The meaning of the command "Iqra" (“read”)
Ibn Kathir explains the purpose of the above verse as follows:
"And indeed, among the mercy of God is teaching something that was unknown to mankind. So God elevate and glorify the human dignity through sciences. The glory is only given to human ancestor, Adam, that distinguishes humans from angels."
The command to read in the verse "Iqra '" do not mention its object. In grammar, this indicates that the command to read is not limited to a particular object, but reading everything from the verses of God, both expressed or implied, either in the form of His creation or in the form of Kitab al-Quran.
Why do we need to read?
Reading mean not just spell the words. Reading in a broad sense means: to make observations through the senses, to think through reason, to take lessons through the heart as well as receiving and believing the truth of what was spoken by God through His prophet. If so, it is very natural that reading is one of the center of attention of God, so that orders be placed as the first revelation to do by the Prophet and his followers, because the habit of reading has a very important role in human life. Among them are:
First; reading is human nature.
Reading in terms of understanding the phenomena that surround humans have been done by humans since the first moment of his birth, when a baby is born into the world, from his mother's womb and face the new environment. Baby's skin started to sense the temperature that is different from before, the baby's nose breathe fresh air, and the baby's ears faintly hear voices. All of the reading process is carried out by the baby. Activity will continue to evolve throughout his life.
“It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that ye may give thanks (to Allah.). (Quran; Surah An-Nahl [16]: 78)
Second, the habit of reading make people understand the reality.
People who is destined to be born in a state of blind, then he will never understand the concept of color. All colors are the same for them. Likewise, if people do not use the senses, reason, thought and conscience to get the truth, then he would never understand it. And if humans are not able to understand, then he is no better than animals
“Many are the Jinns and men we have made for Hell: They have hearts wherewith they understand not, eyes wherewith they see not, and ears wherewith they hear not. They are like cattle,- nay more misguided: for they are heedless (of warning). “( Quran, Surah al-A'raf [7]: 179)
Third: The habit of reading makes people are capable of distinguishing (which is good or bad).
Through the senses, mind, heart and revelation, human beings have the ability to distinguish the right one from wrong, the true from the false, the good from the bad, etc..
"That He might justify Truth and prove Falsehood false, distasteful though it be to those in guilt. (Quran; Surah al-Anfal [8]: 8)
Fourth, habit of reading make the man be able to make the right decision.
Someone who had no knowledge, then he will not be able to take a decision promptly and correctly. If a person acts based on wrong information, then he will take the wrong action.
If people take a decision without proper and sufficient information, then the decision is speculation. So their decision might be wrong and might be right. Correct decisions only obtained from information that is also true.
Humans must obtain the correct information from the source of the most true so that humans do not get lost in the speculative life. The information come from Allah and his messenger.
"The Truth is from thy Lord; so be not at all in doubt." (Quran; Surah Al-Baqarah [2]: 147).
Hopefully we can become people who can "read".
Related archieves:
Charity in Islam
The dignity of women in Islam
Debt collecting in Islam
Good leader always helps poor people
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