The Loh e Qurani consists of 29 letters from Arabic Alphabet. These are the code words that are used as a prefix in many surahs of the Holy Quran. Loh e Qurani are letters or “Muqatta’at” (disjointed or separated letters) in Arabic and their exact meanings and significance are not explicitly explained within the Quran itself.
What is the Meaning of Lohe Qurani?
Loh-e-Qurani’s meaning is that they are the code words of Allah, and their significance is confined to Allah alone. No one knows exactly the purpose behind these letters or why they were revealed. However, a number of possible explanations are given by Islamic Scholars to explain these letters such as;
- It is considered that these letters might be used as abbreviations for certain sentences or words as Nun means Noor or Alif Laam Meem is the abbreviation for Ana Allahu a’Laam.
- Another explanation states that these are not mere abbreviations, but the names and symbols of Allah to address Him.
- Some believe that these letters are used for rhyming. Also, maybe these letters were used to catch the attention of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the believers.
As per some other believers, it is just a compilation of codes and only Allah holds the knowledge of its meaning.
What are the benefits of Loh-e-Qurani?
The Loh-e-Quran has numerous benefits that are many as believed by the Muslims. It is also recommended to hang these alphabets at home and recite them in the morning. Some of the known benefits of Loh-e-Qurani are;
Recite for ease of tasks: If you look at Loh-e-Qurani in the morning, your whole day will be spent perfectly. And if you read this every morning with heart, you will not face any difficulty at all.
Protection from Evil: Reciting the Loh-e-Qurani as the first thing before starting your day helps you protect yourself from evil. It reminds you of the superiority of Allah and keeps you away from baddoings. Loh-e-Quran also provides protection against black magic.
Spiritual benefits: The Muqatta’at can help you seek spiritual awareness and benefits. It helps you connect deeply with the creator and realize the actual meaning of life.
Guidance and success: Starting your day with the name of Allah helps you seek guidance and success from the heavens. Allah blesses the reader of Loh-e-Qurani with intellect and deen.
What is the use of Loh-e-Quran?
While it is true that some Chapters of the Quran begin with individual Arabic words, such as Alif, Lam, Meem (Surah Al-Baqarah) or Ta, Ha (Surah Ta-Ha), the precise meanings of these letters are not known.
In the chapters of the Quran, these 29 Muqatta’at or abbreviated alphabets are used as a prefix in many surahs. Sometimes these letters (abbreviated) occur alone. However, they can occur also as a combination of different letters.
The Lohe Quran is also used in Islamic calligraphy and art. The paintings representing any of these 29 letters are widely loved by Muslims across the world.
Which Surahs are pre-fixed to these abbreviated letters?
Some of the Surahs use these letters as their prefix. Moreover, these words are also used in the middle of some Surahs at the beginning of an Ayah. Below are the names of the Surahs along with the words occurring in them.
Following are the Surahs that are prefixed with a single letter;
- Surah Qalam/Nun; pre-fixed with Nun
- Surah Qaf; Qaf
- Surah Sad; Sad
Following are the Surahs that are pre-fixed with a combination of two letters;
- Surah Yaseen; Ya’seen
- Surah Ta’Ha’ Ta’Ha
- Surah Al Naml; Ta’Seen
Below given Surahs are pre-fixed with “Ha’Meem,”
- Surah Al Ahqaf
- Surah Al Jathiyah
- Surah Al Dukhan
- Surah Al Zukhruf
- Surah Al-Shura
- Surah Fussilat/Ha’Meem
- Surah Ghafir/Al-Mu’min
A combination of 3 letters occurs in the below-mentioned Surahs;
Below are the Surahs pre-fixed with Alif Laam Meem;
- Surah Al-Sajdah
- Surah Luqman
- Surah Al Rum
- Surah Al Baqarah
- Surah Al Imran
- Surah Al Ankabut
Surahs pre-fixed with Alif Laam Ra;
- Surah Ibrahim
- Surah Al Hijr
- Surah Al Rad
- Surah Yusuf
- Surah Yunus
- Surah Hud
Surahs with Ta Seen Meem;
- Surah Al Qasas
- Surah Al-Shura
A combination of 4 letters occurs in the following Surahs;
- Surah Anfal; Alif Laam Meem Ra
- Surah Aaraf; Alif Laam Meem Sad
A combination of 5 letters occurs in the following Surahs;
- Surah Al-Shura; Ha Meem Ayn Seen Qaf (starting)
- Surah Maryam; Kaf Ha Ya Ayn Sad (starting)
What is the significance of Loh e-Qurani in the Holy Quran?:
Many Muslim Scholars have explained these abbreviations. The below-given explanation is 100 percent authentic and it is also supported by a number of renowned Muslim Scholars. These include Ibne-Taiymiyah, Tafsir of Ibn-Kathir, and Zamakshari:
The one explaining the meaning of Loh e-Qurani has claimed that as the human body is composed of different elements and you can find those natural elements in the human body, everything needs elements to be composed.
The same is the case with the Holy Quran. These letters are the elements of the Quran. The Quran has addressed those non-believers who rejected the Divinity of the Holy Quran. It is to tell them that the Quran is composed of their own language.
However, Allah has also challenged the Arabs in the Quran that if they think too highly of themselves, then they must compose a Surah like the Surahs of the Quran to show their artistry;
“And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Surah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah if your doubts are true. But if ye cannot – and of a surety ye cannot – then fear the fire whose fuel is men and stones – which is prepared for those who reject faith.”
The Arabs were known for their poetry and their writing. That is why Allah revealed the elements of the Quran to them so that they can accept His challenge.
This was to show them that they can’t create a human body, even though they are aware of its elements. Similarly, they cannot create the Quran or not even a single Surah even though they know its elements.
So, it is believed that it is revealed as a challenge for the non-believers and as an enlightenment for the ones who seek guidance.
How does Loh-e-Qurani art inspire spirituality globally?
They help you achieve spiritual guidance and remind you of Allah every time you see them. Hanging calligraphy at home also enables you to read it every time you see it to seek countless blessings.
Loh-e-Qurani calligraphy art is very famous in Europe and the USA as well as in Pakistan. Some of the sample calligraphy are shown here,
What is the trend of buying Loh-e-Qurani paintings in Europe?
In Europe and USA, people buy Loh e-Quran Paintings at very reasonable prices and just hang these paintings on the wall.
These paintings help seek the blessing of Allah Almighty every time you watch them. You can also buy these handmade oil paintings online from eBay or Amazon.
Final Verdict:
Loh e Qurani is from the divine and has its own significance in Islam. No one is actually aware of the meaning of these words. It is only known that these are the elements of the Holy Quran, one can conclude that these are highly beneficial.
It is said that only Allah and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are aware of the meanings and purpose of these words of Loh e Qurani.
