THE CREATIVE STUDY OF THE QURAN

THE CREATIVE STUDY OF THE QURAN The following is an English translation of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan’s Urdu talk delivered on April 21, 2019. In the Name Of God, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful, And Peace And Blessings Be Upon The Prophet. We will discuss the following verse of the Quran in today’s address: In their stories there is a lesson for men of understanding. This [Quran] is no invented tale, but a confirmation of the previous [scripture] and a detailed explanation of all things as well as guidance and mercy to true believers. (12: 111) I have been reflecting on the idea that the Quran is both guidance and mercy. But what does that mean? This isn’t about forming a mere belief or creating a dogma. The essential point is that we must ponder over the Quran deeply. This is a blessed Book which We sent down to you [Muhammad], for people to ponder over its messages, and for those with understanding to take heed. (38: 29) Reflect upon the Quran. What is reflection? Reflection means rediscovering the Quran daily. Each day, we must draw new sustenance from the Quran to nourish the soul. Only then can we say we have truly embraced the Quran. Otherwise, it becomes just a ritual belief. When will this happen? When you continuously engage deeply with the Quran. I first realized this point in Jaunpur when a young man used to visit me frequently. He admired Ghalib and would read Ghalib’s verses thoughtfully. Through this constant reflection, new ideas would emerge for him. This, I understood, is exactly how we should approach the Quran—through continuous contemplation. This reflection fosters creative thinking, a development the Quran will inspire within us. Merely memorizing translations or superficial knowledge is not creative thinking. The Quran is the book of God, the Lord of the universe. It carries the grandeur of this Quranic verse: Every day He manifests Himself in a new state. (55: 29)