Lessons from the Stories of the Quran by Ammar Awais - HTML preview

Conclusion

In the end, let us reinforce a few critical points about the Quran and the narratives it presents.

The lessons we have discussed are by no means the only ones that can be derived from the stories of the Quran. If you read these stories on your own, and ponder them with an open mind, you will discover many more valuable insights. In fact, each time you read the Quran with understanding, you are likely to discover something new and valuable, no matter how many times you may have read that passage before. 

It is important, however, that you do not just give a superficial reading to these accounts; instead, read them critically, pause between ayaat to reflect on the narrative, re'read the ayaat that impact you strongly, and try to picture the events in your mind, to derive maximum benefit from them. There is no story in the Quran devoid of guidance, as Allah says, 'There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding.' (12:111)

While you may enjoy a story of the Quran due to its absorbing narrative or historical value, remember that its primary purpose is to make you ponder its events and arguments, which shall provide you with guidance and wisdom. Allah states the purpose of recounting these stories in the Quran: 'So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.' (7:176) 

Remember that your ability to reflect on the Quran is a blessing from Allah. You are not required to approach any 'higher authorities' to establish a connection with Allah, but can simply read the Quran to know Him. He has made the ayaat of the Quran easy to understand so you, as an individual reader, can benefit from the vast majority of its ayaat without encountering any ambiguities, as He says, 'Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought.' (2:219)

Hence, make sure you do not take the Quran for granted by reading it without understanding its meaning, and not pondering over the signs it presents for humanity. Allah censures those who do not think about the meaning of the Quran: 'Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?' (47:24) Allah repeatedly invites us in the Quran to give thought, reflect, ponder, consider, reason, discern, remember, and be reminded. In fact, the worst creatures in His sight are the people who do not use their aql (intellect): 'Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.' (8:22) 

Lastly, deriving guidance and lessons from the Quran is quite meaningless without benefiting from these in a practical sense. Knowledge is only useful if it makes your actions worthier. Make sure that you implement in your life what you learn from the Quran; it shall not only facilitate you in the hereafter but will also benefit you immensely in this life. Take the prophets and other great personalities of the Quran as your ideals, and seek to adopt their values in your own life. 

'[The Quran is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.' (38:29)