Approach the Quran

Particularity

Amongst the inward morals of reciting the Qur'an is what Imam Al-Ghazali called Takhsis (particularity), which means that, when reading the Glorious Qur'an, one should regard it as Addressing him in particular. In doing so, one should consider every Qur'anic glad tiding, warning, admonition, story, etc., to be meant for him. The Glorious Qur'an says,

 

{There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it, a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a mercv to any such as believe. 

(Yusuf:111)

The Glorious Qur'an addresses the Prophet (peace be upon him), saying,

 

(All that We relate to thee of the stories of the messengers - with it We make firm thy heart: in them there cometh t0 thee the Truth, as well as an exhortation and a message of remembrance to those who believe. 

(Hud: 112)

When reading the above Qur'anic verse, a reciter of the Glorious Qur'an should admit that Qur'anic stories are meant to strengthen his own heart, although the address in the verse is directed to the Prophet (peace be upon him). No wonder, the Glorious Qur'an is decreed by its Revealer, Most High, to be the remedy, guidance, and mercy for all people. Allah, Most High, says,

 

(Rehearse Allah's favours on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the book and wisdom, for your instruction.)

(A1-Baqarah: 231)

)We have revealed for you ( O men!) a book in which is a message for you: will ye not then understand.) 

(A1-Anbiya': 10)

(We sent them) with Clear Signs and Scriptures and We have sent down unto thee (also) the Message; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them.) 

(An-Nah1: 44)

(Thus does Allah set forth for men their lessons by similitudes.)

(Muhammad: 3)

(And follow the Best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord.) 

(Az-Zumar: 55)

 

(These are clear evidences to men, and a Guidance and Mercy to those assured Faith.) 

(Al-Jathiyah: 20)

 

(Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah.) 

(Al `lmran: 138)

 

Yet, even when the address in the Glorious Qur`an is of a general nature, the individual, in origin, is included in this address. In this context, the Glorious Qur'an eloquently states what the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is ordered to say to his people,

 

(This Qur'an hath been revealed to me by inspiration, that I may warn you and all whom it reaches.)

(Al-An`am: 19)

Moreover, Muhammad ibn Ka`b A1-Qarazi said, "Whoever reads the Glorious Qur'an, will be as if he is addressed by A1lah."

 

Some scholars, furthermore, said, "This Qur`an is Allah's messages to us; so we should reflect upon, abide by, and ponder on it."

 

Malik ibn Dinar used to call the people of the Qur'an, saying, "O people of the Quran, what has the Qur`an implanted in your hearts? The Qur'an is the spring of the believer, similarly as rain is the spring of the earth."

 

Qatadah said that no one recites the Glorious Qur'an but either wins or loses. The Glorious Qur'an disclosed this fact, saying,

 

We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss. 

(Al-Isra': 82)