:: The Command to reflect upon the Qur'an ::

Allaah The Exalted Almighty Says (interpretation of the meaning):

(Will they not then reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon their hearts)

Imam Ibn Kathir Ibn Katheer, may Allaah have mercy on him, said in his Tafseer:

Commanding the people to reflect and ponder upon the Qur'an, and prohibiting them from turning away from it,

(Will they not then reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon their hearts) means, there indeed are locks upon some hearts, firmly closing them so that none of its meanings can reach them. Ibn Jarir recorded from Hisham bin `Urwah, from his father, may Allah be pleased with him, that Allah's Messenger once recited this Ayah,

(Will they not then reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon their hearts) and a young man from Yemen said, "Indeed, there are locks upon them -- until Allah opens them totally or slightly.'' After that `Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, always liked that young man, and kept that to himself until he became in charge, upon which he utilized him (as a consultant).

Quran is a guide to humanity which also includes you, dear . Since none of us want to be misguided, it is paramount not only to read or recite Quran, but to understand and implement it in our lives as well.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave us a simple formula to be the best: "The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it." (Al-Bukhari) So go ahead, learn and teach the Qur'an, and make yourself among the best of Muslims Insha Allah.