So That They May Reflect… Around the Concept of Reflection on the Qur’an from the Writings of Elshorafa Elhamadi Episodes written by Mohamed Fathi Elsherif

Translated by: Heba Mohamed Masoud

As part of the project “Nations Are Built by Awareness”, one of the projects of Al-Arab Center for Research

Summary

The Holy Qur’an is the sacred Word of Allah, to which falsehood cannot come, neither from before it nor from behind it. It draws for all humanity a clear roadmap of mercy, justice, freedom, and peace.

Around this idea, the writer Ali Mohamed Elshorafa Elhamadi affirms that the Qur’an is the living divine speech and represents the true divine methodology with which the Prophet came. However, Muslims abandoned this authentic divine methodology in favor of distorted Isra’iliyyat narrations that undermined the tolerance of Islam and attached false accusations and fabrications to it. Consequently, the path deviated, division, conflict, and disagreement spread among Muslims, and their strength weakened and their unity vanished.

Details

In today’s episode, I will discuss the Qur’an as “the Constitution of Muslims”, which calls for mercy, justice, and peace.

The Words of Allah Almighty, revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) as guidance and mercy for all people, constitute the eternal, preserved Book containing perfect legislation and the upright divine path. It is a Book that both humans and jinn have failed to produce anything like. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“If mankind and jinn gathered to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce its like, even if they were to each other assistants.”

(Surah Al-Isra, 17:88)

Allah’s Light

The Qur’an is the light of Allah for mankind. Whoever follows it and adheres to its methodology lives a dignified life free from misery and hardship. It is guidance and healing; it is truth that knows no falsehood.

Allah says in many verses about the Qur’an, among them:

“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright.”

“Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or from behind it; [it is] a revelation from a Wise, Praiseworthy Lord.”

“Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, secretly and publicly, expect a trade that will never perish.”

“[This is] a Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder its verses and that people of understanding may remember.”

“Indeed, it is a reminder for you and your people.”

But whoever turns away from Allah’s remembrance will have a life of hardship and will be raised blind on the Day of Resurrection. He will say:

“My Lord, why have You raised me blind while I was [once] seeing?”

Allah will reply:

“Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus today you will be forgotten.”

Neglect of the Qur’an

Allah Almighty says:

“O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as something abandoned.”

The Prophet Muhammad complained to Allah about his people after they neglected the Qur’an for fourteen centuries. Despite the widespread presence of Islam across the world and the fact that Muslims number in the billions, the Holy Qur’an still does not occupy its rightful place in the hearts and minds of Muslims. Sadly, it remains neglected.

Elshorafa: The Qur’an Is the Speech of the Living

The Qur’an is the speech of the Living God, valid and relevant for every era and place. As Elshorafa Elhamadi states in his book “Muslims between the Religious and Divine Discourse,” Muslims everywhere are called to return to the Qur’an so that peace, mercy, coexistence, and justice may prevail, and enmity, hatred, division, and partisanship may disappear—especially those contradictory narratives fabricated against Allah’s Book.

Dealing with the Qur’an

Unfortunately, many Muslims deal with the Book of Allah in a manner that reflects neglect. It is often used merely to decorate homes, offices, cars, and funerals, and is revisited only during Ramadan each year.

Recitation and Reflection

When Muslims return to the Qur’an in Ramadan, they often recite it without reflection, understanding, or awareness of its meanings. Instead, recitation becomes a matter of pride, so people say that someone has read, memorized, or completed it. However, Allah commands reflection and understanding. Whoever contemplates the verses of the Qur’an and applies them in life will attain great reward.

Understanding and Interaction

Understanding the Qur’an and interacting with it is the true fruit of returning to it. Such understanding is essential for correcting distorted concepts that entered the religion through fabricated stories and lies that were professionally promoted until they became—unfortunately—an integral and sanctified part of public belief.

Reverence, Understanding, and Reflection

Dealing with the Qur’an must be based on reverence, understanding, and reflection upon its meanings, not merely counting rewards, focusing on words alone, or engaging in superstitious practices. Allah Almighty says:

“Will they not ponder the Qur’an, or are there locks upon their hearts?”

And He also says:

“A Book We have revealed to you, blessed, that they may ponder its verses and that people of understanding may be reminded.”

The purpose is understanding, reflection, and contemplation—not repetition without awareness.

Validity for Every Era

We must realize that the Qur’an is valid for every place and time. Its words are clear and evident. Previous interpretations are jurisprudential efforts, not sacred texts. The Words of Allah are not cryptic codes requiring decipherment; rather, they are clear divine guidance.

The Great Catastrophe

The greatest catastrophe that befell Islam is the sanctification of individuals and elevating their words to the level of the Qur’an. This is a grave mistake. The Qur’an is the only sacred text; anything that contradicts it must be rejected. Some people treat interpreters as if they were priests who cannot be questioned or criticized, even when their views contradict the Holy Qur’an. This serious issue will be addressed in a separate essay.

The Qur’an as a Direct Call

The Holy Qur’an is a direct call from Allah to all people to reflect and think about His Book. Reflection depends on each person’s understanding and capacity, yet it remains a divine obligation for everyone. Allah has taken individual differences into account, but reflection remains a universal requirement.

I will continue in the next episodes of “So That They May Reflect.”