Yet what keeps us from perceiving these magnificent signs is that we do not read the Qur’an in a way that fosters reflection and admonition. Many Muslims—indeed, perhaps the majority—recite the Book merely for blessing and reward, whereas what is required is that we read the Qur’an so that we may ponder it and be admonished by what it contains: “A blessed Book We have sent down to you” —this is the blessing—“so that they may contemplate its verses” —that is the fruit—“and that those of sound intellect may take heed” (Sad 38:29). Allah alone grants success.

113 – The second narration is from Ibn ʿAbbas (may Allah be pleased with them both):

“ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to admit me to the gatherings of the veterans of Badr. Some of them felt uneasy about this and said, ‘Why do you bring this youth in among us when we have sons like him?’ ʿUmar replied, ‘He is, as you well know, (of great merit)!’

“One day he invited me and seated me with them—I think he did so only to show them something. He asked, ‘What do you make of Allah’s words: When the help of Allah comes and the conquest (An-Nasr 110:1)?’

“Some of them answered, ‘We have been commanded to praise Allah and seek His forgiveness when He aids us and grants us victory.’ Others remained silent.

“Then he said to me, ‘Is that how you understand it, Ibn ʿAbbas?’ I replied, ‘No.’

“‘Then how do you understand it?’ he asked.

“I said, ‘It is the impending death of the Messenger of Allah—Allah informed him of it: When the help of Allah comes and the conquest—that is the sign of your appointed term—so glorify the praise of your Lord and seek His forgiveness; indeed, He is ever accepting of repentance (An-Nasr 110:3).’

“ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘I know no other meaning for it than what you have just said.’”

Reported by al-Bukhari.