What does Iqra (اقرأ) mean?
The term "Iqra" (اقرأ), which translates to "Read" or "Recite," holds significant importance in Islam, particularly as it marks the first word revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the context of his prophetic mission. This command emphasizes the importance of reading and knowledge in Islam.
In the hadith collection Al-Kafi, it is narrated that a person asked, "Is it better to memorize the Qur'an by heart and recite it by heart, or should I look into the Mus'haf?" The response was, Rather read it and look into the Mus'haf; it is better. Do you not know that looking into the Mus'haf is an act of worship?
Al-Kafi 3:51. This narration highlights the value placed on both recitation and the act of reading the Qur'an from the physical text, reinforcing that engagement with the Qur'an is a form of worship.
Additionally, the Qur'an itself speaks to the significance of reading and recitation. In Surah Al-Israa, it states, And (it is) a Qur'an that We have divided, that thou mayst recite it unto mankind at intervals, and We have revealed it by (successive) revelation.
17:106. This verse underscores the methodical approach to the revelation of the Qur'an, which encourages believers to recite it in a structured manner, facilitating understanding and reflection.
Overall, "Iqra" embodies the call to engage with divine knowledge through reading and recitation, which is foundational to the practice of Islam.
Sources
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17:106 · Al-Israa
17:106 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَقُرْءَانًۭا فَرَقْنَٰهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ عَلَىٰ مُكْثٍۢ وَنَزَّلْنَٰهُ تَنزِيلًۭا
And (it is) a Qur'an that We have divided, that thou mayst recite it unto mankind at intervals, and We have revealed it by (successive) revelation.
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Al-Kafi 3:51
Al-Kafi · Book 3, Hadith 51
I mentioned to Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) what people narrate regarding the vision (of God). He said, "The sun is a part of seventy parts of the Light of the Throne. The Throne is a part of seventy parts of the Light of the Divine Chair. The Chair is a part of seventy parts of the Light of the Curtain. The Curtain is a part of seventy parts of the Light of the Veil. If they are truthful, let them fill their eyes with the sun, for there is no cloud beneath it." — OR — I said to him, 'May I sacrifice myself for you, I memorize the Qur'an by heart and recite it by heart. Is it better or should I look into the Mus'haf?' He said, 'Rather read it and look into the Mus'haf; it is better. Do you not know that looking into the Mus'haf is an act of worship?' — OR — If you reach a man at the time of his final moments, teach him the words of relief: 'There is no god but God, the Forbearing, the Generous. There is no god but God, the Most High, the Most Great, Glory be to God, Lord of the seven heavens and the seven earths and whatever is within them and between them and under them, and Lord of the great Throne. Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds.' Abu Ja'far said, 'If I had reached 'Ikrimah at his death, I would have benefited him.' It was asked, 'How would you benefit him, Abu Abdullah?' He said, 'By teaching him what you are upon.' — OR — Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) said: Seventy prophets were buried between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone. God caused them to die from hunger and adversity. — OR — The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) said: The best intercession is to reconcile between two in marriage until God unites them. — OR — He said about the contract slave who has paid part of her contract: People used not to stipulate conditions but today they do. Muslims must follow their conditions. If it was stipulated that if he fails he will return to slavery and if not stipulated he will not return. Concerning God’s words, 'Contract them if you know good in them,' he said: Contract them if you know they have wealth. And he said: The master may stipulate that the contract slave not marry except with his permission until she completes her contract. This is proper for her, for he has his condition. — OR — The legal evidence for stoning is that four witness to the act testify that they saw him insert and remove (sexual intercourse).
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