Life can often feel like a struggle and we can feel like climbers striving to reach the top of a mountain on a dark and stormy day, but fortunately, as Muslims, we have the Quran to guide our ascent.

The Quran is the most comprehensive of all Allah’s books. It is transmitted to the greatest of all angels - Jibreel (AS) - and received by the greatest of messengers - Muhammad (SAW). Revealed in the greatest month – Ramadan - and on the greatest of nights - Laylat al-Qadr.

1. The Quran describes itself as a light.

Surah An-Nisa Verse 174: “O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light.”

The mountain climber needs light to see where he is going, to see what's around him and to give him security. The Quran does the same for the believer in this life and the next.  

2. The Quran describes itself as a guide

Surah An-Nahl Verse 89: “We have revealed to you the Book as an explanation of all things, a guide, a mercy, and good news for those who ˹fully˺ submit.”

A light shows the climber what lies ahead but it cannot tell him the correct path. For that, he needs a guide to help him reach his goal.  

The Quran provides a guide for mankind. It’s a map on how to navigate the difficulties and uncertainties of life to reach the destination of the next life.  

3. The Quran describes itself as being clear  

Surah Ma’idah Verse 15: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.”  

The guide needs to be clear and unambiguous to ensure the climber can follow it appropriately.  

Not only does the Quran show you what lies ahead and exactly where to tread, it explains it in language that is not doubtful, nor confusing. The Quran is accessible to the whole of humanity, throughout time and gives clear instructions to help you meet the bliss of the next life.  

4. The Quran describes itself as being a reminder

Surah Zukhruf Verse 44: “And indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you [all] are going to be questioned.”  

The mountain guide will give regular instructions to remind the climber of what he should do.

The Quran will remind you to stay on the clear path and reassure you on your journey back to your creator.  

5. The Quran describes itself as a book of barakah  

Surah Sad Verse 29: “[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.”  

Imagine if the guide told the climber about shortcuts, making it easier for him to reach his goal — this would be barakah.  

Barakah is defined as a special ingredient that when mixed into something small, it becomes large, and when mixed into something large, it becomes even more beneficial. The Quran can bring barakah into every part of our lives whether that is money, time or relationships.  

6. Finally, the Quran describes itself as healing  

Surah Yunus Verse 57: “People, a teaching from your Lord has come to you, a healing for what is in [your] hearts, and guidance and mercy for the believers.”  

Naturally, the mountain climber will have moments of fear and anxiety when making the ascent. Once he gets to the top, his heart will ease.  

The Quran heals your heart from any discomfort on this journey towards the next. It enables you to enter the next life with a pure heart, without grief.  

And so, why have we illustrated the significance of the Quran with climbing a mountain?  

Surah Al Hashr Verse 21: “If We had sent this Quran down to a mountain, you [Prophet] would have seen it humbled and split apart in its awe of God: We offer people such illustrations so that they may reflect.”