Explanation of “Iqra’” (“Read”)

Question

(1) “Iqra’” (اقرأ) is taken from the 30th para (juz’) of the Holy Qur’an. Please explain it. Which branch of knowledge does it relate to? (2) Is “Iqra’” fard ‘ayn or fard kifaya? Whichever it is, who should raise his voice for it, and who should arrange for it? What relation does “Iqra’” have to the imam and the muqtadi? (3) What is one to be called who denies “Iqra’” partially or completely? (4) If the imam does not take “Iqra’,” i.e. “Read!

Answer

(1) When Jibril Amin ﵇ first came with the divine revelation, it was specifically the Prophet ﷺ who was then told: “Iqra’” (“Read!”). To this he said: [ar]مَا أَنَا بِقَارِئٍ[/ar] “I am not one who reads.” Then, by Allah’s command, a measure was taken through which he obtained the ability to read the divine revelation. (2)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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