Interpreting the Quran

          Although the revelation of the Quran is considered eternal, Muslims also speak about the "occasion of revelation" as a necessary component for interpreting the meaning of a given passage. In other words, many of the verses in the Quran speak directly to particular circumstances. A good illustration of an “occasion of revelation” is found at the beginning of surah 80, entitled “He frowned.” The first verses of the chapter read:

 

In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful.

He frowned and turned away

Because a blind man came to him.

What make you think that he will not grow in virtue,

Or be admonished, and the admonition profit him?

As for the one who is not in want of any thing,

You pay full attention,

Though it is not your concern if he should not grow (in fullness)

As for him who comes to you striving (after goodness),

And is also fearful (of God),

You neglect.

Assuredly this is a reminder

For any one who desires to bear it in mind (Quran 80:1-12)

 

             According to Muslim commentators, the specific occasion for this revelation helps one to understand it in context as well as draw the larger principles being communicated. One day, during the early Meccan period, Muhammad was engaged in conversation with one of the prominent leaders of the Quraysh (the ruling tribe in Mecca). As Muhammad was speaking to persuade the man of the truth of Islam, a blind man came and asked him a question concerning the faith. The prophet was annoyed at the interruption. He frowned and turned away from the blind man. The revelation then comes that makes clear one should not judge the importance of another on the basis of the person’s appearance or status. Further, one should never turn away form another sincerely seeking to know about Islam. It is important to understand this approach to interpretation of the Quran because it helps prevent people form reading verses out of context to fortify an already established position. By establishing deeper principles, Muslims could be more flexible in applying the principles in very different times and circumstances.

Thankfulness to God- traditions by Imam Sadiq and Imam Baqir

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said, " Whenever God grants someone some blessings and he realizes them with his heart and expresses his gratitude, God will order an increase in his blessings before he finishes his words. God the Almighty has said,' If you are grateful, I will add more (blessings) unto you.' ( Quran: Ibrahin  14:7)

Imam baqir (a.s) said,  " The steady increase of God's blessings will not stop unless the gratefulness of the people stops."

Imam Jaffer Sadiq (a.s) said, "Whenever the Prophet received a blessing which he liked he would say,' Praise is for the Benevolent, the Beautiful God.' and whenever he recieved something which he disliked he would say, 'Praise be to God in all cases, and praise be to God in this case'.

It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (a.s) that one the Prophet was passing by a group of people who were trying to life a rock. He asked them why they were trying to do so? They replied that they were trying to see who was the strongest...The prophet  said, ' The one who is the strongest is the one who does not engage in sin or do wrong  when he is content; one who does not say but what is right when he is angry; and one who doesn't do injustice  when he is powerful.'

Source :Mishkat ul- Anwar