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Question:

I am a fairly new muslim and have learn a few duas and a couple of surahs. but i wanted to know.. what is the importance of learning the meaning of what you have learnt? what should i learn next? should i go back over what i know and learn the meanings before i continue to learn more quran or should i just continue to learn the arabic? i am worried if i learn the meanings it will take me twice as long to learn quran and i feel it may hold me back.. i am very keen to move forward. so please help me.. how important is it to learn the translation?

- Hijabi Muslimah

Wael's Answer:

Dear Hijabi Muslimah, As-salamu alaykum,

This website normally deals with marriage and family issues, but this is Ramadan after all - the month of the Quran - and your question is easy enough to answer.

It's better to know only one Surah and understand it well, than to know all of the Quran with no understanding.

Someone who memorizes the Arabic sounds. with no understanding is like a parrot who repeats what he hears (not to take away from parrots - some of them are quite intelligent, lol).

Slow down, and learning the meaning of the Surahs. You might even read the Tafseer in order to learn the reasons for revelation of that particular Surah,. and to understand the deeper meaning behind the Ayaat (the verses). Try to learn some Arabic so that you can begin to understand the Surahs word by word.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that if Allah had revealed nothing to humanity except Surat Al-Asr, it would have sufficed for them. That's because. there's an immense wealth of meaning in this Surah. He said about Surat Al-Ikhlas that it's equal to one third of the Quran.

So you see, it's not about quantity. Take your time and learn the Surahs well, so that they can affect your heart when you recite.

And Allah knows best.

If any readers have some additional advice for this questioner, I invite you to post your comments below.

(O Allah), Guide us to the straight path; The path of those whom you have favored; Not those with whom you are angry; Nor those who go astray.

Best regards,. - Wael Abdelgawad
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