Can one act upon the Quran without reading it?

The question of whether one can act upon the Quran without reading it is a profound and fundamental issue in understanding Islam, requiring a comprehensive explanation from the perspective of Quranic teachings and the prophetic tradition. The short answer is that while one might act upon some general ethical and human principles also emphasized in the Quran without direct knowledge of its text, a comprehensive, conscious, and purposeful adherence to the Quran is impossible without reading, understanding, and reflecting upon its verses. The Holy Quran is introduced as “guidance” (Hudā) and “light” (Nūr); how can one benefit from light and guidance without opening one's eyes towards it and recognizing its path? The very first divine command revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was “Iqra” (Read). This command, in Surah Al-Alaq, explicitly emphasizes the importance of reading and acquiring knowledge: “Read in the name of your Lord who created.” (Al-Alaq: 1). This verse establishes reading as the starting point for prophethood and understanding religion. Reading here does not merely mean reciting letters but encompasses reflection and contemplation on the meaning and concept of divine words. The Quran repeatedly calls believers to reflect on its verses: “Do they not then ponder on the Quran, or are there locks on their hearts?” (Muhammad: 24). Reflection is a process that requires understanding and contemplation of the text, which is impossible without reading or accessing the content of Allah’s words. The Quran is a collection of laws, stories, admonitions, and guidelines that cover various aspects of individual and social life. To act upon these injunctions, including prayers (Salat), fasting (Sawm), charity (Zakat), pilgrimage (Hajj), as well as directives concerning transactions, family, social justice, and ethics, one must be aware of their details and conditions. This awareness is gained directly through studying the Quran and its interpretations, and indirectly through the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), who were themselves expounders and interpreters of the Quran. If someone does not read the Quran, and even fails to understand it through an intermediary, how can they, for instance, know how many units a prayer has or how to calculate Zakat? Even general ethical principles like kindness to parents or abstaining from injustice, which might exist inherently in human nature, are articulated in the Quran with specific details and emphases. Awareness of these details adds greater depth to one's actions, transforming them from instinctive acts into conscious acts of worship and obedience. However, it should be noted that “reading” the Quran does not necessarily mean the ability to directly recite from the Arabic mushaf for everyone. For those who are illiterate or do not know the Arabic language, “reading” can be achieved through listening to recitations, hearing translations and interpretations from scholars and religious experts, and participating in Quranic study circles. In essence, the ultimate goal is to understand and act upon the divine message, and reading is one of the most effective ways to achieve this understanding. One who listens to the verses of the Quran is, in effect, “reading” it spiritually; they establish a connection with God's word and receive messages through hearing. But even this method presupposes the existence of those who have read, understood, and are capable of transmitting the Quran. There is a significant difference between performing an action that coincidentally aligns with Quranic teachings (e.g., a benevolent person who has never read the Quran but instinctively helps the poor) and performing an action based on Quranic teachings (i.e., consciously and with the intention of following divine command). The first is a good deed and may be rewarded, but the second is an act of worship and servitude that has a different depth and orientation. For an action to be considered “acting upon the Quran,” one must be aware of its Quranic source and have the intention to obey God’s command. Allah has revealed the Quran for people to study it, reflect upon it, and make it their guide in life. Disregarding this invaluable source means depriving oneself of the most complete and direct divine guidance. Ultimately, it can be said that without reading (in the broad sense of direct recitation, listening, or understanding through an intermediary) and understanding the Quran, comprehensive and conscious action upon all its dimensions is impossible. Acting upon the Quran is not merely performing a series of rituals; it is a way of life, a worldview, and a comprehensive approach to existence that stems from deep epistemological roots in divine revelation. Therefore, while some general ethical principles may inherently exist in human beings, there is no way to reach the pinnacle of human perfection and realize true servitude except through direct or indirect connection with the divine word and conscious action based on it. The Quran is a lamp for our path, and to traverse the path in darkness, we need its light—a light that manifests within us through reading and understanding.