A Most Valuable Posession
by Abdullah Ahmad

Ask any Muslim friend of yours, whether male or female, what his or her
most valuable possession is?

Many would reply that it's their house or perhaps their brand new car. They
seldom realize that the most valuable item that a Muslim possesses in his
or her home is the Quran, the greatest book ever revealed to Man. The book was
revealed through His messenger Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h.

The Quran brought about great changes in the wild, lawless and divided
world. It brought unity of belief, submission to authority, the tranquility of
prayers and that abstinence from strong drinks which had given Muslim armies
throughout history a special advantage.

Quran literally means reading or recitation and the Prophet would inform
his companions immediately upon receiving certain verses and they were required
to memorize and record what was revealed to him. The whole process took a
period of twenty-three years which finally ended in the compilation of
this glorious Book.

The Quran is divided into 114 surahs or chapters. The word surah literally
means 'eminence' or 'high degree'. The surahs are of varying lengths. Each
verse of the surah is called an ayat. There are ayats that are short and long. The
ayat is indeed the true unit of the Quran.

It's really essential that all Muslims must read and understand the true
meaning of the Quran. Those that could read but do not understand Arabic
could obtain translation of the Quran in a language that he understands. He should
consult a good religious teacher if he could not comprehend what had been
translated. This would be the best investment of a lifetime.

The Quran has guided Muslims on the right path for centuries and those that
have ignored the teachings of Islam were led astray. Nothing could be more
rewarding than an understanding of how we were created from the best of
molds. There is a vast difference between a person who is spiritual enlightened
and one who is guided by instincts and emotions alone. The former is like a ship
equipped with a compass and the latter one that is dependent on the vagaries of the
weather wandering aimlessly towards nowhere.

It's pointless for a Muslim to possess a string of degrees if he could not
read the Quran well. In a world where most things are transient reading and
understanding the Quran would help us tremendously in this world and the
hereafter.

Although there are no rules, or conditions when one should read the Quran,
preferably it should be after the Subh prayers and before retiring to bed.
In this manner we are being constantly reminded of how to live like a good Muslim as
taught in the verses of the 114 surahs.

Muslims who have never read translations of the Holy Quran tend to be
misled by so called religious teachers who by memorizing certain verses of the
Quran claim to be Islamic scholars. It's even possible that they could resort to
deviationist teachings. There is no such thing as a person who could
monopolize the Quran or Islam.

It is undeniable that no other book that has been published equals the
Quran is teaching us how to live a life excellence. We are given guidance how to
live well when we achieve success materially and how to attain happiness
and joy. Indeed to be a true Muslim, one must follow the teachings of the Quran
every time and every where.

Ref:- Islamic Herald Vol.16