Qur'an: The Immense Ocean (QTIO)
Instagram @nusms.qtio
Qur’an: The Immense Ocean (QTIO) is an adhoc under NUSMS that serves as a platform for people to connect and form a better relationship with the Qur’an; one of the main sources of guidance for mankind, making Qur’an the basis of our daily lives. QTIO aims to build a community with love for the Qur’an, thereby bringing us closer to Allah sw.t. and our Beloved s.a.w.
Guided by the direction, From ‘Ilm (Knowledge) to ‘Amal (Righteous Actions), QTIO AY24/25 embarked on a journey to recognise and acknowledge the place that the Qur’an should have in our lives. Ultimately, the goal is to strive towards righteous actions, to have proper adab towards the Qur’an and to let the knowledge transform our character, with Istiqamah (steadfastness). This formed the basis for the theme, Descending the Depths to the Divine: A Journey towards Qur’anic Light, capturing the essence of gradual progression towards 'Amal.
Defining the Divine Qur'an
Just as a diver prepares for the deep sea, Muslims must affirm that the Qur’an is the true word of Allah s.w.t. before studying it. In this first installation, Ustaz Zubair Mohd Redza shared on the Origin and History of the Qur’an’s Compilation, providing clarity on its reality and essence. The session encouraged participants to reflect on their understanding of the Qur’an while equipping them with the right mindset and intentions for the journey ahead.
Navigating Qur'anic Etiquette & Methodologies
The diver is now in the deep sea. How can he navigate through the vast expanse before him? We reflect on the Proper Adab and Mindset required when Engaging with the Qur’an. Guided by Ustazah Dr Siti Nur ‘Alaniah Abdul Wahid, we engaged in a Guided Case Study, discussing Methodologies for Engaging with the Qur’anic Text. This session allowed us to tackle the difficult questions; Is it wrong for us to question the Qur’an? What is the mindset to have when faced with uncertainties while reading the Qur’an? This aimed to equip us with the foundational tools to exploring the Qur’an.
Attaining Clarity in 'Amal (Righteous Actions)
How can the diver now apply what he has learnt from the deep sea into his daily life? This final installation brought us through an interactive dialogue session with Ustaz Mahmod Abdullah As Saqafy and Ustazah Amirah Munawwarah, Exploring the Concerns and Struggles faced during the Progression from ‘Ilm to ‘Amal. Responding to our audience, the esteemed Asatizah provided clarity by breaking down the concept of 'Amal, addressing lingering doubts and nurturing a strong desire to perform it. This event hoped to develop understanding and instill confidence to enhance 'Amal, thereafter Striving for Ihsan (excellence) in 'Amal.
A Ramadhan Initiative
An annual event organised by QTIO, Khatam Ma’an brought the community together in a Collective Recitation of the Qur'an, symbolically tying together the key themes from Event 1 to 3 - from acquiring 'Ilm (knowledge) to embodying it through 'Amal (righteous actions). As one of the most virtuous forms of worship, Qur’an recitation served as a fitting culmination to our annual journey. The event concluded with the breaking of fast, fostering both spiritual and communal nourishment.
A Companion
In efforts to encourage istiqamah (steadfastness) and accountability towards seeking knowledge, QTIO had prepared our very own Qur'an Journal, a companion to every participant throughout the academic year. This journal contained prompts and space for participants to write down their notes and reflections. Additionally, the journal contained links to tafsir resources the participant could explore in their own time.
A Publication
Beyond events, QTIO had also released 3 volumes of Waves of Wisdom, our own publication exploring the Background, Tafsir (interpretation), Tadabbur (reflective insights) and ‘Amal (actions) of Surahs in the Qur’an. Each volume explored the value of a Surah, encouraging active reflection of the Qur’an, a key aspect we hoped to inspire in our journey from 'Ilm to 'Amal.
QTIO is for anyone interested in learning more about the Qur’an, regardless of background or prior knowledge. It offers opportunities to uncover its treasures, deepen appreciation, and build a stronger daily connection through relatable, practical events tailored for undergraduates.