The Quran: Reflection and Action, Size 17*24

The Muslims' eagerness to listen to, recite, and memorize the Book of their Lord is evident and widely acknowledged. However, this eagerness has remained confined to the levels of listening, recitation, and memorization, neglecting contemplation and application. Therefore, the idea arose to develop a curriculum that facilitates the contemplation and application of the Holy Quran, addressing the diverse and eager individuals. This curriculum, developed by the Al-Minhaj Center for Educational Supervision and Training in Riyadh, is now before you, dear reader. We ask God Almighty to make it beneficial for the Muslim community and to uplift it. The book focuses on the two most important objectives of reading the Book of God: contemplation and application. While listening, recitation, and memorization have, praise be to God, received considerable attention, the lack of focus on contemplation and application has prompted the Center to concentrate on this objective by publishing such books. The book is arranged according to the order of the Quran, in terms of the number of pages, their format, and their layout. On the margins are the added sections, which are arranged and organized as follows: 1- Reflective Pauses: I consider this the most important and the primary reason I acquired the book, especially since I chose it as a companion during this blessed month. I thank God that I was guided to this choice. The book focuses on reflecting upon the Quran, which is essential during the month of Ramadan. Its approach to the verses is concise, drawing from every source—I won't say a drop, but rather its pearls. It consists of reflective excerpts from several books of exegesis, without excessive detail, digressions, or discussions of generalities. This prevents you from straying from reflecting upon the Book of God to become distracted by the opinions of others or delving into the details of what so-and-so said. This is precisely what I wanted, so it is a wise choice for anyone whose aim is this. 2- Word Meanings: I also benefited from this, as there is a table on each page explaining the meaning of unfamiliar words in the verses. 3- Applying the Verses: Each page suggests three actions derived from the verses. Personally, I don't consider this particularly important or distinctive. However, it might be excellent for someone who wants to use the book as a methodology for teaching their students, for example. It's well-organized and suitable as a practical program for a teacher with their students, a parent with their children, or similar roles. 4- Guidance: This section also presents three pieces of guidance drawn from the verses—educational, jurisprudential, or doctrinal, etc.—but I found them rather ordinary. I didn't find them as distinctive as the selection of insightful reflections. In fact, I've been skipping them in recent days. The book's strengths: - The variety of reflections offered, ranging from jurisprudential and educational to doctrinal, etc. - The great diversity of commentaries drawn from, along with the variety of methodologies employed by these books and the differences in their authors' characteristics and approaches, including: Al-Tabari, Al-Baghawi, Ibn Atiyya, Al-Qurtubi, Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Juzayy, Ibn Al-Qayyim, Ibn Ashur, Ibn Kathir, Al-Biqa'i, Al-Alusi, Al-Sa'di, Al-Qasimi, Al-Shanqiti, and Al-Jaza'iri. This brief overview will give you a basic understanding of their commentaries, their methodologies, and the breadth of their thought, which may encourage you to add some of these authors to your reading list for more in-depth study in the future. - The book's concise and uncluttered style makes it suitable for everyone, as it rarely lacks new insights or impactful phrases that reinforce existing ideas. - The book's diverse approach combines reflection, understanding, and practical application, making commendable attempts to implement the optimal method for engaging with the verses of the Quran by first reading and comprehending them before memorizing them. Notes: - This book is not suitable for those seeking a commentary on the verses of the Quran. - This book is not suitable for those who prefer a sequential reading style. - This book is not suitable for reading in a single, structured manner. - It is suitable for reflective reading. - It is best read in short sessions, and even recommended. - It is suitable for light reading. - This book is suggested for use in gatherings, casual sessions, and study sessions with everyone (children, adults, families, students, etc.). - This book is suggested as part of a program (monthly, weekly, etc.). - This book makes a wonderful and very useful gift.