By Rafiq Hariz

My journey with the Quran did not begin with deep understanding. Like many Muslims in Singapore, my early relationship with the Quran began with learning how to read it.

In my family, seeking knowledge was always encouraged. As a result, I began learning the Quran from primary school through weekend madrasah classes after completing iqra.

As I progressed, I also attended classes that focused on memorizing surahs. At that stage, the emphasis was primarily on developing fluency in reading and committing verses to memory.

While these were valuable foundations, understanding the meanings behind what we were reciting was not strongly emphasized in my early learning.

Perhaps I was also too young to fully appreciate the deeper messages of the Quran at the time.

However, as the years passed and life became busier with school and other commitments, my connection with the Quran gradually weakened.

Without a strong understanding of its meanings and reciting it regularly, it became easier for the Quran to feel distant from my daily life. Its importance had not yet been deeply internalised within me.

A major turning point in my journey came a few years ago when I met Ustaz Sameer.

Through his teachings and guidance, my perspective on Islam began to shift. He helped me realize how vast and profound Islamic knowledge truly is, and at the same time how much I still had to learn.

His reminders encouraged me to reflect more deeply on my purpose and responsibilities as a Muslim.

One reminder in particular left a lasting impact on me. Allah says,

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

Adh-Dhariyat (51:56)

Reflecting on this verse helped me understand that our lives have a clear purpose: to know Allah and to worship Him.

From that realisation, seeking knowledge and building a stronger relationship with the Quran began to feel not just important, but necessary.

Through the companionship and learning circles I attended with Ustaz Sameer, I began to appreciate the importance of surrounding oneself with people who remind you of Allah and encourage you to grow in faith and knowledge.

It was through this environment that I began to rediscover the Quran in a more meaningful way.

This renewed motivation led me to join his Saturday Quran classes, which were previously held at Masjid Wak Tanjong and are now conducted at New Muslims & Seekers Institute* (see address below).

In these sessions, we learn about the etiquettes of engaging with the Quran, important tajweed rulings, and most importantly, how the Quran should be approached with reflection and sincerity.

Beyond the technical aspects of recitation, we are constantly reminded of the need to prioritise the Quran and allow it to guide our lives.

Alhamdulillah, through these efforts, I have slowly begun to appreciate how vast and profound the knowledge of the Quran truly is.

WHEN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE MEANINGS OF THE VERSES I’M RECITING, THE EXPERIENCE OF RECITING THE QURAN CHANGES ENTIRELY. THE VERSES BEGIN TO CARRY DEEPER MEANING, AND THE WORDS THAT WERE ONCE RECITED MECHANICALLY NOW INVITE MORE REFLECTION AND CONTEMPLATION.

This deeper understanding has also influenced my acts of worship. For example, during prayer, understanding the meanings of the verses I recite helps me attain greater khushu’ – a sense of focus, humility, and presence before Allah.

One of the most powerful ways to improve concentration in prayer is to understand the words we are saying.

Through learning the meanings of the Quran, prayer transforms from a routine action into a more conscious and heartfelt conversation with our Creator.

Reflecting on my journey so far, I recognise that I am still only at the beginning of my relationship with the Quran.

The Quran is an ocean of knowledge, and the more one learns, the more one realises how much there is still to discover.

However, what has changed is my perspective. The Quran is no longer something I simply read; it is something I now strive to understand and reflect upon.

As I continue this path, I look forward to deepening my understanding and strengthening my connection with the Quran throughout my life.

For anyone who wishes not only to learn the Quran but also to grow alongside a supportive community of like-minded individuals who encourage and inspire one another, I warmly invite you to join our classes.

The journey with the Quran is a lifelong one, and it is a journey that becomes far more meaningful when we walk it together.

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