Approach the Quran

Obstacles That Hinder One's Understanding of the Qur'an

 

The Person who wishes to ponder over the Glorious Qur'an should keep himself free of the obstacles that hinder his understanding of it. These obstacles, according Imam Al-Ghazali, are four:

 

l- Concerning oneself with the pronunciation of words rather than reflecting upon their meanings: The accursed Satan tries to trap reciters of the Glorious Qur'an thereby.

 

2- Blind imitation of and enthusiasm to a certain school of thought or belief: One who blindly imitates a certain school or a theory is confined to that school or theory as long as he does not free himself from blind enthusiasm. In this way, Satan could ensnare narrow-minded people and insinuate evil ideas in order to keep them far from the right way.

 

3- Committing sins and following vain desires: Sins darken the hearts and hinder the light of the Glorious Qur'an from illuminating them. The more vain desires one follows, the more difficulties in understanding the Quran he will face. in more than one verse, the Glorious Qur'an confirms this fact. For example, it says,

 

(This is) to be observed and commemorated by every devotee turning (to Allah).

(Qaf: 8)

But only those receive admonition who turn (to Allah).

(Ghafir: 13)

it is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.

(Ar-Ra`d: 19)

 

4- Reading superficial commentary of the Glorious Qur'an and believing that no one should explain the Qur'an except in the light of what is narrated on the authority of Ibn `Abbas, Muj ahid, and others, and that using one's mind in explaining the Qur'an is a major sin: In this way, such people will not use their minds to contemplate or understand the meaning of the Glorious Qur'an.