PONDERING ON THE MEANINGS OF THE QURAN: Allah the All Knowing has placed the cure for weak faith in the study of the Quran. He says:
“And We send down from the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe…” [Surah al-Isra’ 17:82]
The Quran and its verse used to have a tremendous effect on the Prophet (Sallellahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). For example, the following verse made him weep the whole night when it was revealed.
*“Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.*
*Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth (saying): “Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted are You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire!”*
[Quran: Surah Aal ‘Imraan 3:190-191]
The Quran had a similar effect on the companions of the prophet (S.A.W.S.) when they recited it and pondered upon its meaning. Abu Bakr (RAA) a gentle, soft-hearted man, would weep when he led the people in prayer and recited verses from the Quran. ‘Umar (RAA) became ill after reciting the verse (which means):
*“Verily, the Torment of your Lord will surely come to pass, – there is none that can avert it”*
[Surah al-Toor 52:7-8]
(Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 7/406)
His sobs could be heard from the back of the congregation when he recited Allah’s words about Prophet Yaqoob (as) in Surah Yousuf (which mean):
*“He said, ‘I only complain of my grief and my sorrow to Allah …”*
[Surah Yousuf:86]
What has a deep effect on one when pondering on the Quran is the Greatness and Might of Allah (SWT). It humbles us before the Most High, the Most Great, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. Allah is the Most Great (al-‘Azeem), the Watcher over His creatures (al-Muhaymin), the Compeller (al-Jabbaar), the Majestic (al-Mutakabbir), the Most Strong (al-Qawi), the Subduer (al-Qahhaar), the Great (al-Kabeer), the Most Exalted (al-Muta’aal). He is the Living Who does not die. He is All-Mighty, the Self-Sustaining who does not sleep. He knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal. He has described His vast knowledge in the following verse:
*“And with Him are the keys of the ghayb (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry but is written in a Clear Record.”*
[Surah al-An’aam:59]
Thus, understanding the words of the Quran and paying due heed to them will enhance one’s faith in the All Mighty and remove the weakness from our hearts.