How I take Pictures With the Qur'an

by HijabMan :: posted 24 January 07

Repost Cause I Like It So Much
If we equate a moment with a photograph, then our lives are like a series of freeze frames. Some of the best people, as told by God in the Qur’an are described as those that stay Conscious of God ( Muttaqun) during the moments that make up our lives.

So, for instance, someone who is God-conscious doesn’t just keep their camera in a bag slung around their shoulder. The one who is God-conscious actually has it out while engaging their surroundings. They experiment by viewing the reality before them through various lenses, filters, and camera-modes. They are zooming in, zooming out, and deciding what combination of lenses, filters, and modes best capture that moment. At last, they take an action. They snap the photograph. They apply the Qur’an in their lives and begin a dialogue with God.

Now let’s say you have a camera, but at the moment, you can’t afford new lenses, or filters. Sometimes your situation makes it hard for you to sit down and research new lenses, for instance. Don’t worry. You can use one lens for everything and it would still work. Not sure how? Let me give you an example. Tariq Ramadan, in a talk at Reviving the Islamic Spirit this past December, recalled an anecdote about one of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions.

The man had decided to convert to Islam, and the Prophet told other friends of his to go and “teach him his religion.” So the friends visited this new convert and started teaching him the short chapters in the Qur’an. Then they got to the verses that state,

And so, he who shall have done an atom’s weight of good, shall behold it; And he who shall have done an atom’s weight of evil, shall behold it. (99:8)

“That’s in the Qur’an?” The convert asked.
“Yes.”
“Okay, that’s enough. I know my religion now.”

A bit surprised, the other companions went back to Prophet Muhammad, and said, “this guy says he knows his religion after hearing these specific verses. He doesn’t want to know anymore.”

The Prophet’s response?

“He’s right.”

Prof. Ramadan goes on to make two points (paraphrased)

1. If you understand that concept, then all of the doors of knowledge are open to you. Everything in your heart is open to God. At all times. God knows everything you do.

“So. Check yourself.“

2. If God is everywhere with you. Engage God. Enter into a dialogue with him. God is not just there when you do wrong or good, but always.

If we apply these two points to our metaphor. We’d be 1. taking photographs of ourselves to make sure we are consistent, and 2. taking photographs throughout the day, engaging the revelation (and therefore God).

Some could let what I just said restrict them, by saying “Well, I don’t need any more lenses, all I need is that one!” Alternatively, you can use it as a starting point to learn more about the various techniques of photography. I highly suggest the latter. As my friend Maera states, “You can use the Quran in your life to restrict it or shape certain values, actions, etc, but the only way you will have a truly fulfilled and satisfying life is when you understand the Quran for yourself.”

What I get from her statement, simply put, is that there is no other way to read the Qur’an [for ourselves] other than with a clear conscience. It’s dangerous to force our cameras to do things that they cannot. You know, like fishing. There is another, very important part of that though.

Just as we cannot force our cameras to do things they cannot, we cannot force people to take the same photographs we do. We all have a unique relationship with our cameras. You see, there are many ways to take a photograph. Just as there are many ways to seek God.

But as for those who strive hard in Our cause – We shall most certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto Us: for, behold, God is indeed with the doers of good. Qur’an 29:69

Don’t sit in front of your TV today. Go out and take some photographs. And check this out.

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1. Southern Muslimah at 21 January 07 :: #

   Jazakullah Khayr for that, brother.
   Mama, don’t take my kodachrome away.

2. nazia at 21 January 07 :: #

   i concur, HM. i shall go out and take as many photographs of the beauty that is the earth.

3. HM at 22 January 07 :: #

   Glad you liked it, guys.

   I need to dust off my camera too.

4. Faiza at 22 January 07 :: #

   What?! You were at RIS?!

5. Mr. Nobody at 23 January 07 :: #

   Every person is caught between the unchangeable past, and the unknown future. So avail yourself of the present. – Attributed to Jesus peace be upon him.

6. yaser at 27 January 07 :: #

   there are a lot of folks out there who wouldn’t be too happy on the manual usage.

7. katiktuni at 27 January 07 :: #

   Yaser- Yes,unfortunately a lot of people would be content not to use their own brain. Don’t get me wrong, I respect scholarly opinion, but only if that opinion respects the Quran. That I have to determine with my own conscience.