Faith without studying and contemplating the Quran is like a house built on sand, which will not endure against doubts and challenges. The Quran is the primary source for knowing God, a guide for action and ethics, and a source of spiritual peace that deepens and stabilizes faith.
Faith, much like a tree that requires deep roots and continuous watering to grow and stabilize, struggles to remain steadfast and robust without a constant connection to its divine source: the Holy Quran. The Quran is not merely the word of God that unveils the fundamental truths of existence; it is a comprehensive roadmap for life, an endless wellspring of wisdom and knowledge, and a guiding light that illuminates hearts and elevates minds. Indeed, faith without a profound understanding of the Quran is akin to a house built on sand; it may appear solid outwardly, but it will not withstand the storms of doubt, worldly temptations, and social pressures, and will ultimately collapse. Therefore, for the stability, growth, and deepening of faith, the study and contemplation of the Quranic verses are not just necessary, but vital and fundamental. The Holy Quran is the foremost and most important source for knowing God and His perfect attributes. Without studying it, our understanding of Tawhid (Oneness of God), justice, prophethood, the Day of Judgment, and other core beliefs remains superficial and imitative. How can one achieve inner conviction and certainty in these truths without reading and reflecting upon the verses that describe the grandeur of creation, the infinite power of Allah, the wisdom in the creation of humanity and the universe, and God's promises to believers and His punishment for disbelievers? Faith born out of mere tradition will waver in the face of the slightest questions or challenges. However, faith that emerges from deep contemplation of the Quranic verses and the discovery of divine truths will be a strong and stable faith that reaches the level of "certainty" (yaqin). The Quran shows us the purpose of life, where humanity comes from and where it returns, and how one can achieve salvation on this challenging journey. This profound insight transforms faith from a simple belief into a living, dynamic truth within the heart. Furthermore, the Quran is a guide for action and ethics. Its verses define the boundaries of what is permissible and forbidden, the do's and don'ts of life, and moral virtues. Without understanding these guidelines, faith might deviate or become a purely cultural practice devoid of deep content. The Quran teaches believers how to interact with themselves, their families, their communities, and even their adversaries. These guidelines give faith a practical and applicable dimension. Faith that resides only in the heart and does not manifest in actions and behavior is incomplete and weak. Studying the Quran helps believers align their moral and behavioral principles with divine standards, protecting them from misguidance and deviation. When a person knows what God expects of them and which paths lead to divine pleasure, their faith becomes stronger, and they live a more purposeful life. This continuous study is a form of ongoing self-improvement that assists individuals on the path to perfection. The Quran is also a source of spiritual comfort and solace. In moments of hardship, despair, and anxiety, the word of God brings peace to hearts. Verses that speak of patience, reliance on God, and His aid empower and give hope to believers. Someone who is not familiar with the Quran might fall into despair and their faith might weaken in such difficult circumstances. But one who has always lived with the Quran realizes that "And give good tidings to the patient" and "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured" are not merely verses on paper, but living truths that bring them peace and assurance in times of difficulty. Connection with the Quran is a form of spiritual nourishment that keeps faith alive and vibrant. The more regular and profound this nourishment, the stronger and more stable the faith will be. This continuous connection to divine revelation protects an individual from satanic whispers and negative environmental influences. Ultimately, neglecting the study of the Quran gradually erodes faith. Without this vital source, an individual may gradually fall into doubt, religious values may seem less important, and eventually, they may deviate from the straight path of God. The Holy Quran constantly calls believers to reflection, reasoning, and contemplation. This invitation to deep thought and understanding is crucial for the establishment and growth of faith. Faith that is based on knowledge and insight not only remains stable but grows stronger day by day, immunizing the individual against all worldly challenges and satanic temptations. Therefore, for our faith to stand like a deeply rooted and sturdy tree against opposing winds, it is necessary to continuously water its roots with the pure water of the Quran and polish its leaves with the light of divine guidance. This study and contemplation are not only a religious duty but a vital need for the health and stability of the soul and faith.
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.
[This is] a blessed Book which We have sent down to you, that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.
O mankind, there has to come to you an instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.
In Saadi's Gulistan, it is narrated that a wise man was asked: "Which fruit is best from a cluster, and which fruit is best from a tree?" The wise man replied: "The fruit of knowledge and the fruit of contemplation." He continued: "Knowledge that does not settle in the heart and take root is like rain that falls on a rock and flows away, neither growing grass nor watering any root. But knowledge that is accompanied by contemplation and reflection is like water that penetrates fertile soil, from which a deeply rooted and fruitful tree grows." Similarly, this is the story of our faith with the Quran. If our faith is merely lip service and we do not ponder over the verses of the Quran, it is like a seed that remains on the surface of the earth and never germinates. But when we approach the Quran with an open heart and a searching mind, each verse is like clear water that penetrates the roots of our faith, making it stronger and deeper, so that it can withstand the cold winds of doubt and the scorching heat of heedlessness, bringing forth the sweet fruits of peace and guidance.