By Luqman Juzaili

Being a born Muslim, the Quran is something seen as sacred, and to be dealt with respectfully and carefully. I have never really given it any thought as to why that is so, as it just seems very natural to accept, without pondering why.

As a little kid, I felt like connecting with the Quran has always felt like fulfilling an obligation, and the mindset had stayed with me even till I became an adult. On a practical level, it felt like learning a new language, with more emphasis on reciting than understanding.

It felt like it was about being able to read it fluently, so that I can read more verses, in the hopes of seeking more rewards from Allah ﷻ.

Looking back, I realise that my grasp of it was very surface-level, and there was a much more important perspective that I overlooked. Sadly, that was the level of connection and understanding I had with the Quran, for the most part of my life.

Even though I planned to go through the six Iqra books before reading the Qur’an, I realized that I didn’t yet have the willingness to truly benefit from it. As a result, I found myself having to restart my Quran journey again and again as I struggled to build a consistent habit.

However, the Quran is much more than a message in Arabic. It was the undisputed word of God, and not a single letter was changed from the time it was revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ up till today. That is a period of more than 1400 years! All Glory be to Allah ﷻ. Through this realisation, it has helped me to build an effort towards having a much deeper and meaningful relationship with the Quran.

With this new perspective that I was gifted with, my relationship with the Quran has changed for the better. Connecting with the Quran has given me a sense of direction, a feeling of tranquility and a drive to become a better muslim.

“I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.”

Quran 51:56

This verse from Surah Adh-Dhariyat clearly states the purpose of our existence—to worship Allah ﷻ, the one true God. It shifted my understanding as to how one should live their lives. It caused me to reflect on every single aspect of my life. Allah ﷻ has to be in the center of everything we do and our intentions in engaging in something is to always seek His pleasure.

“So, surely with hardship comes ease. Surely with ˹that˺ hardship comes ˹more˺ ease”
(Surah Ash-Sharh: 5 – Translation: Dr Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran)

Quran 94:5-6

In Surah Ash-Sharh, Allah ﷻ mentions twice that ease comes with hardship. As humans, we are often tested and have our own fair share of struggles. It can be overwhelming at times. But, Allah ﷻ tells us that there is ease that comes with it, which should be a sense of strength and support for us.

It made me realise that Allah ﷻ is indeed Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim, as He has been so merciful towards His servants. Our struggles are acknowledged and reassured by Allah ﷻ Himself.

“As for those who struggle in Our cause, We will surely guide them along Our Way. And Allah is
certainly with the good-doers.”

Quran 29:69

Whenever I stumbled upon this verse, I felt a sense of peace as indeed the hearts are reassured in the remembrance of Allah ﷻ. I think it is very empowering to hear such verses as a Muslim, as it erases the doubts that we tend to have. Allah ﷻ is our sole Provider, and He is enough for us. Allah ﷻ is bigger than our worries, our anxieties and our troubles. It gives me hope that placing my trust in Him is enough.

In a nutshell, the Quran has influenced my relationship with Allah ﷻ through the understanding that I should only rely on Allah ﷻ for everything as He is the Creator of the universe. It has inspired me
to make more dua in times of troubles and leave all affairs to Him, once I have tried my best. As mentioned earlier, the Quran has much more to offer.

I hope that everyone has the opportunity to learn more regarding the Quran, be it perfecting our recitation, increasing our knowledge in
tajweed, tafsir or to gain comfort from it.

The Quran is a gift that keeps on giving, and I pray that everyone will benefit from it and may Allah ﷻ increase all our efforts in trying to connect with the Quran more, inshaAllah.

All praises be to Allah ﷻ—the Most Gracious, Most Merciful for instilling a feeling of yearning to recite and comprehend the beautiful message of Islam. Being able to have access to the Quran is a blessing that I am deeply grateful for.

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