Page 22 - How Do The Unwise Interpret The Qur'an ?

HOW DO THE UNWISE INTERPRET THE QUR'AN?

Prophet Mohammad's time, who read, but did not understand and
therefore rejected the Qur'an, are clear examples that simply
knowing Arabic is not enough to comprehend the Qur'an.
The first rule in receiving the ability of understanding from
God is to fear Him and be sincere. It would not be possible to
receive such comprehension while indulging solely in the pleasures
of this world. If one's approach toward the Qur'an were made in
a judgmental spirit, with a purpose and perspective that would
displease God, then this would in turn lead to faulty understanding
and interpretation. Someone who indulges in his own desires will
not have the right state of mind to conquer the true spirit of the
Qur'an and explore its finer points, mysteries and depths.

Someone who follows his own desires will lack the ability to
reason, and so will only be able to interpret the verses from a very
superficial point of view. Moreover, he will fail to see the divine
miracles of the Qur'an.
Besides, a person who follows his baser self will be inclined to
interpret the Qur'an according to his own whims and convenience,
so it will not be possible for him to find the true meanings of the
verses as they are intended by God. It is stated in one of the verses
of the Qur'an how a self-absorbed person is incapable of true
understanding:
Have you seen him who has taken his whims and
desires to be his god? Will you then be his guardian?
Do you suppose that most of them hear or
understand? They are just like cattle. Indeed they are
even more astray! (Surat al-Furqan: 43-44)

People like that find it quite difficult to contemplate the
Qur'an. They might even be incapable of understanding subjects
that others consider to be perfectly elementary. They cannot

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