Tahqiq al-Wisal bayn al-Qalb wa al-Quran
- Author died
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- Editions
- Mu’assasat Iqra’ lil-Nashr wa-al-Tawzī‘ wa-al-Tarjamah
Tahqiq al-Wisal bayn al-Qalb wa al-Quran (Achieving Union Between the Heart and the Quran) is a contemporary treatise on Quranic spirituality and contemplation by the Egyptian author and educator Magdi al-Hilali, first published in 1429 AH / 2008 CE . The work focuses on cultivating deep emotional and spiritual engagement with the Quran to revive the faith of the individual and the broader Muslim community .
Background and Purpose
Al-Hilali authored the book as part of a recurring series of writings dedicated to reconnecting Muslims with the Quran . He identifies the contemporary crisis of the Muslim community as a primary motivation, framing the Quran as the foundational project capable of awakening the community from its prolonged stagnation and restoring it to its former vitality .
The stated objective of the text is to enable the light of the Quran to enter, illuminate, and transform the human heart . Al-Hilali clarifies that while reciting the text without understanding or emotional resonance does not deprive the reader of divine reward, it fails to produce the intended guidance, spiritual transformation, and genuine benefit of the revelation .
Structure and Themes
The book is structured into thematic chapters addressing the spiritual reality of the Quran, historical precedents of engagement, diagnoses of spiritual disengagement, and practical methods for rectifying one's relationship with scripture :
- The Nature and Power of the Revelation: The author characterizes the Quran as the soul and strength of the heart, accessible to all people and capable of providing continuous spiritual energy and guidance .
- The Prophetic and Companions' Paradigm: The text presents the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions as the primary practical model of interaction with the text, illustrating how prolonged reflection generated transformative faith among the early generation .
- Obstacles to Benefiting from the Quran: Al-Hilali analyzes the historical and psychological barriers that have formed between Muslims and the Quran, such as reducing engagement solely to memorization and recitation for formal blessings, fear of contemplation, and prioritizing quantity over comprehension .
- Practical Means of Realizing Connection: The author outlines actionable steps for the reader, including persistent supplication (ilḥāḥ) asking God to open the heart, sitting for extended uninterrupted periods in quiet environments, slow and sorrowful recitation (tartīl), and repeating verses that stir the heart .
Method and Sources
The author relies on Quranic verses and prophetic traditions, alongside reports from the companions and classical authorities such as Ibn al-Qayyim . He also draws upon experiences and counsel from modern Islamic thinkers and reformers, citing figures such as Muhammad Iqbal and Hasan al-Banna on how personalizing Quranic address transforms reading into an active spiritual encounter .
Publication
The first edition of the book was issued in Cairo by Mu'assasat Iqra' li-l-Nashr wa-l-Tawzi' wa-l-Tarjamah in 1429 AH / 2008 CE . Portions of its chapters were subsequently adapted and summarized by the author in other related titles, such as Ayna al-Makhraj fa-l-Sakhrah Aghlaqat al-Ghar .
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