Onlykashmir.in | Editorial
Ramadan is a sacred season of prayer and renewal for Muslims across the globe. In addition to fasting, it is a sacred season of prayer and renewal. Central to this month is the Quran, the final revelation from God, first descended upon Prophet Muhammadﷺ. The true essence of Ramadan lies in understanding the Quran’s meaning.
The Quran is not merely a text to be read; it is a conversation between the Creator and humanity, brimming with stories, laws, and reflections that address the soul’s deepest questions. Reciting it in Arabic, known as tilawah, is a beautiful act of worship. Yet, for many of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims who do not speak Arabic as a native language, the words can remain a distant echo unless paired with their meaning. Ramadan offers a golden opportunity to bridge this gap, to move beyond the sound and into the substance of divine wisdom.
Understanding the Quran begins with engaging its translation or tafsir. This is not a dilution of its sanctity but a fulfillment of its purpose. The Quran itself declares, “We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you may understand” (12:2), emphasizing comprehension as a gateway to its blessings. By reading its meaning, we uncover the context of its revelations.
Consider the practical impact of this approach. During Ramadan, many aim to complete the Quran’s 30 juz (sections) over the month, a noble endeavor. But imagine the richness added if each juz were accompanied by reflection with its meaning. Surah Al-Baqarah, for instance, speaks of accountability and mercy—values that could inspire us to mend relationships or extend kindness during the month. The deeper engagement turns the Quran into a mirror, reflecting our lives against its timeless principles.
This call to understand does not diminish the reverence for Arabic recitation. The essence of Ramadan, then, is more than fasting from dawn to dusk or completing a recitation tally. It is about aligning our spirits with divine guidance, a process enriched when we grasp what the Quran says. By committing to read its meaning, we honor its role as “a healing for the hearts” (10:57).
When the crescent moon of Eid al-Fitr rises, we should emerge not just with voices hoarse from recitation, but with minds and souls transformed by understanding, ready to carry its lessons into the year ahead.
