True sense and meaning of the Quran

The interpretation and understanding of the Quran's true sense and meaning can vary among individuals and communities, as different people have different perspectives and approaches towards the text. The true sense and meaning of the Quran can be understood in a number of ways, depending on one's perspective and approach. Here are some common ways in which the Quran's meaning is interpreted:

Literal meaning: 

The Quran can be understood literally, with each verse taken at face value. This approach involves understanding the Arabic language in which the Quran was revealed and interpreting the words and phrases in their original context.

Here are some examples of Quran verses that can be understood in their literal meaning:

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Fatiha 1:1) - This verse is a common invocation at the beginning of many Islamic prayers and is understood literally as a declaration of Allah's attributes.

"And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his punishment is Hell; he shall abide in it, and Allah will send His wrath on him and curse him and prepare for him a painful chastisement." (Surah An-Nisa 4:93) - This verse is understood literally as a warning against murder and the consequences that come with it.

"O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving." (Surah An-Nisa 4:43) - This verse provides specific instructions on how to perform ablution for prayer and is understood literally as a guide for ritual purity.

"It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that to be] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding." (Surah Al-Imran 3:7) - This verse discusses the different types of verses found in the Quran and the potential for misinterpretation by those with deviant hearts. It is understood literally as a reminder to approach the Quran with humility and seek guidance from Allah.

"Indeed, the men who submit [to Allah] and the women who submit [to Allah], and the believing men and the believing women, and the obedient men and the obedient women, and the truthful men and the truthful women, and the patient men and the patient women, and the humble men and the humble women, and the charitable men and the charitable women, and the fasting men and the fasting women, and the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:35) - This verse lists the qualities and actions that lead to reward and forgiveness from Allah and is understood literally as a guide for righteous behavior.

Contextual meaning: 

The Quran's meaning can also be understood in the context in which it was revealed. This involves considering the historical, social, and cultural context of the verses to understand their intended meaning.

The Quran, like any other religious text, cannot be understood in isolation from its historical and cultural context. To fully appreciate the meaning and significance of Quranic verses, it is necessary to consider the context in which they were revealed and the circumstances that led to their revelation.

For example, the verse "And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah [disbelief or unrest] is worse than killing..." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:191) is often quoted by critics of Islam to portray it as a violent religion. However, this verse was revealed in the context of self-defense and was directed at the Muslim community in Medina, which was under attack from hostile tribes. The verse allows Muslims to fight back against their oppressors, but only in self-defense and with restraint.

Similarly, the verse "There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path..." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256) is often cited to highlight the importance of religious freedom in Islam. However, this verse was revealed in the context of the Muslim community in Medina, which included both Muslims and non-Muslims. The verse was a reminder to the Muslims to respect the freedom of religion of non-Muslims and not to force them to convert to Islam.

In conclusion, understanding the contextual meaning of Quranic verses is crucial to avoid misinterpretation and to appreciate the true message of the Quran.

Spiritual meaning: 

Many Muslims believe that the Quran has a deeper, spiritual meaning that goes beyond the literal and contextual meanings. This approach involves seeking a deeper understanding of the Quran's message through prayer, contemplation, and reflection.

In addition to their literal and contextual meanings, Quranic verses also have a spiritual or symbolic meaning. These deeper meanings are often referred to as the "tafsir" of the Quran and are derived through interpretation and reflection by scholars and individuals.

For example, the verse "Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) which Allah sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs, etc.) for people of understanding." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:164) is not just a description of the natural world, but also an invitation to reflect on the greatness of Allah and His creation.

Similarly, the verse "Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (Surah Ar-Ra'd 13:11) is not just a statement about cause and effect, but also a reminder to individuals to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth and development.

In conclusion, the spiritual meanings of Quranic verses offer deeper insights into the nature of Allah, the purpose of human existence, and the path to spiritual growth and enlightenment. They provide a rich source of guidance and inspiration for individuals seeking to deepen their connection with Allah and lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Applied meaning: 

The Quran can also be understood in terms of its practical application in everyday life. This involves applying the Quran's teachings to one's own life and using it as a guide for moral and ethical behavior.

Quranic verses also have an applied or practical meaning, which refers to how they are implemented in everyday life. These meanings are often derived through the interpretation and application of Islamic law, known as "fiqh."

For example, the verse "And establish prayer and give zakah, and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43) is not just a call to prayer and charity, but also a commandment to establish a structured and organized Islamic community.

Similarly, the verse "And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know." (Surah Al-'Imran 3:135) is not just a reminder to seek forgiveness, but also a call to repentance and to strive towards self-improvement.

In conclusion, the applied meanings of Quranic verses provide guidance on how to live a virtuous and ethical life in accordance with Islamic teachings. They offer practical advice on a wide range of topics, from personal morality and spirituality to social justice and community organization.

Ultimately, the true sense and meaning of the Quran will depend on one's own interpretation and understanding of its message.