How My View of Quran Changed by 1 Chapter
“This is too good to be Quran!”
During my childhood, I received the traditional madrasa education to read the Quran with tajweed. I memorized surahs from juz Amma. I recited Quran, tried to read it everyday, but sometimes it sits on the shelf and only in Ramadan did it become a consistent habit in my life.
The nerd in me was very intrigued by the science mentioned in Quran. I had a Tamil translated Quran which was a beautiful gift by my aunt and I used to read these particular verses speaking about the science of universe, bees, earth etc. Despite understanding it in a very surface manner, I was fascinated and intrigued by the written miracles, yet it remained as such. I didn’t feel any of what Quran was supposed to make me feel. My intention was just to see the scientific prophecies, and I did see that. As the saying goes, “You find in Quran what you look for”.
Things remained the same until one day.
Back in 2019 (close guess ), I was living with my a few other friends in a hostel away from home. One of the girls lent me and my roommate an English translated Quran. It was a beautiful copy with rainbow colour coded sections. I went through the chapters list and “Surah Rahman- the Merciful” caught my attention. I flipped the pages as I would with any other books unbeknownst of what I am yet to face.
I read the English translation. With every verse; I was taken aback. My heart felt something I never did before. I couldn’t stop myself to think, I was way too invested. The chapter with 78 verses concluded, and it felt like a breeze. I immediately flipped the cover to check where it was from, and who translated it. This cant be the Quran! This is unlike what I’ve been feeling for the past many years.
I understood the verses with its translation finally, now that I read it in a language am more comfortable with and that I didn't have a constricted view on what to take away from it. I clearly remember taking it to my other friend who came from a religious background to ask if it is a Quran with a wrong translation (I still laugh about it to this day lol). May God forgive my ignorance!
I can’t remember what her response was or if she did give any, but I was now emotionally attached to Surah Rahman by now. A day didn't go until I read this chapter, I began reading this chapter every time I felt anxious, the mercy of God reminded me to not worry and that He got me.
Alhamdulillah, Allah gave me this opportunity to rebuild my relationship with His word. I am still mending my relationship and trying to connect to the words of God, it has had its up and down, but at least I know what honour it holds! One goal for this year is to enhance my connection with God through his speech. Words of God can change you; you have to seek out for it and the rest is in His plan.
Ps. I made a guide on how to Quran journal for verses. I’ll attach it below and I pray it benefits you in any way possible.
