Hamza Andreas Tzortzis
Anyone who picks up a translation of the Qur'an or even the Arabic original, will find that the word 'aya' is used many times. This word, which is also the name for Qur'anic verses, is commonly translated as 'a sign'.
It has been previously mentioned that the context of a particular Qur'anic construction influences the meanings of the words within that structure. With regards to the word 'aya' it conveys the following meanings:
Miracle
Sign
Ethical Message
Something Amazing
Symbol
Proof
Evidence
The examples above can be found throughout the whole of the Qur'an, examples include:
Miracle
They say: "Why does he not produce for us a miracle..." Qur'an: 20:133
Sign
A sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of the Covenant, with (an assurance) therein of security from your Lord. Qur'an:2:248
Ethical Message
There is a message indeed for people who (are willing to) listen. Qur'an 16:65
Something Amazing/Symbol
We made the son of Mary and his mother a symbol (of Our grace). Qur'an 23:50
Proof
And recite ot them the news of Nuh (Noah). When he said to his people: "O my people, if my stay (with you), and my reminding (you) of the Ayats (proofs) of Allah is hard on you, then put my trust in Allah." Qur'an 10:71
According to al-Suyuti the total number of Qur'anic verses ('aya') are 6616. In the Islamic intellectual tradition the whole of the Qur'an is regarded as a sign and a miracle [1]. The Qur'an expresses natural phenomena as perceptible indications of the not immediately apparent truth. It directs mankind to think and uses persuasive language to enhance its message. The Qur'an must be pondered over and anyone who approaches this book superficially will lose out on its mutli-layered meanings; and its dynamic profound expressions and messages.
What, do they not ponder the Qur’an? Or, is it that there are locks on their hearts? Qur'an 47:24
A Book We have sent down, [it is] full of blessings, that men may ponder over its messages, and those who possess understanding may take them to heart Qur'an 38:29
Do they not reflect within themselves: God did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them two but with truth, and (for) an appointed term? Qur'an 30:8
We explain the signs in detail for those who reflect Qur'an 10:24
Indeed here are signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: And none but the unjust reject Our signs Qur'an 29:49
Some Signs for Reflection
There are thousands of verses that evoke thought and require meditation. Below are some examples:
What will explain to you what the steep path is? It is to free a slave, to feed at a time of hunger, an orphaned relative or a poor person in distress, and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion Qur'an 90: 11-20
Are, then, they who are bent on denying the truth not aware that the heavens and the earth were once one single entity, which We then perted asunder? And that We made out of water every living thing? Qur'an 21:30
People, be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul Qur'an 4:1
Every soul shall taste death Qur'an 3:185
If you are steadfast and mindful of God, that is the best course Qur'an 3:186
Why do you mix truth with falsehood? Why do you hide the turh when you recognize it? Qur'an 3:71
Why should you not fight in God's cause and for those oppressed men. women, and children who cry out, 'Lord, rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors! By Your grace, gives us a protector and give us a helper!'? The believers fight for God's cause, while those who reject faith fight for an unjust cause Qur'an 4:75-76
...bear witness impartially: do not let the hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to the awareness of God. Be mindful of God... Qur'an 5:8
Man should reflect on what he was created from Qur'an 86:5
So truly were there is hardship there is also ease, truly where there is hardship there is also ease Qur'an 94:5-6
Read! in the name of your Lord who created: He created man from a clinging form Qur'an 96:1-2
By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy Qur'an 103:1-3
Woe to every slanderer, defamer. Who amasses wealth and considers it a provision (against mishap); He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal Qur'an 104:1-3
Say, 'He is God the One, God the Eternal. He begot no one nor was He begotten. No one is comparable to Him.' Qur'an 112:1-4
There are thousands more verses that allude to creation, natural phenomenon, spirituality, society, politics and more. The Qur'an needs to be read with an open mind and a sincere heart, in order to appreciate that it is not just a book of signs but a foundation for an entirely unique way of life.
"Neither as Christians or Jews, nor simply as intellectually responsible individuals, have members of Western Civilisation been sensitively educated or even accurately informed about Islam… even some persons of goodwill who have gained acquaintance with Islam continue to interpret the reverence for the prophet Muhammad and the global acceptance of his message as an inexplicable survival of the zeal of an ancient desert tribe. This view ignores fourteen centuries of Islamic civilisation, burgeoning with artists, scholars, statesmen, philanthropists, scientists, chivalrous warriors, philosophers… as well as countless men and women of devotion and wisdom from almost every nation of the planet. The coherent world civilisation called Islam, founded in the vision of the Qur'an, cannot be regarded as the product of individual and national ambition, supported by historical accident." [2]
Notes
[1] http://www.theinimitablequran.com/
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