How can I achieve a true understanding of the Quran?

Achieving a true and deep understanding of the Holy Quran is a spiritual and intellectual journey that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. The Quran, as the luminous word of God and a guide for humanity until the Day of Judgment, means that understanding it is not merely an intellectual exercise but an act of worship and a path to growth and perfection. This process begins with piety (Taqwa) and sincere intention, for Allah emphasizes in numerous verses that the Quran is a guide for the righteous (Muttaqeen). A pure heart and a sincere intention to seek Allah's pleasure open the doors of understanding. Without Taqwa, words may be read, but their profound and guiding meanings will not be grasped. Our intention must solely be to draw closer to Allah and to act upon His teachings, not merely to acquire knowledge or to show off. This sincere intention brings special blessings on the path of understanding the Quran, removing the veils between the heart and the divine message. One of the primary keys to true Quranic understanding is 'Tadabbur.' Tadabbur goes beyond mere recitation or reading a translation; it means deep contemplation, reflection, and immersion in the meanings of the verses. Allah the Almighty states in Surah Muhammad, verse 24: “Do they not then earnestly ponder over the Qur'an, or are there locks on their hearts?” This verse clearly indicates that a lack of Tadabbur is the main impediment to understanding the Quran. To engage in Tadabbur, one must live with the verses, nurture their meanings in one's heart and mind, and comprehend their connection to one's life, society, and existence. One can practice Tadabbur by pausing at verses, asking questions like, “What does this verse say?”, “What message does it hold for me?”, “How can I apply it?” This active approach unveils hidden layers of meaning. The next step is to acquire the necessary knowledge. Arabic is the language of the Quran, and a deep understanding of it is challenging without familiarity with Arabic grammar, rhetoric, and the Quran's unique style. Learning Arabic to the best of one's ability significantly aids in directly comprehending the divine speech. Furthermore, studying authentic and reliable interpretations (Tafsir), written by steadfast and pious scholars, is essential. These Tafsirs, relying on the narrations of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his Household (Ahl al-Bayt), and the perspectives of companions and successors, help clarify the meanings of verses, their circumstances of revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul), and the connections between different verses. Understanding the Asbab al-Nuzul prevents common misunderstandings and reveals the historical and social context of the verse. Referring to the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and his traditions is also vital for understanding the Quran, as he was the first and best interpreter of the Quran. As the Holy Quran states: “And We have sent down to you the Reminder [the Quran] that you may explain to the people what was sent down to them” (An-Nahl: 44). Thus, the Prophet's conduct and words are a guiding light for us in understanding the divine word. The Quran is a book of life, and the purpose of understanding it is not merely to gain information, but to act upon it and implement its teachings in daily life. Every verse understood should be a catalyst for change and improvement in behavior, ethics, and lifestyle. Imam Ali (AS) said: “Whoever recites the Quran and does not act upon it, the Quran will be an argument against him.” This means that understanding without action is not only useless but may lead to accountability on the Day of Judgment. Direct engagement with the Quran through regular and attentive recitation, and memorization of verses, helps solidify meanings in the mind and heart. This repetition and familiarity ensure that the message of the Quran is woven into the fabric of our being, becoming an inseparable part of our character. Alongside all these efforts, prayer and supplication to Allah for understanding and insight are of utmost importance. Allah is the Opener of hearts and the Illuminator of paths, and without divine success, achieving a true understanding of the Quran is difficult. We should ask Him to remove the veils from our hearts' eyes and assist us on the path of contemplation and acting upon His words. Understanding the Quran is not a static process but a dynamic and continuous journey where, with each return to it, new layers of meaning and guidance are revealed to humanity. Patience and perseverance on this path, and not despairing from initial difficulties, are crucial. The more we become familiar with the Quran and strive to understand it with our hearts and souls and act upon it, the higher levels of true and impactful understanding we will achieve, and we will witness its blessings in our worldly and eternal lives.