Allah says in the Quran:
“(This is) a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.” (Surah Sad 38:29)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
This verse clearly shows that the purpose of the Quran is tadabbur (deep reflection). Allah did not say it was revealed simply to be recited quickly or completed many times, but to be pondered and lived by.
“Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?” (Surah Muhammad 47:24)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
This shows that neglecting reflection is a calamity. The Quran is meant to unlock hearts, transform character, and guide behavior.
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad ﷺ, embodied the Quran in his character. When asked about his manners, his wife Aisha bint Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنها) said:
“His character was the Quran.” (Reported in Sahih Muslim)
Translated Hadith from Arabic to English
This statement shows that the Prophet ﷺ did not merely recite the Quran, he lived it. Every command was implemented, every prohibition avoided, and every moral value embodied.
The companions of the Prophet also prioritized understanding before moving forward. It is reported that they would learn ten verses at a time and would not go beyond them until they understood them and acted upon them. This method shows that knowledge and action were inseparable.
Reciting the Quran without understanding or applying it can lead to heedlessness. The Prophet ﷺ warned about people who would recite the Quran but it would not go beyond their throats (meaning it would not reach their hearts). This indicates that mere recitation without sincerity, reflection, and obedience is not the goal.
Allah also criticizes those who were given scripture but failed to live by it:
“The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey carrying books. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” (Surah Al-Jumu‘ah 62:5)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
The lesson is clear: knowledge without action is a burden, not a benefit.
It is true that every letter of the Quran recited brings reward. However, greater reward lies in allowing the Quran to change us. One verse understood and practiced can transform a person’s life.
For example:
Understanding verses about honesty leads to truthful speech.
Reflecting on verses about patience builds resilience.
Acting upon commands of prayer strengthens faith.
Implementing guidance about justice improves society.
Reading without understanding may beautify the voice, but understanding beautifies the soul.
Islam does not discourage frequent recitation. Rather, it encourages both recitation and contemplation. The ideal believer combines:
Regular recitation
Deep reflection
Sincere intention
Practical implementation
When these elements come together, the Quran becomes a living guide rather than a book placed on a shelf.
The Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, not merely as words to be repeated. Reading it once with understanding, humility, and action is far better than reading it a thousand times without comprehension or change.
The true success is not in how many times we complete the Qur’an, but in how much we understand and act upon it.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir is a detailed explanation of the Quran that helps readers understand:
• The meanings of verses
• The reasons verses were revealed
• Related Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)
• Opinions of the Prophet’s companions
• Historical context
It is one of the most well-known and widely used tafsir books because:
It explains the Quran using the Quran itself (cross referencing verses).
It uses authentic Hadith heavily.
It relies on early Muslim scholars like the companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The full Arabic Book title is: Tafsir Al Quran Al Azim (تفسير القرآن العظيم)
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك أشهد ان لا اله الا انت استغفرك وأتوب اليك