Surah Alaq is the first revelation of the Quran:
"Recite in the name of your Lord who created"—(Quran 96 : 1)
Since Prophet Muhammed PBUH has been chosen as the final Prophet for all mankind, it is a profound responsibility to convey the message of Islam. The Prophet PBUH was unlettered but had a very reflective mind. He retained the titles of trustworthiness and truthfulness. He was also known for his understanding, wisdom, and emotional intelligence. This was the ethical and spiritual character of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
The Qur'an is the Divine Speech of God and Prophet Muhammad PBUH is His Messenger. The important aspect of the Qur'an is not just to recite or read the Quran, but to proclaim and deliver it as well as reflect upon it. If we ponder over the verse, we will realise the true essence of this verse.
"اقرأ باسم ربك الذي خلق "
"Recite in the name of your Lord who created" —
So here, everything in the universe is a reflection of the supreme being that is a blessing of the Creator. It does not simply say, "Read whatever you want," but it emphasises that whatever you read should be in the name of God (باسم) and for God, encompassing everything. Because God created us and all the knowledge in the world is through Him. It is the most prominent verse, the profound reality of this universe, that God is the only truth. Whatever exists in this world has a definite purpose and is planned by God. The meaning of life is wrapped up in the glory of God, the actual message of the veriiithe name of your lord." The Qur’an treats knowledge as a means to reaching faith and becoming true believers.
1. Accept the Creator as our Master.
2. Accept that you are God's slave.
3. Guidance comes to those who accept themselves as God's slaves.
Now let's go deeper. What's recitation? The recitation is to glorify and praise the Lord, who created us as human beings.
وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ وَحَمَلْنَـٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَـٰهُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ وَفَضَّلْنَـٰهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍۢ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًۭا
"And We have certainly honoured Adam's children, carrying them on land and sea, providing for them with good things, and preferring them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference."(Qur'an 17 : 70)
God has created uncountable species in the universe, but human beings have been titled the Noblest creatures (Ashraf Ul Makhlookat). No doubt, man has been endowed with certain cognitive skills and freedom of will, but man can achieve this position by fulfilment of his potential and by attaining the highest level of humanity by reminding himself again and again that everything is scheduled by God, who is the source of life knowledge and wisdom. The Qur'an asks its readers to make observations, relate empathically, think logically, and arrive at conclusions that will pave the way to faith and worship. When we observe the creation through the lens that brings new transformation into our lives, faith will eventually enter our hearts, because faith is more than just an ordinary thing; it is a heart matter.
It’s a matter of trust to believe that absolute authority belongs only to God, which is the first step to belief in God. One can never taste the divine essence of faith without recognising and submitting to the grandeur and majesty of God. A man should know that he is a trustee appointed by God to fulfil his duty towards God. That’s the reason, after receiving the revelation, Prophet PBUH never went to the cave again and struggled throughout his life to fulfil the commandment of God and (to read or) proclaim the divine message. The Prophet Muhammad's life was an outstanding example of humility and simplicity. His mission is now on our shoulders. Let's make it our mission to continue the legacy of our Prophet, PBUH.
وَٱلَّذِينَ جَـٰهَدُوا۟ فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
As for those who struggle in our cause, we will surely guide them along our way. And Allah is certainly with the good-doers (29:69)
"God invites people to acquire knowledge and gnosis [of Him], via two ways: Firstly, by reflecting upon the divine creation and secondly, by contemplating over the Qur’an and pondering over its meanings and the act of learning itself is considered an act of worship".
اَللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ كُلُّهُ وَلَكَ الشُّكْرُ كُلُّهُ
O Allah, for You Alone is all Praise. For You Alone is all Gratitude.
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