We quote verses to display the Qur’an’s relevance to what we do, to how we see the world, and in defense of the specific direction of our particular beliefs, our leanings, our ways and methods - and we quote to justify to ourselves and to justify ourselves to others. We take our own limited perspectives and through pecking at scattered verses, lift them as justification for totalizing our own hemmed in understandings. With this we soothe ourselves. In this manner we construct small idols out of the clay of our nafs and hold this out as that which all men should believe. Our reading of verses is accompanied by the chattering of what is already in our minds, understanding diverted by what is already in our characters - our thoughts busy spinning interpretations while the recitation is not yet complete.
“And when the Qur’an is recited, then truly listen, and remain silent within, that mercy may come upon you.” (Qur’an 7:204)
Post a Comment