‘Do They Not Reflect on the Quran?’: Scholar Stresses True Engagement Beyond Recitation

IQNA – Islamic scholar Mohammad-Taqi Fayyazbakhsh has urged Muslims to move beyond mere recitation and memorize the Quran with reflection, saying true engagement requires thought, practice, and purification of the soul.

Speaking with IQNA, Fayyazbakhsh highlighted the Quran’s role as the foundation of faith, morality, and humanity. He stressed that the scripture is not only a guidebook but a living reality that shapes the believer’s relationship with God and with others.

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘This Quran is the banquet of Allah.’ When the Host is the Most Generous, the table spread is filled with the finest gifts. Those who partake eagerly will find the richest fruits in their lives,” Fayyazbakhsh noted.

Fayyazbakhsh underlined that reflecting on the Quran—tadabbur—differs from intellectual study alone. “Thinking (tafakkur) means placing verses side by side, examining words, and seeking meaning. But tadabbur is to move from the outer to the inner. Only when a person purifies the self can they reach the luminous truths beyond the words,” he said, referencing the verse, ‘None touch it except the purified’ (56:79).

He warned that hearts become sealed when Muslims neglect reflection. Citing the verse “Do they not contemplate the Quran, or are there locks on the hearts?” (47:24), he said, “With closeness to the Quran, those locks are removed. But turning away means turning away from the Prophet himself and from our own humanity.”

The scholar reminded that the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) strongly condemned treating the Quran as a text for recitation only. “Imam al-Sadiq said, those who recite and memorize without observing its limits have in fact cast it behind their backs,” he added.

4303941