Ramadan 2021 – Juz 14 – What do these letters mean?

“Alif-Lãm-Ra. These are the verses of the Book; the clear Quran.” – 15:1

” الٓر “

Alif-Lãm-Ra. Chapter 15 of the Quran begins with these three letters (similar to saying “ALR” in English) but their meaning remains hidden to us.

We consider them from the ayat/verses of the Quran. Ayat is often translated as verses, from a literary lens, but a better translation is “signs”; owing to each ayat being a sign that points us to the truth.

What is the sign in “Alif Lam Ra”, what does it mean? I don’t know. I don’t know the meaning and I never will. But I accept that it’s one of Allah’s signs from his perfection.

When things don’t make sense, it’s okay to say “I don’t know” but to still accept that it’s a sign.

When something happens to us, that seems bizarre or unsavoury it’s natural to ask ourselves “Why is this happening”. And it’s okay to say “I don’t know”; while still accepting that it’s the best thing destined for us.

It all works out alright in the end. Maybe years, months, sometimes just days later we will realise the benefit. Maybe there was something better on the horizon. Maybe we avoided some harm. As long as we trust in and follow the signs, it all works out in the end.