Continuing from Part 1, this reflection delves deeper into the inner experience of Quranic recitation, emphasising emotional engagement, spiritual awareness, and heartfelt connection. It explores the states of weeping, reverence and ecstasy reported by pious scholars, and classifies reciters into three spiritual ranks. True recitation is seen as divine conversation, where the believer listens as if addressed by Allah. The Quran is portrayed as light, healing, and guidance, an unbreakable rope for those who seek truth. This part concludes by elevating understanding over knowledge, stressing that sincere, reflective recitation is the path to nearness with Allah.
Recitation with Weeping
When reading the Quran, one should weep. If genuine tears do not come, then at least a state of emotional humility should be cultivated. The Quran contains stern rebukes and warnings. This emotional state aids focus, reflection, and sincere repentance. Ibn Abbas said, “When you prostrate in love, don’t rush; first weep. If you cannot, then let your heart weep.” Allah says: “And indeed, there are stones from which rivers gush forth” (Al-Baqarah:74). This symbolises a hard heart breaking open in spiritual emotion.
Ranks of Reciters
The reciters of the Quran are of three ranks:
- The Knower (‘Arif) – The one who sees the divine attributes through the Quran and is closest to Allah.
- The Supplicant (Ad-Daiʿ) – The one who speaks to Allah with reverence and humility. These are the people of the right hand.
- The Listener (Al-Mustamiʿ) – The one who experiences the Quran as divine speech, listening in awe and yearning.
Experiencing the Quran as Divine Address
The true reciter experiences the Quran as though being addressed by Allah directly. This is akin to the experience of Musa at the burning bush. It is said that if all the angels combined could read just one letter of divine speech, they would not be able to. Shaykh Junaid al-Baghdadi once said, “Allah has manifested Himself through His speech for the sake of His humans.” One scholar fainted during prayer while repeating a verse; when asked what happened, he replied: “I heard the divine voice in that verse and beheld its majesty, and I could not remain standing.” Even if one does not reach this level, sincere supplication and humility during recitation brings spiritual proximity to Allah.
The Quran: Light, Healing and Guidance
The Quran is insight, explanation, guidance and mercy. Consider these verses:
“Remember the favour of Allah upon you and what He has revealed of the Book and wisdom” (al-Baqarah:231).
“We have sent down to you the Book in which is your mention” (al-Anbiya:10).
“And We revealed to you the Reminder so you may clarify to people what has been revealed to them” (al-Nahl:44).
“These are clear signs for the people, guidance and mercy” (al-Jathiyah:20).
“A guidance and instruction for the God-conscious” (Ale ‘Imran:138).
Connection to the Divine Book
Hazrat Ali said: “The Messenger of Allah told me: ‘By the One who sent me with the truth, my Ummah will divide into 72 sects, all misguided and calling to the Fire. In such times, hold fast to the Book of Allah.’” The Quran is the final authority. Whoever opposes it is destroyed, and whatever knowledge contradicts it leads to misguidance. It is the unbreakable rope, the clear light, and a healing for hearts and minds. Hudhayfah asked the Prophet ﷺ: “If I find myself in such times, what should I do?” He replied, “Learn, understand, and act upon the Book of Allah.” This was repeated three times. Ali (RA) also said: “The Messenger taught me nothing in secret that he didn’t teach others. Everything is in the Book of Allah.”
Understanding above Knowledge
In Surah al-Anbiya (21:79), Allah says: “We gave understanding to Sulayman, and to both [he and Dawud] We gave knowledge.” Here, understanding is given precedence over knowledge. The friends of Allah are those who read the Quran with fear of divine punishment, sincerity, and patience. They are described as:
“We rely upon our Lord and return to Him in sincerity” (al-Mumtahina:4).
“We will surely be patient over your harm” (Ibrahim:12).
In contrast, those who are negligent and turn away from the Quran are condemned and deprived of its blessings. Upon hearing descriptions of the righteous in the Quran, the sincere reciter is moved to emulate them.
The Ultimate Test of Recitation
One righteous individual said, “I used to read the Quran but didn’t enjoy it until I imagined I was listening to the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions reciting before me. Then I progressed to imagining Jibreel reciting it to the Prophet, and I was present. Eventually, I reached a state where I heard the Divine Himself reciting, and I could not separate from this experience.”
Uthman (RA) said: “If hearts were pure, they would never tire of reciting the Quran.” Those who understand the Quran become its best reciters and its most obedient followers. Allah says: “Our verses came to you, but you forgot them, so today, you shall be forgotten” (Taha:126).
