It’s Ramadan and we are all trying to intensify our Quranic recitation, internalise its powerful message, and deepen our connection with it. In this pursuit, I would like to share a short note on a beautiful verse that I believe can serve as a source of inspiration in our Quranic journey.

Allah says:

الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَتْلُونَهُ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِ أُولَٰئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ

Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recital. They [are the ones who] believe in it. And whoever disbelieves in it – it is they who are the losers.

(Al-Baqara 2:  121)

Given the context and literary style of the verse, it may be more convincing to interpret it as referring to the people of the book who read their scriptures properly and were able to attain tawhid. However, it is worth noting that some of the sahaba have interpreted the verse as pertaining to the relationship between people and the Quran.

Going by this interpretation, Allah mentioned the state of two types of people vis-a-vis the Qur’an.

1. The believers in it: Those who recite it with its true recital.

2. The losers: Those who disbelieve in it.

So, what does the phrase “reading the Quran with its true recital” or an alternative translation “reciting it as it ought to be recited” refer to?

• The great companion Ibn Mas’ud said this means “not tampering with its meaning, recognising as halal what it permits and recognising as haram what it forbids”.
• The master of exegetes, Ibn Abbas and his student Mujahid said this statement means “to follow its rulings properly”.
• From a different perspective, Umar ibn al-Khattab said it means “when the mercy of Allah is mentioned in it, to ask for it and when Allah’s punishment is mentioned, to seek refuge in Allah against it.”
• Yet there is a less favoured exegesis that the verse refers to reciting it beautifully.   

Considering all the interpretations of this verse from a holistic perspective underscores the significance of reciting the Quran with proper understanding and correct pronunciation, as well as the importance of believing in and practising its message. It serves as a poignant reminder that the Quran is not a collection of fantastical poems but a divine message that must be internalised and obeyed. Each verse carries a unique message, some of which offer promises of blessings and paradise, and as such, we should strive to seek them. Conversely, some others serve as reminders of the wrath of our Lord, and thus we should seek refuge from them. In essence, this verse highlights the importance of approaching the Quran with reverence and humility and constantly seeking to deepen our connection with its timeless message.