ILLUMINATING THE INNERCORE: THE CODE UNVEILED INSPIRED BY AL FATIHAH REYMI MARSEELA
C1 : THE BOOK FOR GUIDANCE C2: NURTURING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE RULE #1: BEYOND THE STARS THE HUMBLE SERVANT A: BRING IT ALL TOGETHER RULE#2: OPEN HEART, OPEN MIND THE SUBMISSIVE SERVANT RULE #3: AMPLIFY YOUR POTENTIAL THE GRATEFUL SERVANT D: BOUNDLESS LOVE RULE #4: TRUE LOVE: SERVANT OF THE MOST MERCIFUL 1/ΔX : KNOW YOUR ENEMY RULE #5: RISING THROUGH CHALLENGES THE STRIVING SERVANT INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: THE NOUR CHAPTER 2: THE FITRAH CHAPTER 3: THE HIDDEN CODE CHAPTER 4 : ADVANCING AUTHENTICALLY CHAPTER 5 : FIGHTING THE BATTLES CONCLUSION REFERENCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS NOTES TABLE OF CONTENT
ِحْيِم ْحٰمِن الَّر ِبْسِمِهللا الَّر Alhamdulillah. Finally, this writing project is completed.The main purpose of writing this book is to share my journey of learning the Quran, the struggles, the profound joy and sweetness it brings, and I hope that everyone can embark on a similar path.Together, we strive to seek His pleasure in this transient world and the eternal Hereafter. My journey began during the pandemic year. I believe that was the time when many of us faced numerous challenges and struggled in various aspects of our lives, including family, work, and school. Many things happened, but I am grateful to Allah for allowing me to learn the Quran. Alhamdulillah. Nevertheless I have to admit that this journey has not been easy. It is a journey that requires a deep desire, humility, persistent steps and actions towards Him. It's not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about applying that knowledge to transform ourselves into a better person in aspects like Tawheed, Ibadah and Akhlaq. The ultimate goal is none other than to get closer to Him, to have a conscious awareness and to establish a deeper connection with Him all the time. This state of being is often referred to as 'Taqwa.' It is stated in the Quran; “The most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (taqwa) of you” (Surah Al Hujurat, verse 13) Hopefully that one day, we can meet Him in the Hereafter with a sound heart (Qalbun Saleem). It is a pure heart, which is free from any form of association with Him (shirk) and spiritual ailments. I pray that Allah continues to make this path easier for me, my family, and all of us, InshaAllah. ِنيُب ُأ ْيِه َل ْيِه َتَوَّك ْلُت َوِإ ِهۚ َعَل َّل ٱل َوَما َتْوِفيِقٓى ِإاَّل ِب Reymi Marseela Abdul Jalil 14 Rabi’ul Akhir 1445H INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: THE NOUR
In the early days of my journey to learn the Quran, I often wondered where to begin, how to start, and if there was a quicker way to access and unlock its wisdom. The feeling of uncertainty, being trapped in the darkness was just overwhelming. But then, I came to realize that what truly matters is not the immediate outcome, but rather the sincerity of intention and the dedicated efforts put forth. Slowly, I found myself listening to Quran programmes everyday. Little did I know, I began to experience a deeper sense of contentment and inner calm each day. This has helped me to become wiser in overcoming the challenges in my daily life. Alhamdulillah.This is indeed the role of the Quran for people who have faith. Each verse in the Quran acts as a reminder, a healing for the heart, a source of guidance and mercy from Allah for the believers. ُمْؤِمِنيَن ِّلْل ٌۭة َما ِفى ٱلُّصُدو ِر َوُهًۭدى َوَرْحَم ِّل ْم َوِشَفٓاٌۭء ِّب ُك ِّمن َّر ٌۭة م َّمْوِعَظ ُك َها ٱلَّناُس َقْد َجٓاَءْت ُّي ٰٓـَأ َي O humanity! Indeed, there has come to you a warning from your Lord, a cure for what is in the hearts, a guide, and a mercy for the believers (10:57). Later on, I came to understand that in the Quran, there is a connection between the end of each verse in each Surah and the beginning of the next Surah. If we were to omit the Basmallah at the beginning of each Surah, the entire Quran would seamlessly come together as one story. Isn't that amazing? Subhanallah. In our daily prayer, when we recite Al Fatihah, we ask Allah for guidance to the straight path. ُمْسَتِقيم ْل ا ٱلِّص َٰرَط ٱ ٱْهِدَن Guide us along the Straight Path (1:6) Allah has indeed responded to this supplication in Surah Al-Baqarah, specifically in verse 2. ُمَّتِقيَن ِّلْل ِكَت ٰـُب اَل َرْيَبۛ ِفيِهۛ ُهًۭدى ْل ِلَك ٱ َٰذ This is the Book! There is no doubt about it—a guide for those mindful of Allah (2:2) Let’s take a closer look at the word "ذلك" , which is being translated as “this”. In Arabic, "ذا َه " َٰalso conveys the meaning of “this” , but they differ in terms of proximity. "ذا َه " َٰindicates that the item is closer and more easily accessible whereas "ذلك "suggests that the item being described is located farther away, implying that more effort and actions are required to reach and obtain it. With this understanding, we know that the journey towards learning the Quran and adhering to its teachings is not going to be an easy journey, however it's essential for us to remain firm and determined, for this is the path followed by those whom Allah has blessed. Isn't that what we ask from Allah in our daily prayer?
ْیَن ْیِهْم َو اَل الَّضآِّل َمْغُضْوِب َعَل ْل ْیِر ا ْیِهْم َغ َعْمَت َعَل ِذْیَن َاْن َّل ِصَراَط ا The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have earned [Your] anger or of those who are astray (1:7) Have you ever thought deeper who are the individuals upon whom Allah has bestowed His blessings, as mentioned in (1:7)? To find the answer, let us turn to the following verse; َن َوٱلِّصِّديِقيَن ۧـ ْيِهم ِّمَن ٱلَّنِبِّي ُه َعَل َّل َعَم ٱل ْن ِذيَن َأ َّل ِئَك َمَع ٱ ٰٓـ ۟وَل َه َوٱلَّرُسوَل َف ُأ َّل ٱل ُيِطِع َوَمن ا ِئَك َرِفي ًۭق ٰٓـ ۟وَل ُأ ِلِحيَنۚ َوَحُسَن َوٱلُّشَهَدٓاِء َوٱلَّصٰـ And whoever obeys Allāh and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allāh has bestowed favor of the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions (4:69) We are definitely not the prophets (نَ ۧـ يِّبِنَّٱل ,(or may not reach the level of hopefully but) ٱلِّصِّديِقيَن َوٱلُّشَهَدٓاِء) martyrs the and truthful the like companions we can be counted among the righteous (نَحيِلِ ـ ٰصَّٱل. (The key to becoming one of ِلِحيَن) righteous the ـ ٰصَّٱل (is to obediently follow Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw). At times we might wonder if being a Muslim and performing good deeds are sufficient for us to be considered The Righteous (As- Saalihin). As Muslims, we firmly believe in Oneness of Allah, recognize Prophet Muhammad saw as His messenger, and hold onto the five pillars of Islam as well as the six pillars of Iman. Many of us start learning the Quran and complete reciting all 30 chapters at a young age. But even with our faith and early exposure to the Quran, we often notice a gap between our conduct and the noble character of the righteous. Why does this gap exist? The hard truth is that most of us don't fully comprehend the content of the Quran, despite reciting and even memorizing it from a young age. This is why we need to ask for His guidance ( ا نَدِهْٱ (in our daily prayers. Guidance is not a simple binary concept; instead, it comes in various levels, much like how the Quran was revealed gradually in stages, little by little over 23 years. The key is to have faith, and continuously seek His guidance. ِهْم َو ِزْدَن ٰـُهْم ُهًۭدى ِّب ِبَر ۟ا َءاَمُنو ٌة ُهْم ِفْتَي َّن ِإ َحِّقۚ ْل ٱ ُهم ِب َأ َب ْيَك َن ْحُن َنُقُّص َعَل َّن We relate to you ˹O Prophet˺ their story in truth. They were youths who truly believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance (18:13)
Guidance provided through our common senses, including hearing, sight, and intellect, which are innate in every human being. These would enable us to discern what is right and wrong, helping us to survive and thrive in this world. Guidance obtained from The Quran and the Prophet (saw). Guidance to act upon true knowledge ('taufiq'). Guidance in the Hereafter. We will be guided by Him until we successfully enter Paradise According to Al-Raghib al-Isfahani (RA), a notable Quranic scholar, there are 4 types of guidance (‘hidayah’ : (هداية , 1. 2. 3. 4. It’s important to note that the root word هدى means to guide in a beautiful manner. The word هداية’) hidayah’) is associated with the word هدية) gift), as both are derived from the same root word هدى .Thus, from verse 2 of Al baqarah, we can understand that the Quran; Al-Kitaab, is a precious gift and a source of divine guidance from Allah swt. Is it difficult to understand the Quran? One common reason for this challenge is the language barrier. Is it really hard to comprehend the Quran in its original Arabic text? ٍۢر ُقْرَءاَن ِللِّذْكِر َفَهْل ِمن ُّمَّدِك ْل ا ٱ َقْد َيَّسْرَن َوَل And certainly We have made the Quran easy for remembrance. So is there anyone who will receive admonition? Let’s look at the phrase "ا َقْد َيَّسْرَن ل "َclosely. دْق َcan have the following multiple meanings (had, has, may, might, about to, certainly, indeed, surely). The word ا َيَّسْرَن is categorized as Fi’il Madhi (past tense). When دْق َcomes before a past tense verb, it makes the action more definite. In this verse, the "ل) "َlam) at the beginning of the َقْد word ل َserves as "lam al-qasam, " emphasizing strong certainty (taukid). It reinforces the idea that there is no doubt or uncertainty; it is a strong affirmation that Allah has indeed made the Quran easy to understand and remember. This verse is repeated four times within Surah al-Qamar, specifically in verses (54:17, 22, 32, 40). What can we learn from this repetition? The central theme of Surah al-Qamar is to lead us towards the recognition of Allah and His impending punishment. In this Surah, Allah draws our attention to the fact that previous ummah were forewarned about His signs, yet they persisted in denial, which eventually led to divine punishment. Moreover, the opening verse of this Surah declares that The Hour is drawing near, serving as a powerful reminder. Shouldn't we regard these reminders as significant? Thus Allah has emphasized multiple times in this surah that He has indeed made the Quran easy for us to understand and to gain lessons from.
ا ًۭر ْحِدُث َلُهْم ِذْك ُي ْو ُهْم َيَّتُقوَن َأ َّل َوِعيِد َلَع ْل َنا ِفيِه ِمَن ٱ ْف َّر ا َوَص ا َعَرِب ًّۭي ًن ْرَءا ُق َنٰـُه ْل نَز ِلَك َأ َوَك َٰذ And thus We have sent it down as the Quran in Arabic and We have explained in it of the warnings, that they may fear or it may cause for them remembrance (20:113) Now let's look at the word ذكر) dzikr) in both verses. This word conveys the meaning of reminding us of what we have forgotten. As human beings, we tend to be forgetful. The narratives in the Quran are not mere stories; they are intended to serve as reminders, offering guidance and valuable lessons for us. Thus we must commit ourselves to learning, understanding, reflecting upon the profound meanings of Allah's words, and translating them into righteous actions. This practice is known as tadabbur and tadzakkur. This is one of the verses in the Quran that Allah calls us to engage in tadabbur and tadzakkur. َبٰـِب ٱ َأْلْل ۟ا و ُل ۟و ُأ َر َّك َوِلَيَتَذ ۦ ِتِه َءاَيٰـ ۟ا ُرٓو َّب َيَّد ِّل َرٌۭك ْيَك ُمَبٰـ َل َنٰـُه ِإ ْل نَز ِكَت ٰـٌب َأ ˹This is˺ a blessed Book which We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ so that they may contemplate its verses, and people of reason may be mindful (38:29) Who is Ulul Albab? The term is often translated as “people of reason” , "people of understanding, " "those with intellect, " or "those of sound mind”. In the Quran, there are 16 verses that mention the "Ulul Albab, " those who, by Allah's decree, will receive a high rank and the favour of Allah as a reward. The good news is that anyone has the chance to become one of the Ulul Albab, as long as we learn, understand and implement the Quranic guidance and wisdom into our daily practice. Shall we be among them? Make a sincere intention, and together let us embark on the path towards The Nour. Biidznillah.
CHAPTER 2: THE FITRAH
ِمْصَباُح ِفى ُزَجاَجٍةۖ ْل ِفيَها ِمْصَباٌحۖ ٱ ٍۢة َكِمْش َكٰو ۦ وِرِه ُن ِت َوٱ َأْلْرِضۚ َمَثُل َٰو ٰـ وُر ٱلَّسَم ُن ُه َّل ٱل اُد َي َك ٍۢة ْرِبَّي َواَل َغ ٍۢة اَّل َشْرِقَّي َزْيُتوَن ٍۢة َر َك ٍۢة ٰـ ُّمَب ٍۢة ُد ِمن َشَجَر و َق َها َكْو َكٌۭب ُدِّر ٌّۭى ُي َّن َأ َك ُة ٱلُّزَجاَج َمن َيَشٓاُءۚ َوَيْضِرُب ۦ ُه ِلُنوِرِه َّل ٍۢرۗ َيْهِدى ٱل و ُن وٌر َع ٰىَل اٌۭرۚ ُّن ْو َلْم َتْمَسْسُه َن َزْيُتَها ُيِضٓىُء َوَل ِّل َشْىٍء َعِليٌۭم ُك ُه ِب َّل َل ِللَّناِسۗ َوٱل ُه ٱ َأْلْمَث ٰـ َّل ٱل Allāh is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp; the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allāh guides to His light whom He wills. And Allāh presents examples for the people, and Allāh is Knowing of all things (24:35) I still remember the moment when I listened and learned the meaning of this verse; I was truly captivated. The excitement was a bit overwhelming, to the extent that I would become overly excited whenever I saw any source of light from the sky! Subhanallah. Looking back, perhaps people would find me having an odd behavior as I would often smile to myself while gazing at the sky. I can hardly put into words, knowing that my expressions may not accurately convey the essence of this verse. This verse is just too beautiful, in its depiction of Allah's Nour, His divine guidance, and His profound majesty. With my limited understanding, the phrase "Light upon Light" illustrates that a pure heart, much like a crystal-clear glass, can radiate a similar brightness when it embraces Allah's Nour or guidance. This signifies that His divine illumination penetrates the innermost layers of the heart and soul. Now let’s learn a bit about our hearts. It is the first organ to develop and function during the process of embryo development (embryogenesis). In human anatomy, the heart is situated within the thoracic cage (chest). The heart consists of several layers namely the pericardium, epicardium, myocardium and the endocardium (the innermost layer), each with its specific function. The heart primarily acts as a vital organ responsible for pumping oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body.
Sadr: The outermost layer.The term " صدر " refers to the chest area. It is the place where Shaitan attacks ,whispers its wickedness and sowing doubt. Qalb: The root word "qalaba" (قلب (signifies something turning around, rotating, or flipping. Qalb symbolizes a heart capable of rapid changes, representing its ever-changing nature. Fu’ad : It is the place where emotions reside.The term "Fu'ad" فؤاد originates from the Arabic root word "فأد, " which means burning. In the Quran, "Fu'ad" is commonly used to describe a heart with intense emotions. Furthermore, its derivatives, such as "lahmun fa’eed, " convey the meaning of roasted meat burned over a flame. Thus a heart brimming with intense emotions has the capacity to exert influence on other aspects to a certain degree. Lubb:The innermost layer. It signifies pure intellect, which remains free from internal flaws and doubt. For this reason, Allah frequently uses the term 'Ulul-Albaab' ('Albaab' is the plural form of 'Lubb') to describe perceptive and intelligent believers deeply connected with their innermost essence. They can recognize the signs of Allah, possess profound knowledge, and comprehend the Truth. They have unwavering faith and trust in Allah to uphold their steadfastness on the right path without being swayed by The Evil Whispers, The Twirly Qalb or The Flaming Fu'ad! Whereas in the Quran the terms "sadr, " "qalb, " "fuad, " and "lubb" are used to describe different layers of the human heart. 1. 2. 3. 4. In this context, the heart is seen as the center of intentions, emotions, decisions and intelligence. It influences the mind and guides our actions and reactions. The concept of the heart as the controller and overseer of intellectual pursuits is also founded on a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), narrated by Abu 'Abdullah al-Nu'man bin Bashir (RA); ُه ُّل َجَسُد ُك ْل َفَسَدْت َفَسَد ا ُه َوِإَذا ُّل َجَسُد ُك ْل َحْت َصَلَح ا ِإَذا َصَل ًة َجَسِد ُمْضَغ ْل اَل َوِإَّن ِفي ا َأ ُب ْل َق ْل اَل َوِهَي ا َأ “Truly in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt. Truly it is the heart.” (Hadith Sahih Al Bukhari 52)
to create to initiate ( ٱنَفَط َرْت, افطار,فطور ) apart splitting or apart break to Due to its significant role in Islam, many scholars wrote about its concept, exploring the spiritual significance of the heart. Imam Al Nawawi (RA) for instance, delves into the concept of "al-aql fi al-qalb, " portraying the heart as the seat of the intellect and Imam Ibn Kathir (RA) interprets the heart as an organ of understanding. Both scholars suggest that the heart overpowers the mind and is more fundamental in shaping our behavior, especially as regards to fulfilling our faith. To this day, there is still ongoing scientific research that explores the concept of the heart having its own "little brain". The HeartMath Institute Research Center has, through its years of investigations, reached the significant conclusion that "the heart is an access point to wisdom and intelligence that we can call upon to live our lives with more balance, greater creativity, and enhanced intuitive capacities". (1) Gradually, I came to understand the concept of fitrah (nature) , which represents the inherent human inclination towards the Oneness of God, the recognition of The Creator, and the true path (haniifa). ‘Haniifa’ refers to the concept of following the path of Prophet Ibrahim a.s. This signifies an unwavering devotion to the belief in the Oneness of God (monotheism) and a commitment to the true path of righteousness. ِلَك ٱلِّديُن َٰذ ِهۚ َّل ِق ٱل ْبِديَل ِل َخْل ْيَهاۚ اَل َت ِتى َفَطَر ٱلَّناَس َعَل َّل ِه ٱ َّل اۚ ِفْطَرَت ٱل ِقْم َوْجَهَك ِللِّديِن َحِني ًۭف َف َأ ْكَثَر ٱلَّناِس اَل َيْعَلُموَن ِكَّن َأ َقِّيُم َوَل ٰـ ْل ٱ So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know (30:30) The root word of fitrah which is “ فطر “points to three main meanings: 1. 2. 3.
َمْغُضْوِب ْل ا are those who possess true knowledge but do not act upon ْیَن ِّل ضآَّال are those who act without true knowledge As a result, this word can lead us to reflect on the grand themes of creation in the Heaven and Earth by Allah, الفاطر~ The Creator, and the beginning of life in Heaven and Earth. It can also make us contemplate فطرة ,the innate nature within. Additionally, it is associated with the act of breakfasting (افطار iftar), which would remind us of Ramadhan, the holy month when all of us are blessed with the Quran and the opportunity to gain taqwa through fasting. Furthermore, the word also describes cosmic events associated with the Day of Judgement, such as the cleft asunder of the sky تْر َطَفَٱن ,as mentioned in Surah Al Infitar verse 1. Verily, deep within every person's heart, there exists an innate understanding of Allah's lordship, the truth of His existence and the reality of the Hereafter. We have testified even before we were born! Of course we can’t remember, but the Quran serves as a reminder and evidence that we have indeed testified in the past. ْمۖ ِّب ُك َلْسُت ِبَر نُفِسِهْم َأ َأ ْشَهَدُهْم َع ٰٓىَل َتُهْم َوَأ ُّبَك ِمۢن َبِنٓى َءاَدَم ِمن ُظُهو ِرِهْم ُذِّرَّي َخَذ َر َوِإْذ َأ َغ ٰـِفِليَن َّنا َعْن َهٰـَذا ُك ا َّن ِقَي ٰـَمِة ِإ ْل َيْوَم ٱ ۟ا و ُل ن َتُقو َأ ٓاۛ ۛ َشِهْدَن ٰىَل َب ۟ا و ُل ا َق And ˹remember˺ when your Lord brought forth from the loins of the children of Adam their descendants and had them testify regarding themselves. ˹Allah asked,˺ “Am I not your Lord?” They replied, “Yes, You are! We testify.” ˹He cautioned,˺ “Now you have no right to say on Judgement Day, ‘We were not aware of this.’ (7:172) As we go through life and encounter various distractions, we may sometimes forget or neglect the true knowledge, leading us astray from the right path. Without realizing that we have followed different path, resembling of those who َمْغُضْوِب anger His earned have ْل ا and of those who are astray نَیْ ِّل .الَّضآ Who are they? 1. 2. By understanding and embracing the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, we get constant reminders to spark and awaken one of the hidden gems; the 'Lubb’ ~ THE CONSCIOUS AND INTELLIGENT HEART!
CHAPTER 3: THE HIDDEN CODE
ΔC:Concentration gradient across the medium (from an area of high concentration , C1 to an area of low concentration, C2) A: Surface area through which diffusion occurs. D: Diffusion coefficient, which represents the substance's ability to diffuse in a given medium. It reflects how easily the drug enters the membrane ΔX: Distance over which diffusion occurs. One fine day, during our weekly Continuous Medical Education (CME) programme, while we were discussing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, I found the concept of drug dissolution, diffusion, distribution and finally how the drug exert the therapeutic effect in our bodies sounds similar to the concept of learning the Quran. I found these concepts align and resonate well as the Quran itself is indeed the medicine for the heart (‘shifaa’). In pharmacology, we learn about Fick’s Law of diffusion, which describes the movement of molecules or particles (in this case is the movement of a drug) diffuses across any substance (our body cell membrane) over time. The given formula is : Rate of Diffusion (Drug) = (ΔC x A x D) / ΔX Just as we aim to get the best result with medication (drug), the same applies when we learn the Quran. We hope to gain the Quran's benefits as a source of reminders, healing, guidance, and mercy in our lives. Afterwards, I shall explain the process through which the Quran enters our hearts, using this scientific formula as an analogy.
The word " ِكَتٰـُب ْل ٱ "is categorized as a ‘definite noun’ (indicated by the initial "ٱل ,("which means it specifically and exclusively refers to one particular Book, which is The Quran. The word Quran (قرأن (is derived from the root word ‘Qaraa’ (قرأ (which means ‘ read’ or ‘recite’ , and it often involves a repeated action. Quran (قرأن ,(signifies a text intended for repeated reading, emphasizing the needs for its continuous recitation. The word " بُـٰتَك) "ِwritten with a dagger or superscript ‘alif’), refers to the Quran that we recite. It represents a written scripture, complete with rules and regulations, and encompasses a vast accumulation of knowledge from the beginning of time to the end of time. In the Quran, the word 'Kitaab' can also be found written as " كتاب) "with a normal shape of ‘alif’). When it is written in this form, it usually describes the Quran with knowledge of the unseen, especially related to matters such as destiny (taqdir), life and death (2) There are many other beautiful names of the Quran with each carrying different meanings for example (only to name a few); Al Furqaan, Az Dzikr, Al Nur and Al Tanzil Rate of diffusion ∝ ΔC ΔC = C1 - C2 From the formula, we understand that the rate of particle diffusion is proportional to its concentration gradient. Using the formula ΔC = C1 - C2, it becomes evident that a greater concentration gradient allows for more particles diffusion through a substance. Therefore, to achieve the maximum effect, we should maintain C1 at the highest value and C2 at the lowest value. The greater the difference, the more favorable the outcome will be. Now, let's explore C1 and C2 in more detail. Remember that we ask Allah for guidance to the straight path everyday in Al Fatihah (1:6)? Indeed Allah has provided us with the answer : to follow " ِكَتٰـُب ْل - "ٱ The Book! (2:2). َع ٰـ َلِميَن ْل ِكَت ٰـِب اَل َرْيَب ِفيِه ِمن َّرِّب ٱ ْل نِزيُل ٱ َت The revelation of this Book is beyond doubt from the Lord of all worlds (32:2) So let’s meet the C1 ~ The Book, which is the valuable gift filled with knowledge and wisdom, serving as a guiding light for those who are conscious of Allah. It is a divine guidance from the Lord of all worlds! C1:THE BOOK FOR GUIDANCE
The term 'Rabb' ('رب ('in the Quran holds profound significance that goes beyond a simple translation of 'Lord' in English, which is commonly understood as an 'Owner' or 'Master', a powerful being with authority. The word 'Rabb' in the Quran encompasses a much richer and more comprehensive meaning. 'Rabb' means one who gives instructions, guides, manages, enforces, and nurtures continuously; One who brings about improvement. 'Rabb' also specifies the role of a sustainer, a nourisher, a healer, a cherisher, signifying one who has been intricately involved in every aspect of our existence. One of the beautiful descriptions of Rabb can be found in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, verses 78-89 as described by Prophet Ibrahim a.s The concept of a teacher as a 'murabbi' مربي ,which is derived from the root word 'رب ',implies the role of a teacher to continuously cultivate the moral character (akhlaq) of the learners. Sometimes, this role even necessitates enforcement, and the true 'murabbi' is Allah! ِحْقِني ِبالَّصاِلِحيَن ْل ًما َوَأ ُح ْك َرِّب َهْب ِلي My Lord! Grant me wisdom, and join me with the righteous (26:83). Aamiin
C2: NURTURING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE What should be the character of a servant when seeking true guidance and hoping to learn from The Book بُـٰتَكِ ْل .? ٱ Allah reminds us in the very first verse of Surah Al Baqarah ٓلٓم ا Alif-Lãm-Mĩm (2:1) What does Alif-Lãm-Mĩm mean? Nobody knows.The meaning is a mystery, known only to Allah. These are known as "Huruf Muqatta'at" – the disjointed letters found at the beginning of several Surah in the Quran. Most of the verses following these mysterious letters in the Surahs describe the magnificence of the Quran. This gives us a valuable lesson, reminding us of the importance of having the right attitude, maintaining humility as servants of Allah, especially when approaching The Book. We should always acknowledge that we know nothing, we need Him to lighten our hearts, we are nothing without His help and guidance. Do you now see a better connection between Surah Al Fatihah and Surah Al Baqarah? Subhanallah After understanding this concept, what do you think is the most suitable value for C2? Keeping in mind the formula ΔC = C1 - C2, where maximizing ΔC requires a high C1 and a low C2. Therefore, the value of C2 should be "ZERO" especially when it comes to representing one's ego, pride, superiority, self-attribution, or arrogance. Rule #1 Beyond The Stars: The Humble Servant
ِبُروَن۩ ْك ِهْم َوُهْم اَل َيْسَت ِّب ِبَحْمِد َر ۟ا و ُح ًۭدا َوَسَّب َّج ُس ۟ا و ِبَها َخُّر ۟ا و ِذيَن ِإَذا ُذِّك ُر َّل ِتَنا ٱ ٰـ اَي َٔـ َما ُيْؤِمُن ِب َّن ِإ Only those believe in Our verses who, when they are reminded by them, fall down in prostration and exalt Allah with praise of their Lord, and they are not arrogant (32:15) Shaitan refusing to prostrate to Prophet Adam a.s serves as a reminder of the consequences of arrogance and disobedience. The refusal to obey Allah's command and the arrogance that led to Shaitan's fall from grace. We should learn from this example and avoid the path of arrogance. I learned many fascinating things about Sajdah (prostration) when I attended the World#QuranConvention last year. It was an exceptional program, and one of the topics discussed was "The Power of Sajdah”. During prostration, we find ourselves in the most humble position yet the closest position to Allah. This is because, in prostration, we place our most noble body part, which is our face, on a place touched by feet, as an act of humility and devotion to Allah. Ibn 'Abbās (RA) reported a Hadith where the Prophet (SAW) said: "I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: the forehead (and he pointed to his nose), the hands, the knees, and the extremities of the feet, and not to tuck up the clothes and hair" (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim). In simpler terms, prostration involves placing seven parts of the body on the ground, including the forehead and nose, both hands, both knees, and the toes. Additionally, we should not tuck up our clothes and hair when bowing and prostrating. Instead, we should let them fall naturally to the ground so that everything, from body parts to the clothing and hair, prostrates to Allah. Just imagine how profoundly humble a servant appears in that position. We lower ourselves to the earth in prostration, yet our rank as a servant is elevated! Thus while in prostration, engage in a heartfelt conversation with Allah. Make sincere supplication and let our emotions flow. Abu Huraira (RA) reported, The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself, so make supplication (in this state) (Sahih Muslim 482)
I love the moment when the speaker mentioned when we make du’a in prostration, we whisper onto the ground, yet it is heard in the ‘Arasy’! (شِرْعَ ْل ~ (ٱ The Throne! And everyone in the hall exclaimed ‘ Allahuakbar’! Such a stirring moment. Subhanallah. It is indeed deeply humbling when we realize that we are just tiny, insignificant little humans amidst the vastness of creatures in the Universe. Whatever is in Heavens and on the Earth, the angels, along with celestial entities like the sun, moon, stars, as well as the mountains and trees, all humbly prostrate to Allah! ۩ ۟ا ِه َوٱْعُبُدو َّل ِل ۟ا ُدو ُج ٱْس َف So prostrate to Allah and worship ˹Him alone˺! (53:62) ~ An Najm (The Star) So let's improve our prayers, humbly seeking His guidance through the Quran and elevate our rank as The Humble Servant! Embrace The Nour, and let our hearts shine beyond the stars!
CHAPTER 4: ADVANCING AUTHENTICALLY
A: BRING IT ALL TOGETHER Rate of diffusion ∝ A A = Surface area through which diffusion occurs According to that formula, the rate of particle diffusion is also influenced by the surface area on which the diffusion process takes place. Therefore, a larger surface area would allow more particles to cross through the substance. That means we must keep our hearts open wide, ready to receive the Quran's teachings, and optimize our senses of hearing, sight, and intellect to truly understand the Quran. For these are the channels through which the Quran enters our hearts. Rule #2 Open Heart , Open Mind: The Submissive Servant I admit that learning the Quran can be tough, especially if we're not familiar with Arabic. Additionally, it's essential to allocate dedicated time slots for Quran learning and prioritize it within our already ‘busy’ schedules. Is it possible to squeeze in some more commitments within our already hectic lives? Moreover, the real test lies in applying the knowledge we gain from the Quran to our daily lives. Often, this means replacing our old habits with better ones, which truly requires persistent actions. We are not perfect. The struggle to step out of our 'comfort zone' is real. We may encounter failures along the way, but despite the challenges, let's remain focused and manage those challenges wisely. The key to thriving amidst change is to maintain a close relationship with Him, embrace the new situation with openness and a flexible attitude.
I find inspiration in the stories of Prophet Musa a.s in the Quran. ٰىَك َحِديُث ُموَس ٰٓى َت َوَهْل َأ And has the story of Moses reached you? (20:9) َحِديُث" word The " means " story, news, discussion, talk (broadcast)" and it also carries the meanings of "new, " "recent, " and "modern”. This implies that the story of Prophet Musa a.s is not just a mere narrative, but one that offers valuable, relevant, and timeless lessons. His stories leading the Bani Israel (the Muslim community at that time) remain relevant, and we can still relate to it today. His stories scattered across different Surahs, offer valuable insights into his character. It's truly inspiring to learn about his upbringing, how he acknowledged his weaknesses, the mistakes he made, and his struggles. Yet he maintained his close relationship with Allah all the time! His determination in seeking knowledge from Prophet Khidir a.s is all inspiring, especially when considering his own prophethood and remarkable intelligence during his time. He displayed an open-hearted and flexible attitude on his journey of seeking knowledge. One of the examples of his open-heartedness, mental agility and adaptable attitude during the journey was when his assistant unintentionally left behind the fish, which was supposed to be their meal. Despite their long journey and exhaustion, he focused on the bigger picture. He brilliantly connected the dots and willingly redirected their journey’s route and retracing their footsteps to the spot where they had lost the fish. This eventually led them to meet Prophet Khidir a.s, as described in the story found in Surah Al-Kahf, verses 60-65. Another beautiful portrayal of his character can be found in Surah Taha verses 24-35. This is when he was tasked with a challenging mission. He wholeheartedly surrendered to the Will of Allah, sought Allah’s assistance by acknowledging that he had a lot of weaknesses, he shared his concern openly by expressing his struggles and fear. That moment is profoundly moving. Faced with the daunting responsibility of conveying the concept of Tawheed to Fir’aun, his first and foremost request was for Allah to open his heart.
َرِّب ٱْشَرْح ىِل َصْدِرى My Lord! Uplift my heart for me (20:25) Here the word used is صدر ‘Sadr’. Remember that صدر is the first layer of our heart? As the first layer expands, we can imagine the entire heart would expand as well, symbolically leading to a broader sense of relief, heart openness and understanding! ُهۥ َيْجَعْل َصْدَرُهۥ َضِّيًقا َح َرًۭجا َّل ُيِض ن ِرْد َأ ُي ن َيْهِدَيُهۥ َيْشَرْح َصْدَرُهۥ ِل ِإْلْسَل ٰـِمۖ َوَمن ُه َأ َّل ِرِد ٱل ُي َفَمن ِذيَن اَل ُيْؤِمُنوَن َّل ْجَس َعىَل ٱ ُه ٱل ِّر َّل ِلَك َيْجَعُل ٱل َما َيَّصَّعُد ِفى ٱلَّسَمٓاِءۚ َك َٰذ َّن َك َأ So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islām; and whoever He wants to send astray - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe (6:125) The word Islam, Muslim, Salaam, Saleem all share a common root word سلم, . which brings the concepts of peace, submission, surrender, safety and soundness. The heart (sadr) is filled with a profound sense of peace, willingly submitted to Allah by His guidance. Do you remember as mentioned in the earlier chapter that the heart (sadr) is the place where Shaitan often tries to attack with evil temptation? Therefore, through Allah's guidance, we can understand that the heart (sadr) becomes even more resilient in resisting those evil whispers, and peacefully submitting to Allah. Subhanallah. The Submissive Servant. Those who are guided by Allah are indeed blessed. Have you ever felt a sense of envy towards those who have received guidance (hidayah)? I had that feeling previously. In fact I still have it! But don't get me wrong. It's an inspiration to strive for a better me in the sight of Allah. Do you too want to be guided by Him? If you are, quickly make a sincere du’a and with ِبْسِم ِهللا الَّرْحٰمِن الَّرِحْيِم let's move on to the next step.
Rule #3 Amplify Your Potential: The Grateful Servant The state of darkness and helplessness in which human beings enter the world. It serves as a profound reminder of our humble beginnings and dependence on Allah's mercy and provision. We must remember to express gratitude for the numerous blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, particularly the gifts of hearing, sight, and intellect. In the Quran, the word 'ةَدَـِٔ فْلْأ َٱ') 'al afidah') is directly translated as 'intellect.' It is important to note that 'ةَدَـِٔ فْلْأ َٱ') 'al afidah') is the plural form of 'Fu’ad, ' where emotions reside. Without hearing, sight, and emotions, our lives would be very lonely in the dark, making it impossible to appreciate the beauty of this world. Moreover, it would leave us without any meaningful connections with anyone in this world. Fu’ad refers to the layer of the heart that brims with intense emotions and has the capacity to exert influence on others.The word نَو ُر ُك categorized isَ تْش as Fi’il Mudhari’ (present tense). In Arabic grammar, the present tense often denotes a habitual or continuous action. With the gift of hearing, sight, and emotion bestowed upon us, Allah hopes that we will become servants of gratitude, who continuously fill up the 'fu’ad, ' which is our 'emotional reservoir' with gratitude! One of the ways we can show our gratitude is by utilizing, optimizing our hearing, sight, and emotional intelligence in ways that are pleasing to Him. ۙ ِٔـَد َة ْف َر َوٱ َأْل ُم ٱلَّسْمَع َوٱ َأْلْبَصٰـ ا َوَجَعَل َل ُك ْم اَل َتْعَلُموَن َشْي ًۭٔـ ُك ِت َّمَه ٰـ ُأ ُبُطوِن م ِّمۢن ُك ْخ َرَج ُه َأ َّل َوٱل ُروَن ُك ْم َتْش َّل ُك َلَع And Allah brought you out of the wombs of your mothers while you knew nothing, and gave you hearing, sight, and intellect so perhaps you would be thankful (16:78) What can we learn from this verse?
Over the years, the effectiveness of gratitude interventions in enhancing psychological well-being has been investigated through numerous randomized controlled trials. A recent meta-analysis of 25 such trials, involving 6,745 participants, revealed significant improvements in psychological well-being, including aspects like life satisfaction, positive affect, and happiness compared to control groups (3) Furthermore, numerous scientific studies have consistently demonstrated a strong correlation between mental and emotional attitudes, highlighting their significant impact on both physical health and long-term well-being. A recent systematic review has reported that gratitude positively influences cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, promoting healthier behaviors like improving medication compliance and dietary patterns, resulting in improved blood sugar control. They also have better sleep quality, and less psychological stress. These factors collectively play a vital role in enhancing overall cardiac health and reducing cardiovascular risks (4) The understanding of the brain areas involved in emotion has been a complex journey, with various theories and models emerging over time. In earlier times, most theories limited the understanding of emotional control to specific brain regions such as the limbic system. However, it's now well recognized that emotional control involves a more complex process of multiple brain regions, especially the frontal lobes, which are primarily responsible for cognitive processes, intellect, decision-making, problem solving, and impulse control. Several studies have explored the specific brain regions activated when individuals express gratitude.These studies used neuroimaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to observe the brain regions activated during gratitude intervention. While there may be some limitations in the methodology that could introduce biases, most of the studies show a similar pattern; increased brain activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prefrontal cortex, both of which are part of the frontal lobes.(5) As emotions significantly influence cognitive processes, enhancing emotional well-being through gratitude is a highly effective means of initiating changes in mental patterns and processes.Individuals skilled in emotional self-regulation experience enhanced mental clarity, decision-making, creativity, and coordination, thus mitigating the likelihood of an ‘amygdala hijack’ , a situation where overpowering emotions bypass the cognitive system's rational thinking, leading to intense, often disproportionate reactions.
This doesn't mean we should suppress or pretend that sadness, anger, or other emotions don't exist. Emotions are a natural part of our human experience, and there will definitely be moments of sadness, anxiety, anger, frustration, displeasure, or perhaps even hatred leading to emotional exhaustion. However, the key is not to let these negative emotions consume us to the point of ungratefulness. Instead, we should acknowledge these emotions, seek healthy ways to cope with them, and prevent them from overshadowing our sense of gratitude. ا َوِإَّما َكُفوًرا ًۭر ا َهَدْيَنٰـُه ٱلَّسِبيَل ِإَّما َشاِك َّن ِإ Indeed We have guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful (76:3) The word هُ ـ ٰنَيْدَه َis in Fi’il Madhi (past tense form). This verse reminds us that Allah swt has, indeed, provided us with guidance through the Quran and the Prophets. The guidance indeed has come. Thus by following this guidance would enable us to use our hearing, sight, and emotional intelligence to make a wise choice, and willingly walk on the path of gratitude. In my imagination, Fu’ad resembles a flaming phoenix. It holds the potential for personal growth and empowerment when channeled positively. It serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, the ability to rise anew, and transformation. However, when channeled negatively, it can become destructive, harming and hurting both oneself and others. The most effective way to overcome this negativity is by becoming The Grateful Servant! ِبى َلَشِديٌۭد ْم ِإَّن َعَذا ُت ِئن َكَفْر ْمۖ َوَل َّن ُك ِزيَد ْم َأَل ُت ِئن َش َكْر ْم َل ُّب ُك َّذَن َر َأ َوِإْذ َت And remember when your Lord proclaimed, If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe. (14:7) The more grateful you are, the more Allah will increase His blessings. So, let our hearts be filled with deep gratitude and our actions align with the characteristics of a Grateful Servant.
To recapitulate, let's look again at the scientific formula for diffusion. The rate of diffusion is proportional to the surface area. Rate of diffusion ∝ A Have you noticed now that 'A' (the heart, hearing, sight, emotion, intellect, and even coordination of the limbs) has the potential to grow in a positive way as we humbly surrender and express gratitude to Him? This, in turn, makes it easier for us to learn, understand the Quran and apply its teachings, InshaAllah. Every time we manage to listen, recite, learn the Quran, perform our obligations, or engage in any good deeds, let us not forget to express gratitude and recognize them as blessings from Allah. This is the key factor for positive growth and development in all aspects of our lives, whether physical, intellectual, emotional/social, and spiritual well being. َع ٰـ َلِميَن ْل ِه َرِّب ٱ َّل َحْمُد ِل ْل ٱ
D: BOUNDLESS LOVE Rule #4: True Love: Servant of The Most Merciful Rate of diffusion ∝ D. D = diffusion coefficient. It reflects how easily the drug crosses through the surface substance. The higher the value for D, the faster the process of diffusion will be. ْرَحُموَن ُت ْم َّل ُك ۟ا َلَع نِصُتو ۟ا َلُهۥ َوَأ ٱْسَتِمُعو ُقْرَءاُن َف ْل ِرَئ ٱ ُق َوِإَذا When the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and be silent, so you may receive mercy (7:204) Similar to how a high diffusion coefficient expedites the process of diffusion, we can draw a similar analogy from this verse. By listening carefully when the Quran is recited and focusing on understanding its meanings, we have the opportunity to gain immediate access - the most precious pass - to a gateway of Allah's boundless mercy! His mercy becomes the driving force behind our intellectual and personal growth, enabling us to grasp the knowledge of the Quran, internalize the concepts more readily and apply its teaching. Let’s delve into the word لَّعَلَ in that verse which is translated as maybe or perhaps. What can we reflect on regarding this word? It is used to indicate a possibility or probability, not certainty. What does it mean? Should we be worried? Definitely we should! We need His Mercy. We need His Love! It's time to really reflect seriously on ourselves. Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that, the Prophet (saw) said: Verily, when the slave (of Allah) commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. When he refrains from it, seeks forgiveness and repents, his heart is polished clean. But if he returns, it increases until it covers his entire heart. And that is the ‘Ran’ [rust] which Allah mentioned: ‘Nay, but on their hearts is the Ran [rust] which they used to earn’ (Jami’ At Tirmidhi 3334, Book 47, Hadith 386)
Remember the concept of 'Light upon Light'? The analogy of a pure heart, similar to a crystal-clear glass, when it’s filled with the Nour of divine guidance, it radiates with beauty and brilliance. However, when the glass is dirty, tainted, and foggy, it becomes nearly impossible for any light to penetrate its inner depths. This signifies that the teachings of the Quran may be difficult to reach the inner depth of a dirty or rusted heart leaving the heart in the darkness. As humans, we are prone to making many mistakes and sins out of ignorance. Allah's Forgiveness is what we truly need in this life. Our Prophet Muhammad (saw) is infallible and the best mankind, yet he still sought forgiveness through istighfar 100 times per day, reflecting how important is His forgiveness in our life. ِإ ٰىَل ًة َّو ُق ْم ُك ا َوَيِزْد ًۭر م ِّمْدَرا ُك ْي ْرِسِل ٱلَّسَمٓاَء َعَل ْيِه ُي َل ِإ ۟ا ٓو ُب و ُت َّم ُث ْم َّب ُك َر ۟ا َقْوِم ٱْسَتْغِفُرو ٰـ َوَي ُمْج ِرِميَن ۟ا ْو َّل ْم َواَل َتَتَو ُك َّوِت ُق And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals (11:52) When we repent and seek forgiveness, Allah will send rain from the sky in abundance. This is a metaphor for Allah’s mercy and blessings. It signifies that seeking forgiveness and repentance can lead to an outpouring of divine blessings, both in material and spiritual. The increase in strength may refer to physical, intellectual, emotional, or spiritual strength to face challenges and difficulties.
In the Quran, the name Al-Ghafur (The Most Forgiving) is frequently paired with Ar-Rahim (The Most Merciful), appearing together approximately 50 times. In most of these verses, Al-Ghafur precedes Ar-Rahim, except in Surah Saba' verse 2, where Ar-Rahim is mentioned before Al-Ghafur. This pattern emphasizes the importance of seeking His forgiveness before His mercy. Thus, we must first repent and seek His forgiveness, with the hope of being blessed with His mercy on our journey of learning the Quran through Tilawah (listening and recitation of the Quran), Tazkiyah (purification), and Ta’lim (education and teaching). Among the signs of Allah's mercy is He teaches us the Quran. ُقْرَءاَن ْل َم ٱ َّل ٱلَّرْحَمٰـُن. َع The Most Merciful. He taught the Quran (55:1-2). Ar Rahman and Ar Rahim, often translated as The Most Compassionate, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful. Ar Rahman indicates that His mercy encompasses all of His creation in this world regardless of their faith. Meanwhile, the name Ar-Rahim, a more specific form of mercy, is reserved for the believers in the Hereafter. Both names come from the same root word رحم , which means the womb. This symbolism beautifully captures the essence of an unconditional, a selfless and nurturing love; a motherly love. From Imam Ibn Kathir (RA); Allah informs of His favours and His mercy for His creatures, for He revealed the Qur’an to His servants, He made memorizing and understanding of it easy for those on whom He has bestowed His mercy. Can you feel The Love? Subhanallah. In the Quran, there are several other verses mentioning 'نَموُحَرْ ُت ْم َّل ُك َلَع ' - ‘so you may receive mercy'. The term 'لَّعَلَ ' serves as a significant reminder of Allah's expectations from us. It calls on us to fulfill our purpose and strive to earn His mercy by meeting those expectations. May we deepen our connection with Him each time we recite ' الرحيم الرحمن '.This connection should inspire us to consistently engage in good deeds that merit His mercy, and hopefully, with His Mercy, would allow us to be among that special group ~ Servants of the Most Merciful!
CHAPTER 5: FIGHTING THE BATTLES
1/ΔX : KNOW YOUR ENEMY Rule #5: Rising Through Challenges : The Striving Servant Rate of diffusion ∝ 1/ΔX ΔX = Distance over which diffusion occurs. The rate of diffusion, as described by the formula, is inversely proportional to the value of ΔX. When the value of ΔX is increased (indicating a thicker cell membrane), it corresponds to a longer time required for a drug to penetrate the membrane cell. In the course of illness, either due to infection or inflammation, the cell's structure (morphology) can undergo changes, resulting in cell swelling.These changes disrupt the drug diffusion process, making it less effective in achieving its desired clinical outcome. Just as a swollen cell membrane slows drug diffusion, the concept is similar spiritually. Sins and spiritual ailments ~ ‘diseases of the heart' act as barriers, hindering the Quran from reaching the depth of one's inner self. To treat these spiritual ailments and the stains on the heart, in addition to seeking His forgiveness, we must diagnose the main root causes, understand how they occur, and take steps to prevent the recurrence. Let’s delve into Surah Al Mutaffifin verse 13 and 14 ُر ٱ َأْلَّوِليَن َس ٰـِطي اَل َأ ُتَنا َق ْيِه َءاَيٰـ ْت ٰىَل َعَل ُت ا َذ ِإ وَن ُب َيْكِس ۟ا و ُن وِبِهم َّما َكا ُق ُل َكاَّلۖ َبْلۜ َراَن َع ٰىَل When Our Verses are recited to him, he says ‘Legends of the former people’. No! Rather, the stain has covered over their hearts of that which they were earning. (83:13,14) What can we reflect on these verses? How do these verses relate to ourselves? .
These verses tell about previous ummah, highlighting how they denied and their attitude of rejection upon listening to the divine guidance brought by the Prophets. The word ذاَإِ is translated as ‘when’ , in Arabic it indicates exactly at that specific point of time. Their refusal to accept the truth at that point of time led to the staining and rusting of their hearts. These verses serve as powerful reminders for us, prompting reflection on our own behavior and responses upon listening to the messages of the Quran. The messages could come to us by His Will in various means. It is our own behavior and response to His guidance which determines the quality of our hearts Those persistently denied and disobeyed upon hearing or seeing His signs, the heart then would gradually become hardened. ِح َجاَرِة َلَما َيَتَف َّج ُر ْل ۚ َوِإَّن ِمَن ٱ ْو َأَشُّد َقْسَو ًۭة ِحَجاَرِة َأ ْل ٱ ِهَى َك ِلَك َف م ِّمۢن َبْعِد َٰذ ُب ُك و ُق ُل َّم َقَسْت ُث ُه َّل ِهۗ َوَما ٱل َّل َمٓاُءۚ َوِإَّن ِمْنَها َلَما َيْهِبُط ِمْن َخْشَيِة ٱل ْل ُج ِمْنُه ٱ َيْخ ُر ُرۚ َوِإَّن ِمْنَها َلَما َيَّشَّقُق َف َه ٰـ ِمْنُه ٱ َأْلْن وَن ُل ِفٍل َعَّما َتْعَم ِبَغ ٰـ Then your hearts become hardened, being like stones or even harder. For indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open, spilling water; and there are some of them that fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do (2:74) The word used in the verses mentioned, which specifically refers to the heart, is قلوب’ Qulub.’ It is the plural form of Qalb قلب .Note that Qalb represents the second layer of the heart, the part that easily fluctuates and changes.
The Conscious Heart (2:1-5); The heart of the true believers, who are continuously striving to attain taqwa by following the teachings of the Quran. They have unwavering faith in the unseen, establish regular prayers, engage in infaq (spending from what Allah has provided for them), believe in the Prophets and the messages revealed to them prior to the Quran’s revelation, and they firmly believe in the Hereafter. The Sealed Heart or The Dead Heart (2:6,7); The heart of the disbelievers, who persistently reject divine guidance. Their hearts, hearing, and sight are sealed due to their persistent disbelief in the truth, and as a consequence, they will suffer tremendous punishment. The Sick Heart (2:8-20); The hearts of the hypocrites. They profess faith outwardly while concealing disbelief within. As they persist in this hypocrisy, Allah increases their 'heart sickness'. In Surah Al-Baqarah verses 1-20, we can find the descriptions of 3 different types of the heart and their characteristics: ُمَّتِقيَن ِّلْل ِكَتٰـُب اَل َرْيَبۛ ِفيِهۛ ُهًۭدى ْل ِلَك ٱ َٰذ وِبِهْم َوَع ٰىَل َسْمِعِهْم ُق ُل ُه َع ٰىَل َّل ۖ َخَتَم ٱل ُهْم َعَذاٌب َعِظيٌۭم ۖ َوَل ِرِهْم ِغَشٰـَو ٌۭة ْبَصٰـ َأ َوَع ٰٓىَل وَن َيْكِذُب ۟ا و ُن ِبَما َكا ٌۢم ِلي ُهْم َعَذاٌب َأ اۖ َوَل ُه َمَر ًۭض َّل َزاَدُهُم ٱل َف وِبِهم َّمَر ٌۭض ُق ُل ِفى The Quran highlights about the hypocrites in various surahs, such as AlBaqarah, Ali 'Imran, An Nisa' , Al-Munafiqun and many other surahs throughout the Quran.
Pretending to have faith (2:8) Insincerity in faith, they claim to believe in Allah but do so without genuine faith or conviction. They are described as deceiving not only Allah but also the believers. However, in reality, they are only deceiving themselves, and this self-deception is a result of their insincerity. As a consequence, Allah increases their ‘heart sickness’ (2:9,10) Keep doing harm and transgressing, yet remaining in denial, ignorance, and self-delusion (2:11,12) Persisting in arrogance, feeling superior, humiliating others, and speaking ill of them despite constant reminders (2:13) Insincere, double faced (with primary motivation is often to gain personal benefits), disrespectful and even mockery towards others. Consequently, they remain in the state of hypocrisy, often without recognizing their own insincerity, ignorant or the consequences of their actions (2:14,15) Hypocrites exchange true guidance for error, leading to their ultimate loss. They believed and then abandoned faith. The description is similar to someone who initially possesses the light of guidance but, due to their own choice and refusal, they descend into eternal darkness (2:16-18) They are cowards, refusing to fight in the cause of Allah in fear of death. They are scared even before actual physical harm has occurred to them. Their strong attachment to this world leads them to deny the existence of the Hereafter (2:19) Not only do they live in darkness, but the state of darkness is indeed dangerous and frightening, symbolized by a dark, stormy rain with lightning. Yet they often fail to recognize it and choose to remain in that state. (2:19-20) Based on these verses (2:8-20), we can learn and recognize some of the characteristics of hypocrites that lead to the ‘sick heart’; The hypocrites will face punishment in the deepest depths of the Fire, as mentioned in Surah An-Nisa' , verse 145 When we listen, recite, and interact with the Quran, it's crucial to understand that each of the verses is intended for our self-reflection. As Muslims, it's essential to examine our own behaviours even when the Quran verse addresses the disbelievers or the hypocrites. These verses serve as a reminder to us, the believers, to be sincere and true in our faith, not to merely claim belief with our words but to have genuine faith in our hearts and actions. This self-reflection helps us determine if our intentions, actions and behaviours resemble those of the disbelievers and the hypocrites as described in the Quran. Arrogance blinds us to our own faults and hinders our ability to acknowledge our shortcomings.
'Ujub' , which is self-admiration or self-satisfaction with our own good deeds. 'Riya' , which is the act of ostentation or showing off, driven by a desire to be seen and praised by others. 'Sum'ah' , the inclination to have good deeds heard by others in order to win their praise. َق ٰٓى ْعَلُم ِبَمِن ٱَّت ْمۖ ُهَو َأ ُك نُفَس َأ ۟ا ٓو ُّك َز ُت اَل َف So do not claim yourselves to be pure. He knows best who is ˹truly˺ righteous (53:32) This verse reminds us not to falsely think good and elevate ourselves, a profound reminder of humility. When we begin to think highly of ourselves, that we do no wrong and are better than anyone else, it can indeed lead us down the path of arrogance—the path of Shaitan. These feelings of ‘pure and superiority’ can also manifest in various ways: 1. 2. 3. Therefore, we should be very careful not to be deceived by Shaitan, always seek refuge in Allah and do things with the intention of none other than pleasing Him. In Surah As Shams verses 7-10, it's highlighted that, our ‘nafs’ (soul) is inspired for both good and bad. Success lies in the conscious effort to purify one's self, striving to overcome negative inclinations, and ruin is the one who corrupts it. In this surah, Allah swears 11 times in the first seven verses, marking the highest number of oaths in any Surah of the Quran, highlighting the importance of Tazkiyyah (purification) in a person’s life. It is important to note that the process of Tazkiyyah must be preceded by the process of (تالوة القرآن) Tilawah ِّمْنُهْم َن َرُسواًۭل ۧـ ِّمِّي ِذى َبَعَث ِفى ٱ ُأْل َّل ُهَو ٱ َم َة ْك ِح ْل ِكَت ٰـَب َوٱ ْل ُمُهُم ٱ ِّل َع ُي يِهْم َو ِّك ُيَز َو ۦ ِتِه ْيِهْم َءاَيٰـ َعَل ۟ا و ُل َيْت ٍۢن ُّمِبي ٍۢل ِفى َضَل ٰـ ْبُل َل ِمن َق ۟ا و ُن َوِإن َكا He is the One Who raised for the illiterate ˹people˺ a messenger from among themselves—reciting to them His revelations, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom, for indeed they had previously been clearly astray (62:2)
Tilawah, means recitation, and the root word تلو ,bringing the meaning of 'following’. This means that Tilawah extends beyond the mere act of reading or reciting the Quran; it emphasizes engagement with its content, understanding, and the application of its teachings. Through understanding and reflection on the verses, we discern what is right and what is wrong according to the Quran. We should humbly acknowledge our faults, seek repentance, and continually strive for our personal, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual improvement. We are, after all, The Striving Servants! ِه َّل ِن ٱل ْذ ِبَك ِبِإ َق ْل َّزَلُهۥ َع ٰىَل َن ُهۥ َّن ِإ ْب ِريَل َف ِج ِّل ا ًّۭو ْل َمن َكاَن َعُد ُق ُمْؤِمِنيَن ْل ُبْش َرٰى ِل َما َبْيَن َيَدْيِه َوُهًۭدى َو ِّل ا ًۭق ُمَصِّد Say, ˹O Prophet, Whoever is an enemy of Gabriel should know that he revealed this Quran to your heart by Allah’s Will, confirming what came before it—a guide and good news for the believers (2:97) This verse emphasizes the role of the angel Gabriel (Jibril) in delivering Allah's divine message to Prophet Muhammad (saw). What intrigues me about this verse is, its emphasis on the Quran's descent or revelation, which is specifically to the 'qalb' (heart). This immediately brings to mind the previous hadith mentioned earlier; Truly in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt. Truly it is the heart بُ ْل َق ْل ا Therefore, it is crucial not to turn away from the messages of the Quran, for the consequences of doing so can be ‘disastrous’ for our own heart. Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrated that Rasulullah (saw) used to recite the following supplication abundantly: ِبي َعىَل ِديِنَك ِّبْت َق ْل وِب َث ُل ُق ْل َب ا ِّل َيا ُمَق O Turner of the hearts, keep my heart steadfast on your Religion (Deen) (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2140) Remember that our goal as true believers is to return to Him with a Qalbun Saleem, a pure and sound heart. ٍۢب َسِليٍۢم ْل َه ِبَق َّل َتى ٱل ِإاَّل َمْن َأ Only those who come before Allah with a pure heart will be saved (26:89) We are accountable and responsible for our own intentions, emotions, choices and actions. He cannot be questioned about what He does, but we will all be ِلِك َيْوِم ٱلِّديِن is He as, questioned ـ ٰم , َMaster of the Day of Judgement.
Our inner world is complex, yet beautiful and wonderful, with so many colours and characters inside, both the good and the bad. The struggles and challenges we face in maintaining the good may be difficult at times and we may stumble or even fail. In moments of weakness, confusion or when feeling lost, it is important not to lose hope. Instead turn to Him and the Quran. Reflecting upon Al-Fatihah (The Opening or The Opener) especially in prayer. That is the key to unlock our full potential, enabling us to strive and rise as a better servant of Him, more importantly in His pleasure. Learn how to paint with the colours of the wind along our journey, and keep moving towards our Ultimate Goals, by upholding the qualities of His True Servant! َّياَك َنْسَتِعيُن َّياَك َنْعُبُد َوِإ ِإ You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help (1:5) Remember, Begin with The End in Mind, Conquering Your Inner World ~ The Path to Self Mastery وهللا أعلُم CONCLUSION
Rollin M.C.2015.Science of The Heart, Volume 2: Exploring the Role of the Heart in Human Performance. HeartMath Institute. Dzulkhairi Mohd Noor.Rahsia tulisan Al Quran,1st Edition.2022 Abdurrahman K et al. 2023.The Effect of Expressed Gratitude Interventions on Psychological Wellbeing: A Meta‑Analysis of Randomised Controlled Studies. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology (2023) 8:63–86 https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-023-00086-6 Wang X et al.2023. The impact of gratitude interventions on patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology.(14) https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1243598 Glenn R.F et al. 2015. Neural correlates of gratitude.Frontiers in Psychology. (6):1491 https://doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01491 Kamus Arab Munawwir, courtesy from Ustaz Muhammad Faiz Abdul Karim, via programme Bahasa Arab Quran (BAQ) Akademi Sinergi. 732 Concepts in Quran, courtesy from Ustaz Fazrul Fahmee Ismail, via programme Solusi Kehidupan Dalam AlQuran (SKDA) Akademi Sinergi. Al Quran (Tafsir & By Word). Greentech Apps Foundation REFERENCES
Alhamdulillah,I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share the beauty of the Quran through this writing. I extend my sincerest gratitude to my family for the unwavering support. The encouragement, those simple little things, and joyful moments always reminded me of what truly matters in life. To my friends, your invaluable feedback has enriched this journey. I'm deeply moved that some of you have recently embarked on a journey of Quran learning. Alhamdulillah. May Allah continue to guide and bless all of us on this path. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my Quran teachers and coaches who have shared their knowledge and wisdom. May their noble efforts be abundantly rewarded by Allah. Lastly, I hope this book will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for those seeking to deepen their understanding and connection with the Quran. Most importantly it serves as a stern reminder for my own shortcomings. May Allah accept our efforts and deeds. َعِليُم ْل نَت ٱلَّسِميُع ٱ َك َأ َّن َنا َتَقَّبْل ِمَّنٓاۖ ِإ َّب َر َعاَلِمْين ْل آِمْيُن َيا َرَّب ا ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Most of the content is based on my Quran learning journey, the knowledge that i gained through various online Quran programmes, including my#Qurantime Season 1 & 2, Akademi Sinergi, Faqih Synergiz Training & Consultancy, Jannah Institute, Tadabbur Centre, Ghulam Al Dakwah and Adi Hidayat Official YouTube Channel. Alhamdulillah. May Allah bless and reward them in abundance. Should you find any mistakes or inaccuracies in this writing, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. All good is from Allah and all mistakes are mine. I appreciate all comments and critiques. بارك هللا فيكم NOTES