Names and Attributes of the Quran Part 2
Allah the God Almighty has mentioned in the Quran almost fifty different names and attributes for it. This is a unique feature of the Quran, it is not usual to find a book describing itself with so many different titles. These names point out qualities and functions of The Quran, they also indicate the importance and greatness of the Quran. We will discuss few of these names with one verse from the Quran mentioning that name in part one of this series.
12. At-Tadhkirah: Reminder: 80:11-12
Every human has inbuilt knowledge of the Creator and the truth, within him, but many times it slips down and becomes dormant. Reading the Qur’an reminds this forgotten truth to every human. Quran is the reminder for everyone to whom it reaches.
Indeed, this is a reminder; so let anyone who so wishes, adopt a way to his Lord. 73:19
No! Indeed, these verses are a reminder; So whoever wills may remember it. 80:11-12
13. Tanzil: Revelation: 26:192, 36:5, 41:2, 41:42
Qur’an insists that it is a revelation from God, who is Mighty and Merciful. Qur’an is not authored by prophet Muhammad pbuh, or any human, no one has capacity to do that. So it should be taken seriously and due respect should be paid to its teachings and admonitions.
[This is] a revelation of the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. 36:5. [This is] a revelation from the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful -41:214. Al Bayyinah: Clear Signs – Clear Proof , 57:9
We feel more confident in any matter or information if we have clear signs and proofs about that matter. Qur’an describes signs of existence of Allah in great detail with full clarity…… so the Qur’an is clear proof of being divine guidance for those who understand.
It is He who sends down upon His Servant [Muhammad] verses of clear evidence that He may bring you out from darkness into the light. And indeed, Allah is to you Kind and Merciful. 57:9
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. 2:185
15. Al-Balagh: Notification, The Message (Sufficient Message), 14:52
It’s the Qur’an that informs us that we are here for a short time and we will stand before our creator to give account of our actions in this world, so the Qur’an is the message or a notice of reality of this world, for the people with understanding.
One of the former scholar, Al-Suyootee (RA,May Allah have mercy on him) said, “perhaps however, it is called Al-Balagh because it stands alone and is sufficient; with it, one does not need anything else (ie, any other book to act as guide).”[i]
This [Qur’an] is notification for the people that they may be warned thereby and that they may know that He is but one God and that those of understanding will be reminded. 14:52
16. Maw’idah: Sermon, Direction, good advice: 3:138, 10:57
Qur’an describes itself as a good advice and instruction from Creator of entire universe and everything that is in the universe. This name emphasizes the significance of the Qur’an, and informs us that we need to pay serious attention to teachings of the Qur’an.
This [Qur’an] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of Allah .3:138
“O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord, and a healing for the (sicknesses) of the heart – a guidance and mercy for the believers.” 10:57
17. Al- Furqaan: The Criterion: 2:185, 3:4, 25:1
Qur’an is called criterion because it distinguishes between truth and falsehood, lawful and forbidden, good and evil, guidance from ignorance. Qur’an differentiates very clearly what is right and what is wrong.
Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be a warner to the worlds. 25:1
He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. Before, as guidance for the people. And He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong). 3:3-4
18. Al – Nur: Light: 7-157, 64:8
Qur’an is the light which illuminates human heart, and enables it to see the truth. (shades of the Quran). Qur’an also brought mankind out from veils of darkness to the light.
So believe in Allah and His Messenger and the light (Qur’an) which We have sent down. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do. 64:8
So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him (Prophet Muhammad) and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is those who will be the successful. 7:157
19. Burhan: Convincing Proof: 4:174
Burhaan means a clear and decisive proof that is conclusive, convincing and irrefutable. Qur’an is convincing proof and Manifested light, every person can verify his belief system against clear proofs provided in the Qur’an and judge himself about the truth.
“O mankind ! Verily, there has come to you a convincing proof from your Lord and We have sent down to you a Manifest Light.” 4:174
20. Ar Rahma: Mercy: 6:154, 10:57, 17:82,
Qur’an develops a bond between the believer and God. Qur’ān cures disturbing feelings like fear, anxiety and uncertainty. A believer experiences a feeling of security in God’s protection. Qur’ān also brings out a person from veils of darkness to truth and imparts inner peace, so the Qur’an is indeed a mercy for mankind. (Adapted from Shades of the Quran…by al Kutub)
“And We sent down in the Qur’an that which is healing and a mercy to those who believe.” 17:82
21. Al-Basheer wa Nadheer : Giver of Glad Tidings and a warner 2:97, 18:2, 41:4
Basheer means…..Giver of Glad tidings, Nadhir means a Warner
Qur’an makes it very clear that Allah is our Creator and Creator of everything that is in the universe. It also clearly spells out the code of living our Creator expects from us, and gives glad tidings to those who believe and follow and it warns the people who neglect the admonitions.
A Book whose verses have been detailed, an Arabic Qur’an for the people who know, as a giver of good tidings and a warner; but most of them turn away, so they do not hear. 41:3-4
[i] The Magnificience of the Qur’an page.100
qfh
