يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Qur’an 58:11)

The Qur’an is designed to be known, yet it remains largely a hidden gem. This reflects the broader realities of life, where the bigger picture often stays concealed. For instance, a person is born with a known identity and family background, but their future skills, actions, and eventual departure from this world remain uncertain. Similarly, institutions like Al-Azhar or Oxford Universities are visible through their buildings and reputations, but the knowledge they represent, locked within books and study materials, stays secret until actively learned. You cannot merely skim through their pages; mindful and careful study is essential.

Just like exploring a big, old library, there’s so much knowledge hidden in books and stories waiting to be discovered. It’s not enough to just look at the cover; we need to read and think deeply to understand the secrets inside. The same goes for nature and the stars in the sky. They look beautiful, but there’s so much more to learn about them than what we see at first glance.

Life, like the Quran and the universe, is full of hidden treasures that we can find if we look carefully and try to understand. Just as in the revelation of the Qur’an, which is known yet carries secrets about its origins and timings that remain undisclosed, the bigger picture in life often doesn’t reveal itself entirely.

What it means is the universal reality of hidden depths and the journey to uncover them aligns well with the principles highlighted in the Qur’an, showcasing its universality. The Qur’an speaks to the innate human experience of seeking knowledge, understanding, and connection, not just with the divine but with the world around us. It suggests that both the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and the quest for worldly knowledge are parts of a greater journey of discovery.

This journey is universal, transcending time, culture, and geography, and it invites believers and seekers alike to reflect, learn, and grow. The Qur’an, in its teachings, mirrors the complexity and depth of life itself, encouraging a mindful exploration of the world and the mysteries that lie within and beyond it.