CHITRAL: The greatest tragedy of the Muslim Ummah today is that the Holy Qur’an has been reduced to a book of recitation instead of a book of guidance. Millions recite it beautifully, compete in its memorization, and complete it repeatedly during Ramadan, yet very few make an effort to understand what Allah is actually saying.

In most mosques and religious gatherings, the Qur’an itself is overshadowed by lengthy stories, emotional anecdotes, and secondary discussions because these hold the audience’s attention more easily than the direct and often demanding message of the Qur’an. The result is a people that can recite the words of Allah fluently but remains unfamiliar with His commandments on justice, honesty, compassion, truthfulness, and social responsibility.

There is another uncomfortable reality. The Qur’an leaves no room for ambiguity when it condemns lying, bribery, hypocrisy, cheating, breaking promises, backbiting, injustice, and violating the rights of others. If these verses were explained regularly and fearlessly, many of us—including those who occupy religious platforms—would be forced to examine our own conduct. It is therefore far more convenient to dwell on stories, virtues, and rituals than on the Qur’an’s uncompromising moral demands.

This is not what the Qur’an was revealed for. Allah did not send down His Book merely to be recited for blessings, but to be understood, obeyed, and transformed into a way of life. Until Muslims return to the Qur’an with understanding rather than mere recitation, the gap between our religious claims and our practical moral conduct will continue to widen. .. CN report, 18 July 2026