The Holy Quran is the Divine Book sent to the final prophet of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is not just a book of guidance for all Muslims, past, present, and future, but also the ultimate miracle of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎.

Revealed over the course of 23 years, the Holy Quran contains guidance, commands, laws, historical narratives, predictions of the future, and a glimpse into the unseen realms. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ has condensed in the Holy Book everything we need to know to live a morally upright life. It is a comprehensive message that has remained unadulterated and unaltered for over 1400 years.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ says in the Holy Quran:

“Easy have We made the Qur’an to understand: So is there anyone who will be warned?” [54:40]

His verse clearly indicates that the Holy Quran is meant to be read and understood. We must make a concerted effort to improve understanding and knowledge of the Quran.

The Holy Quran and the West

The Holy Quran’s contents and its miraculous preservation make it a revered Book for Muslims globally. Translated into most languages spoken worldwide and memorized by thousands of people, the Holy Quran is a unique piece of literature. The beauty of the language recited and written, is incomparable. The Arabic recitation moves many to tears, even when they do not comprehend the meaning behind the words. That is the power of the Holy Quran.

Unfortunately, even the most sacred text of the world’s second-largest religion in the world is not safe from propaganda and negative press. The cherry-picking of out-of-context verses of the Holy Quran and the abetment of desecration of the Holy Quran, such as incidences of Quran burnings, under the guise of freedom of expression, are major issues that must be tackled.

There is a need to remove the misconceptions that exist within the Western sphere about the Holy Quran. Proper education, not just about the content but also the relevant context, is necessary. With millions of Muslims residing in the West, there is an urgent need for a plan of action that encourages a deep understanding of the Holy Quran, especially in the West, where Islamophobia is widespread and on the rise.

Ways to Improve the Understanding of the Holy Quran

Improving understanding of the Holy Quran and Islam in general in the West is important for creating an environment where Muslims can thrive rather than be discriminated against. Here are some ways we can encourage a better understanding of the Holy Book:

Translations Accompanied by Linguistic Explanations

It is common to find translated versions of the Holy Quran in nearly every language. You can even find a copy of the Quran that includes translation and the original Arabic text online for free.

Yet, translation is not sufficient. Much of the meaning in the Quran is specific to Arabic. Nuances of the language, like parables and the use of similar-sounding words, are lost during translation. It is better to include notes and explanations to showcase such instances when they occur in the text.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ states in the Quran:

“We have, therefore, revealed to you the eloquent Qur’an that you may warn the people of the Metropolis, and those who live around it, of the Day of Gathering, of which there is no doubt, (when mankind would be assembled) some in Heaven, some in Hell.” [42:7]

The verse proves that the use of Arabic holds great significance. Arabs were proud of their eloquence and use of language. This is why the revelation of the Quran in Arabic and the open challenge to the Arabs to produce even a single verse similar to it was so groundbreaking,

Improving the Availability of Commentaries of the Holy Quran

Commentaries of the Holy Quran contain a wealth of information. These include meanings, context, linguistic explanations, and even references from authentic traditions of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Commentaries expound upon the meaning beyond mere translations.

This in-depth exploration into the meaning removes any kind of misunderstanding one might have about the verses of the Holy Quran. authors of these commentaries possess a deep knowledge of the Quran, the Arabic language, other authentic sources, and the historical context for every event mentioned.

Encourage Academic Studies and Debates

While commentaries on the Holy Quran exist, it is necessary to encourage academic research and debate as well. The Holy Quran is a source of unlimited knowledge and wisdom. Many scientific facts that are present in the Holy Quran have been identified in recent years.

It shows that the information in the holy Book is not exhaustive despite detailed studies by numerous individuals. Bringing the Holy Quran into the academic arena would encourage a deeper understanding of the text.

Foster Interfaith Dialogue

The Holy Book is not just for the Muslims. It is necessary to invite people from other religious backgrounds to study the Quran and provide their opinions. If anything, this would transform their views on Muslims as a whole.

Muslims have long been stereotyped and even Islam is vilified by many in the West. Studying the Holy Quran and exchanging ideas will help with dispelling these stereotypes and improving relations between Muslims and non-Muslims all over the world.

Publicize and Promote the True Message

It is not enough to have individuals study and explore the Holy Quran. The word of the Holy Book must be publicized through media, mainstream and digital. Propaganda against Islam and Muslims is blasted across various media platforms. It only makes sense to develop a strategy to counter negative press.

Improving understanding of the Holy Book is necessary in this day and age of rampant misinformation. It is important to provide one’s perspective to rival the bias that exists in media.

Beyond Comprehension

The Holy Quran is not just another text. It is the Divine Book sent down to us for understanding and guidance. reading, reciting, and understanding the Quran is important, but so is the practical application of its teachings. The Holy Book is meant to tell us how to live our lives; this is why knowledge without practice is useless. We must follow the Holy Quran and turn to it at all times so we can live a righteous life.

Author Bio:
Mughees Qureshi provides copywriting services and writes quality articles and blogs. He is experienced in writing on topics related to all domains with impactful knowledge. He occasionally writes articles for Muslim & Quran.