In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. Prayers and salutations be upon the Master of the Messengers ﷺ, and upon his family and Companions. There is no power nor strength except through Allah, the Mighty, the Wise.
A careful study of the Noble Qurʾān allows one to arrive at certainty regarding the Qurʾān and its incomparable greatness. We become convinced that its source is truly divine, that it is a revelation sent down by the All-Wise, the Praiseworthy, upon the heart of the Trustworthy Prophet ﷺ. We have seen how it was preserved in the hearts of the Muslim community from its earliest days, recorded in written form, and arranged according to its heavenly archetype in the Preserved Tablet [al-lawḥ al-maḥfūẓ] under the instruction of the Prophet ﷺ.
We have also come to appreciate the methodology by which the Qurʾān is to be interpreted: a methodology founded upon firm principles derived from the established conventions of the Arabic language, principles beyond which sound interpretation does not extend. This methodology is further corroborated by the disciplines of the Qurʾānic sciences, including the occasions of revelation [asbāb al-nuzūl], the distinction between Makkan and Madinan revelation, the clear [muḥkam] and allegorical [mutashābih] āyāt, and the principles of abrogation [naskh], among others.
Thereafter, we stand in humble reverence before the Qurʾān’s miraculous nature, affirming the majesty and comprehensiveness of its inimitability. Its miracle encompasses both form and content, expression and meaning. It continues to harmonise with the continual development of literature and the advancement of human knowledge in every age and place. This certainty is further strengthened by the many dimensions of its miraculous character, manifested in its artistic imagery, its references to the created universe, and its narratives. Thus, the Qur’an speaks to the present, confirms the past, and points towards the future, as Allah, Exalted is He, says: ﴾Indeed, it is surely a Mighty Book. Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it. It is a revelation from One who is All-Wise, Ever-Praiseworthy﴿ [Qurʾān 41:41-42].
These realities establish the rights that the Qurʾān possesses over all humanity, and especially over every Muslim. It is therefore necessary that they fulfil these rights with diligence and perseverance.
The foremost right of the Qurʾān upon humanity, and upon every Muslim in particular, is to believe with certainty that it is truly the Speech of Allah, revealed upon the heart of His truthful and trustworthy Messenger ﷺ as a manifest miracle and decisive proof establishing that Muḥammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah to all mankind until the End of Time, and that he is the Seal of the Prophets. Allah, Exalted is He, says: ﴾Say: O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all﴿ [Qurʾān 7:158]; He also says: ﴾This Qurʾān has been revealed to me that I may warn you thereby and whomever it reaches﴿ [Qurʾān 6:19]; and He says: ﴾Muḥammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets﴿ [Qurʾān 33:40].
Among the rights of the Qurʾān is that it be honoured with the utmost reverence: out of reverence for its Speaker, the Most High; in recognition of the truths and unparalleled eloquence that it contains; and in gratitude for the immense favour it has bestowed upon humanity. Were it not for the Qurʾān, the Arabs would never have emerged from the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge and leadership, nor would humanity have emerged from the depths of darkness into the light of civilisation and true understanding.
Among the rights of the Qurʾān is that every person, and every Muslim in particular, should recite it as it deserves to be recited. This includes reading it according to the recognised principles of Qurʾānic recitation, pronouncing its letters correctly, approaching its recitation and hearing with humility, and preserving it within both the memory and the innermost heart.
Among the rights of the Qurʾān is that people generally, and Muslims especially, should study it thoroughly, understand it according to its recognised interpretive principles, repel the distortions of those who misinterpret it, and reject the deviations of those who seek to undermine its meanings, authenticity, message, or legislation.
Among the rights of the Qurʾān is that every Muslim, indeed every human being, should cultivate an appreciation of the beauty of its eloquence and the miraculous nature of its expression; reflect upon its parables, narratives, and admonitions; and immerse themselves in contemplation of its inexhaustible treasures, for its wonders are never exhausted.
Among the rights of the Qurʾān is that every Muslim should study the sciences of the Qurʾān, understand its rulings, mould his life according to them, and translate them into practical conduct, noble character, and genuine humanity, thereby attaining the highest standards of moral excellence.
Among the rights of the Qurʾān is that every Muslim should convey faith in the Qurʾān to the world in fulfilment of the divine obligation of calling people to Allah—a duty established by the Book of Allah, entrusted to the Muslim community in general and the Arabs in particular, and made a source of their honour, dignity, and esteem among the nations. Allah, Exalted is He, says: ﴾Indeed, this is a reminder for you and your people, and you shall surely be questioned about it﴿ [Qurʾān 43:44]. The Prophet ﷺ also said, as narrated by al-Bukhārī (§3641) and others: “Convey from me, even if only a single āya.”
This encourages every Muslim to contribute whatever he is able, even if by serving a single āya from the Book of Allah. Through steadfast continuity, goodness grows and guidance spreads.
O Allah, grant us success in reciting Your Book as it deserves to be recited, understanding it as it deserves to be understood, acting upon it as it deserves to be acted upon, and serving its message in the manner that pleases You.
May Allah send abundant prayers and salutations upon our master Muḥammad ﷺ, who was sent as a mercy to all the worlds—a mercy everlasting and enduring, and a guidance complete and universal—and upon his family, his Companions, and all who follow them with excellence until the Day of Judgement. Salutations be upon the Messengers, and all praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.