Daily writing prompt

What’s a classic book that you think is overrated?

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• What refers to a question asked to gain more information about a subject and its answers.
• The term ‘define’ indicates the specific identification of an object, based on the context provided by the preceding words.
• “A” is a singular word used with another word to indicate one object rather than many, making it uncountable.
• Classic refers to an object or material created by humans for the purpose of consumption that, after enduring the passage of time, is still in use today.
• A book provides specific information on its subject, consisting of numerous pages filled with text or images related to its title.
• “That” is a term used to refer back to a previously mentioned word, representing it in subsequent statements.
• “You” identifies the author of information, encompassing various personal opinions, with their name attributed to the post.
• To think means to have a perception related to an object, shaped by an individual’s perspective on that object.
• Overrated, according to Copilot’s search, means something that is assessed or valued too highly.

The classic book that I consider overrated is the Holy Quran, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as guidance for those who believe in him as a messenger of God, leading humanity towards goodness. The first surah revealed by Allah to the Prophet is Surah Al-Alaq, which translates to “Read.” The initial verse instructs to “Read in the name of your Lord,” a phrase I have quoted from the Quran, a holy book I have previously read. While in the cave of Hira, the angel Gabriel was sent by Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to deliver this surah, despite the fact that he did not know how to read or write at that time. This highlights that the Prophet never attended school like many of us do today, where we learn to read and write in various languages.

The classic Holy Quran not only contains Surah Al-Alaq, but also other Surahs that Muslims are encouraged to memorize. During prayers, Muslims typically recite specific Ayat or verses, particularly after the mandatory Surah, which is Al-Fatihah, at the beginning of the Quran. This Surah marks the commencement of the Quran, and it must be recited in every prayer, including the Sunnah or Nafl prayers. One of the commonly recited Surahs among Muslims in Malaysia is Yaseen, often referred to as the heart of the Quran. I have observed that people traditionally read this Surah after the Maghrib prayer, but I am unsure if this practice continues. Additionally, there are several other important Surahs; according to Hadith, reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas is equivalent to reciting one-third of the Quran, which is linked to significant rewards.

The second surah following Al-Fatihah is Al-Baqarah, which translates to “The Cow.” This surah depicts the cow as a sacred symbol, particularly prominent during the celebration of Eid al-Adha. It represents the Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded to sacrifice a cow instead of his son, Prophet Ismail (alaihi salam). There are also subsequent verses and surahs that reference Al-Baqarah, though I’m not well-versed in them. For beginners, some of the most memorable short surahs in the Quran include Surah Al-Asr, meaning “The Time,” Surah An-Nas, the final surah, Surah Al-Falaq, and others whose names I can’t recall. Typically, new Muslims focus on reading Surah Al-Ikhlas and Surah An-Nas, especially in relation to the obligatory prayers that are required of them.

Most of the Surahs in the Quran are regarded as classical, with their text tracing back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his companions (sahabah), around 632 AD or using the Hijri calendar. The Quran signifies the importance of Muslims and the Islamic faith, serving as a guiding source that I often refer to and read regularly for clarity and understanding, particularly in relation to life. The Quran is considered sacred and holy, with its verses and ayat having been preserved to this day, in contrast to other similar holy books like those of Christianity. Typically, ancient copies are kept in museums for people to view, showcasing the authenticity of the Quran and its meanings, which many strive to comprehend.

In conclusion, my perspective on the classic book is that the Quran, which I consider older than my parents and grandparents, continues to be read by many today and is often kept in homes by Muslims. The Quran also serves as a historical text, with stories that date back to the pre-Christian era, particularly those of other prophets like Moses, who is well-known for his encounters with Pharaoh. I have come to understand the significance of the Holy Quran as a symbol of life for Muslims. Reading its verses is essential to keep me from straying away from guidance in this life. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.