“What is holding me back from connecting with the Quran?”

A big thing that holds people back from actively reflecting upon the Quran is the fear that we will get things wrong. I want to tell you that this is a healthy fear, born from respect and reverence for Allah’s Word.

We want to keep that reverence and that healthy respect for our own limits. But we want to overcome a fear that prevents us from developing a meaningful relationship with the Quran.

“We want to keep that reverence and that healthy respect for our own limits. But we want to overcome a fear that prevents us from developing a meaningful relationship with the Quran.” Dr. Sohaib Saeed

“Do I need to be a talented writer to reflect on the Quran?”

Just remember that nobody is asking you to write a fancy post explaining some ayat, or come up with some mind-blowing theory. Reflection can lead to such things, but the main point is very simple: to allow the Quran to land on your heart and have its effect on your life.

Remember that this Book, before it was conveyed to us, was sent down upon the HEART of the Blessed Messenger ﷺ

So let’s make sure from the outset that we are very clear on the fact that reflection (tadabbur) is NOT solely an intellectual exercise.

“What is the heart filter?”

Before picking up those analytical Five Lenses, we have to know that there is a filter that everything is going to pass through. That filter is the heart. Just like a colored layer would affect a real-life lens on a camera or a magnifying glass, the Heart Filter will necessarily “color” your perspective on Allah’s words.

“Just like a colored layer would affect a real-life lens on a camera or a magnifying glass, the Heart Filter will necessarily “color” your perspective on Allah’s words.” Dr. Sohaib Saeed

After all, there are people who hear the Quran or even study it for a living, but get no spiritual nourishment, no guidance or reformation. They are like the ones spoken of in this ayah who ask (without sincerely seeking): “What did God even mean by this?!” (Quran 2:26)

[Here’s a memorable reflection on that ayah, born out of a new and scary experience most of us shared: quranreflect.com/posts/2777

“What does the heart filter mean for a believer?”

For believers, this means to clean our heart to receive and reflect the light of guidance. We approach the Word with humility and attentiveness.

And, crucially, we must keep polishing this heart (including through recitation and reflection) so that it keeps showing us the Quran as it is, and as it is meant to be seen!