AN INTERVIEW WITH HAFIDH ABDUR RAHMAN ISMAIL TEMITOPE

1. What sparked your initial interest in the Quran?

 Quite a lot of things, first and foremost where my own parents, from their own relation and interest in it, and then my friends, some of my close friends at the beginning were either Huffadh, or those that were on their memorization journey also. The right companions not only motivate one but also assist in achieving one's goals.

2. How has your relationship with the Quran evolved over time?

It started from learning to read, then memorizing it, which I'm still on.

Currently I focus more on trying to understand its meaning and teachings, learn more about its sciences, and also most importantly, trying to practice the lessons and guidance from it while still striving not to forget what has been memorized.

Wallahul Musta'aan 

3. What verses or chapters have had the most impact on you?

أَفَمَن شَرَحَ ٱللَّهُ صَدۡرَهُۥ لِلۡإِسۡلَٰمِ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦۚ فَوَيۡلٌ لِّلۡقَٰسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مِّن ذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِۚ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ 

"So is one whose breast Allāh has expanded to [accept] Islām and he is upon [i.e., guided by] a light from his Lord [like one whose heart rejects it]? Then woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allāh. Those are in manifest error". Suratu Zumar 39:22 and similar verses.

And chapters like Suratu Yusuf (Chapter 12) and Maryam (Chapter 19).

4. How do you incorporate Quranic teachings into your daily life?

One thing to note is that, incorporating it into one's life can only be through Allah's mercy, so we should  ask him first to make it easy, as it's not easy except for whom Allah has made it easy for.

Secondly is actually learning the teachings therein mostly from attending Tafseer classes and gatherings learning from trusted scholars, because you won't be able to apply them if you don't know what you want to apply.

And also learning more about Islam generally as it's based on the Qur'aan.

5. Have you faced any challenges in your Quranic journey? How did you overcome them?

It must be understood that the Quranic journey is one which can never end, it even continues in the hereafter. So as the journey doesn't end, the challenges also don't.

There are a lot of challenges which can either be general for every one or personal to a particular person. And most of them can be solved by speaking to a senior or a teacher.

One of them is usually "not enough time" which can be solved through proper time management.

6. How has the Quran influenced your worldview or personal growth?

On worldview this Ayah should suffice 

وَمَا هَٰذِهِ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ إِلَّا لَهۡوٌ وَلَعِبٌۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةَ لَهِىَ ٱلۡحَيَوَانُۚ لَوۡ كَانُواْ يَعۡلَمُونَ

"And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew". Suratul Ankabut vs 64 and others like that.

And on personal growth, the Qur'aan is filled with stories of great men and women, their virtues and characters to learn from which helps in personal growth. It also tells us the evils of some others so that we abstain from them.

7. What advice would you give to someone starting their own Quranic journey?

You need to have teachers and mentors that will guide you through, whether through memorizing or applying its teachings and guidance.

The importance of a teacher or mentor can never be overemphasized.

8. Are there any notable Quranic scholars or resources that have helped you?

Reciters have really helped me with the Qur'aan especially with memorization. Like Shaykh Yasir Ad Dawsari, Shaykh Mishari Al Afasy, Shaykh Okasha Kameny and many others.

And my own teachers and mentors have assisted me also in understanding and applying its teachings. As I've mentioned, the importance of having teachers and mentors can never be overemphasized.

Reading books also helps, I mostly read recommendations from my teachers and mentors.

9. How do you balance Quranic study with other aspects of life?

I think this is an issue of setting one's priorities and time management.

Priorities, as in understanding how important it is for one's success both in this worldly life and the hereafter, thereby placing in among the most important daily tasks.

Then time management which ensures one creates time for it and discipline which ensures consistency.

One should start from learning how to read it, then memorizing it and also revising what has been memorized. And most importantly learning and applying its teachings.

May Allah make it easy.

10. What message or lesson from the Quran would you like to share with others?

One of the things that has been crossing my mind lately is the issue of dutifulness to one's parents.

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَٰنًاۚ

"And your Lord has decreed that you worship not except Him, and to parents, good treatment".

Suratul Isra' chapter 17, verse 23, and also the next verse, 24.

And many others like Suratul Ahqaf vs 15-17 and the rest also.

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