is the word ‘Kazaba’. Thus, here because of his pride and arrogance, Firuan did not have the ability to Amanu on the Ayaat of Allah and therefore this aspect is mentioned as A’aba, alongside with him Kazaba- rejecting, denying and ridiculing Allah’s Ayaat.
[Quran 2:34] “And when We said to the Malaik, “Do Sajda to Adam they did Sajda except for Iblees who A’baa (normally mistranslated as refused) ….” Therefore, in Ayah 2:34 as well as the following Ayah, the word has the same meanings
[Quran 20:116] “And when We said to the Malaik to do Sajada to Adam, then they did Sajda except Iblees who A’aby (was unable).”
Mean that Iblees being one of the Malaik, had no choice except to carry out the duties as ordained to him by Allah, since being the Malaik of Nazalna (revelations) of Shaytaan (thoughts, elements, people, aspects, etc.), his job is to go against the mankind and therefore he could not, was unable to do Sajda to Adam. The characteristics such as that he was Mutakabbir (proud and arrogant) or Kaafir (the one who hides and conceals Allah’s Ayaat), Faasiq (works outside the boundaries of Deen & Allah’s Laws) and Jinn (the one whom we cannot understand or comprehend) are all the traits and characteristics of Iblees as well as those who are under the influence of Khutuwaat- impacts of Shaitaan.
EXAMPLE WORD ‘DEEN’ AS UNDERSTOOD THROUGH THIS STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
As per this process, we identified four different meanings of the word as per Quran, which is
- Laws/Rules & Regulations
[12:76] .. under the Deen-ul Maalik…
- Obligation for a defined period
[2:282] “O you who have Emaan, when you contract a Deen for a specified term, write it down….”
- Rewards and punishment
[24:25] That Day, Allah will pay them in full their Deen ul Haqq, and they will know that it is Allah who is the Haqq ul Mubeen.
- Fitrat of Allah
[30:30] …. So direct your Wajhu toward the Deen-e- Hanifan (Upright) Fitrat of Allah…
Therefore, based on these Four Broad Categories of Definition of Deen by Quran, Deen is- the rules, regulations, set of instructions, the commandments given to us by our creator Allah- it’s a complete code of conduct, a way of life as perfected by Allah which defines the boundaries of our freedom & our restrictions. We need to comply with these rules as per our Aimaan (the covenant with Allah) to which we are indebted for a specified period of time (until our deaths). On the basis of these rules; the compensation, rewards and punishments are accorded in this world and the hereafter. These Rules are in accordance with the Fitrat of Allah to be manifested in us as Humans and therefore the basic purpose of these laws is to bring out the very best in us through utilization of all our abilities and faculties, especially our intellect to its maximum.
HOW TO APPLY THE MEANINGS OF KEYWORD BASED ON THE WAZAH
Why is it not Maalik of the day of Judgment- as per normal translation? Because the word for it is Youm Al Akhira, which is not used here. Additionally translating it is NOT aligned with the Wazah.
Concept so far- Ayahs no. 1-3 :
The first Ayah, is Al Ahamd is for Allah, basically asking us to do Hamd- praise out of deep conviction, knowledge and personal experience, which we cannot do unless and until we know Allah w.r.t. the referred roles and seek knowledge of Allah by personally experiencing Allah in these roles. Thus, the next three aspects are Allah’s Roles as follows
Rabb of the Aa’alimeen– who is carrying out the process of Rabobiat for each and everything in the worlds. Next Allah’s roles as
The Rahman, the Raheem– the source of Rahmat in all its forms, with Rahman depicting this as the best of the best, in terms of the peak of this source, applicable for each and every one regardless of their deeds and Emaan; whereas Raheem depicting a privilege applicable only for those who are on the righteous path.
Concept of this Ayah- MAALIK YOUM AD DEEN: is another Role of Allah as Maalik of the Youm the Deen- is not talking about some distant future, wherein Allah is the master, the authority. This Ayah is also depicting the role of Allah, which we need to personally experience and seek knowledge of, which is Allah as the Master, the sovereign, the authority of every time period, which we spent as per Deen. The basic idea is for us to realize that each and every day that we spend as per Deen, the Maalik of that day is Allah. It’s not just the day of judgment and accountability but each and every day of our life, that we live in accordance with Deen; because for that day, the Malik, the being who is all powerful, the Master, the sovereign is Allah.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WQT APP- QURAN (WORDS & CONCEPTS) BY WQT
We share our research through website, app and youtube channels as our duty of ‘Iqra’. This is still work in progress, but we update the website and app on regular basis
All contents are to be taken as AID only to assist your study. and never as a REPLACEMENT of QURAN. Our duty as a Muslim to pick up Quran and learn Quran and Deen-E-Islam directly through Quran by ourselves will remain imposed on all of us as per Quran.
To Err is Human and we call all make mistakes. Based on your research if you come across any mistake or missing aspect in any of these contents, please notify us immediately so that we can correct our mistakes. We would be truly obliged.
You can download the app and watch the guide video HERE.
WHY DON’T WE USE ROOT WORD METHOD ANYMORE!
Please note that we used to understand key Quranic words through the use of ROOT word methodology earlier. But we have stopped using it and this section explains our reasons as to why. However, if you deem fit, you can continue to use it, as this section only explains our reasons as to why we don’t use it, which in no case is any compulsion or force upon you, not to use it. We however, would not recommend the use of Root word Method, and here are the reasons why!
Quranic language is not the current spoken Arabic. There are many differences. Also, Quran is NOT only for Arabs, but for all humans for all times to come
Root words are EXTERNAL to Quran: Just like Grammar is man-made similarly ‘Root- word Methodology’ is a way derived by Man to understand Quran and hence it’s ‘EXTERNAL to Quran
Root-words are man-made and man- invented – just like Shaan-e-Nazool, (study of situations and events in which Quranic ayah was revealed) is man-made and invented to take the divine guidance out of Quran to EXTERNAL sources and dependencies ONLY on scholars who have this knowledge
Quran Does not follow any man-made intervention, it follows the Wazah, the set divine placements, settings and contexts, which are aligned by Allah in order to make it simple and easy to understand for ALL humans not just Arab or not just scholars who know these root words etc.
Why we do not use Root word Method anymore is illustrated through three examples as follows
- Same Root Words, entirely different and opposite meanings- NAFAQ
- Lack of agreement Among scholars- Root word for important Key Quranic Words – SALAT
- Classifying SAME word under two different root words – HUDA
WHY WE DON’T USE ROOT WORD METHOD- SAME ROOT- ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MEANINGS- EXAMPLE NAFAQ
Two Quranic words Munafiq and Yunfiquoon, both with the same root word and an entirely opposite meaning. While the first one is a hypocrite, the second one is the one who spend for the benefit of others in the Sabeel of Allah.
Munafiq-
Yunfiquoon-
For both the root word is the same as NAFAQ ن ف ق
WHY WE DON’T USE ROOT WORD METHOD- LACK OF AGREEMENT AMONG SCHOLARS- EXAMPLE S’ALAAT
Root word for Salaat- scholars are not agreed on what should be the root word, some say its is
- ص ل ل
- ص ل و
- ص ل ي
The meanings of the word is highly dependent upon the root-word you pick, which means that the definition of Salat is External to Quran and is handed over to the man-made method.
WHY WE DON’T USE ROOT WORD METHOD- CLASSIFYING SAME WORDS UNDER DIFFERENT ROOTS- EXAMPLE HAAD
Now Let’s take an example of the same set of words with SAME meanings are classified under SEPARATE root words, in order to manipulate and mistranslate this word, both are under the same set of meanings of guide, pole star, who or which leads the way for others
TWO SEPARATE ROOT WORDS
- Words Like Haad, Haadin when appear in Ayahs like 13:7 or 13:33 or 39:23 or 40:33 are classified under root word of Hady ه د ي and translated under broad meanings as guide, guidance or leading the way for others
- Words like Haadu, Huud & Yahuud when appears in Ayahs like 2:62, 4:46, 4:160, 5:41 , 62:6 etc. are classified as Huud as in ه و د and mistranslated as JEWS
But all these words share the same meanings with the broad meanings of guide and guidance. Thus, the words such as Yahood and Haadu also have the same broad meanings which is guide, those who present themselves as leading the way for others towards the Hidayah and refers to religious leaders, preacher, scholars etc. As per our experience the addition of wow at the end, does not change the meanings of the word, for instance the word ‘Amana’ as in Ayah 2:177 and ‘Amanu/Yuminu’ as in Ayah 2:3, shares the same meanings and broad characteristics.
WATCH THE GUIDE & DOWNLOAD THE SMART PHONE APP FOR ANDROID AND APPLE DEVICES- QURAN (WORDS & CONCEPTS) BY WQT- BY CLICKING HERE
REFER THE PRESENTATION BY CLICKING HERE- How to Understand Quran through Quran itself- the presentation
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE SESSION BY CLICKING HERE
WATCH THE RECORDING OF THE DISCUSSION, Q&A SESSION BY CLICKING HERE & P.S. PASSCODE IS WQT,Method1
CAN ALSO WATCH SUB-SECTIONS OF THIS VIDE AS FOLLOWS
- REASONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF QURAN BEING IN ARABIC- CLICK HERE
- BASIC RULES & REMINDERS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE STUDYING QURAN- CLICK HERE
- METHODOLOGY OF WQT TO UNDERSTAND KEY QURANIC WORDS- CLICK HERE
- BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WQT SMART PHONE APP- QURAN (WORDS & CONCEPTS) – CLICK HERE
- WHY WE DO NOT USE ROOT WORD METHODOLOGY- CLICK HERE
