The Beauty of Tadabbur – Reflecting upon the Quran

Today, join me as I share my personal experiences and explore the impact of Tadabbur, (reflecting upon the words of Allah). Have you ever wondered what it truly means to engage in Tadabbur? 

ﺗَﺪَﺑُّﺮ  Tadabbur, is derived from the Arabic word دَبَرَ  “dabara” which means to ponder or reflect upon and refers to the act of engaging with the Quran on a deeper level. 

It involves not just reading the words but understanding their meanings, contemplating their relevance in our lives, seeking guidance and putting it into action. 

Slow down, pause, and immerse yourselves in the divine message of the Quran.

My Journey with Tadabbur – Discovering Islam

I will never forget the moment when Islam found its way into my life. It was a feeling unlike any other. A powerful pull that seemed to wash over my heart guiding me towards Islam. Allah was calling me, and I am forever grateful that He chose me to become a Muslim.

As I immersed myself in the study of Islam, I realised that pondering upon the verses held the key to truly understanding the Quran. I began by exploring word-to-word English translations and delving into the depths of Tafsir. It was through this process of reflection and contemplation that the beauty and wisdom of the Quran began to affect my heart.

I face struggles in learning the language of the Quran, it is no easy feat for me. I stumble with words and phrases, and at times, it feels overwhelming. But deep down, I knew that this was a journey worth embarking on.

With each verse I pondered upon, I discovered my purpose, my true self and life changing lessons. The Quran became more than a book, It is the words of Allah a guidance, a source of solace, and a fountain of knowledge for every aspect of your life.

Tadabbur has not only deepened my connection with Allah but has also brought about a positive transformation in my character and actions. It brought me closer to my parents. It also instilled in me a love for writing and expressing my thoughts about this beautiful Deen.

“Allah has sent down the best statement, a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver therefrom of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whom He wills. And one whom Allah leaves astray – for him there is no guide.” (Quran 39:23)

This verse highlights the impact of engaging with the words of Allah, causing a profound effect on the hearts of those who fear Him. It signifies that by reflecting upon the Quran, one can experience a sense of tranquillity and guidance from Allah.

Incorporating Tadabbur into Daily Life

Now that we understand the meaning of Tadabbur, let’s see how we can incorporate reflecting on the book of Allah into our lives. 

1. Begin with Bismillah

Before you open the Quran to ponder upon its meanings, say Bismillah (In the name of Allah) and seek His guidance. 

2. Keep a Journal 

I like to keep a journal, especially for reflection and pondering.

Journaling has become a comforting place, where I can delve deep into the meanings of the ayahs (verses) and ponder over the beautiful names of Allah. It provides me with a space to record my reflections, feelings, and the valuable lessons I have gained.

3. Set Aside Dedicated Time

Schedule a specific time in the day for Tadabbur. It could be early morning, before or after Salah. Be consistent and make it a habit.

4. Start with Short Verses 

Begin by focusing on shorter verses or passages from the Quran. This allows for deeper reflection and helps build consistency before moving on to longer chapters.

5. Study Tafsir

Deepen your understanding of the Quran by studying the Tafsir. This will give you the understanding and context to aid in pondering over the verses for deeper reflection and meaning.

My Final Thoughts

As you embark on this beautiful journey of reflection upon the Quran, may you find solace, guidance, and inspiration in its verses. Let us make ponding upon the verses an integral part of our lives, allowing it to illuminate our paths and strengthen our connection with Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This Hadith emphasises the significance of studying and understanding the Quran. 

By engaging in Tadabbur, we not only benefit ourselves but also have the opportunity to share our knowledge and inspire others.

I encourage you to share your experiences, leave a comment below or write an article to spread knowledge and inspire others to ponder on the words of Allah.