Importance of Reading and Understanding the Quran Heartily

In Islam, the pursuit of knowledge is a fundamental duty for all Muslims, and reading is presented as a crucial means to achieve this. The Quran itself, in Surat Al Baqarah verse 121, highlights the importance of reading scripture with diligence and heartfelt understanding.

This verse states that those given the Book who recite it as it should be recited are the ones who believe in it, while those who disbelieve are the losers. According to the tafsir tahlili from Kemenag, this refers to Jews and Christians who read their holy books without succumbing to personal desires or whims. They read them accurately, understanding them fully, and without altering or misinterpreting them.

Interpretations from Ibn Mas'ud and Ibn Abbas further clarify that reading scripture "as it should be" means upholding its commandments, adhering to its prohibitions, and reciting it as revealed by Allah. It involves not changing or misrepresenting its words or twisting its meanings.

All divine revelations from Allah serve as lessons to guide humanity toward the straight path. Therefore, believers are obligated to read these scriptures with utmost sincerity, repeatedly, and to strive to comprehend Allah's guidance within them. Failing to grasp the intended meaning and interpreting the Quran according to personal desires is equated to the flawed approach of some Jews and Christians with their holy texts. Reading Allah's scriptures correctly and acting upon them is a divine command; neglecting this is seen as mocking Allah's revelations.