سورة العلق (Quran 96: Al-'Alaq/The Clot)

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ١ خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ٢ ٱقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلْأَكْرَمُ ٣ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَ بِٱلْقَلَمِ ٤ عَلَّمَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ ٥ كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ لَيَطْغَىٰٓ ٦ أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسْتَغْنَىٰٓ ٧ إِنَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ ٱلرُّجْعَىٰٓ ٨ أَرَءَيْتَ ٱلَّذِى يَنْهَىٰ ٩ عَبْدًا إِذَا صَلَّىٰٓ ١٠ أَرَءَيْتَ إِن كَانَ عَلَى ٱلْهُدَىٰٓ ١١ أَوْ أَمَرَ بِٱلتَّقْوَىٰٓ ١٢ أَرَءَيْتَ إِن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰٓ ١٣ أَلَمْ يَعْلَم بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَرَىٰ ١٤ كَلَّا لَئِن لَّمْ يَنتَهِ لَنَسْفَعًۢا بِٱلنَّاصِيَةِ ١٥ نَاصِيَةٍۢ كَـٰذِبَةٍ خَاطِئَةٍۢ ١٦ فَلْيَدْعُ نَادِيَهُۥ ١٧ سَنَدْعُ ٱلزَّبَانِيَةَ ١٨ كَلَّا لَا تُطِعْهُ وَٱسْجُدْ وَٱقْتَرِب ۩ ١٩ In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.

1. Read: In the Name of your Lord who created. 2. Created man from a clot. 3. Read: And your Lord is the Most Generous.

4. He who taught by the pen. 5. Taught man what he never knew. 6. In fact, man oversteps all bounds.

7. When he considers himself exempt. 8. But to your Lord is the return. 9. Have you seen him who prevents?

10. A servant when he prays? 11. Do you think he is upon guidance?

12. Or advocates righteousness? 13. Do you see how he disbelieved and turned away? 14. Does he not know that God sees?

15. No. If he does not desist, We will drag him by the forelock. 16. A deceitful, sinful forelock. 17. Let him call on his gang.

18. We will call the Guards. 19. No, do not obey him; but kneel down, and come near.

The tradition of reading in Islam is deeply rooted in the very foundation of the religion, serving as both a spiritual practice and a means of acquiring knowledge. The Quran, which is the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, itself begins with the command to read:

Read in the name of your Lord who created.
— Quran 96:1

This initial revelation underscores the indispensable value Islam places on reading and learning. It signals that seeking knowledge is not merely a secular pursuit but a sacred obligation.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of knowledge throughout his life. He said,
Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.
— (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 1, Hadith 224)

This hadith highlights that the quest for understanding is not limited by gender or social status; rather, it is a universal responsibility aimed at enriching the believer’s character and faith.

Reading Islamic books—whether they be on theology, jurisprudence, spirituality, or history—helps Muslims deepen their understanding of Islam’s principles and apply them in daily life. The Quran encourages reflection and learning:
And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’
— Quran 20:114

This supplication serves as a timeless reminder that knowledge is a continuous journey and a source of divine blessing.

Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that those who impart or seek knowledge attain great ranks in Paradise:
Whoever treads a path in seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.
— (Sunan Abu Dawood, Book 25, Hadith 3641)

In light of these profound teachings, Muslims are encouraged to engage actively with Islamic books and literature, nurturing their minds and souls. Reading not only educates but also strengthens faith, promotes ethical conduct, and cultivates a lifelong connection to the Divine message.

In conclusion, the tradition of reading in Islam is far more than an academic exercise; it is a means of spiritual elevation and an essential duty. By embracing the wisdom of the Quran and Hadith, every Muslim can enrich their understanding and fulfill their sacred responsibility toward knowledge. Jerusalem Islamic Books & Arts is dedicated to the preservation, celebration, and dissemination of Islamic heritage through the highest quality literary and artistic works. We strive to connect contemporary audiences with the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Islam, fostering an appreciation for its history, artistry, and philosophy. Our commitment is to curate and create pieces that inspire reflection, education, and dialogue, promoting understanding and respect across diverse communities.

Vision Statement:

At Jerusalem Store, our vision is to make the reading of Islamic books a household phenomenon in every Muslim community. We believe that consistent reading nurtures faith, strengthens families, and builds communities rooted in knowledge and purpose.

Our action plan is simple yet transformative:

• Read the Qur’an every day to stay connected with divine guidance.

• Read one book every month to deepen understanding, broaden perspective, and grow in faith.