By Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim
Language is a powerful tool. It shapes how we think, communicate, and understand our beliefs. In the Islamic faith, words carry immense weight, for they are tied to sacred meanings and spiritual truths. This is why using the term “Qur’anic festival” to describe any event associated with the Qur’an is both misplaced and misleading. While the word “festival” may seem innocuous, its implications are incompatible with the spiritual essence of the Qur’an and the traditions it upholds.
A festival is often marked by joy, festivities, and entertainment. While it can sometimes carry religious undertones, its modern usage is predominantly cultural or secular. On the other hand, the Qur’an is a divine revelation—a book of guidance, wisdom, and moral discipline. It is meant to elevate the soul, inspire reflection, and connect individuals to their Creator. Associating the Qur’an with a “festival” risks reducing its sacredness to something casual, even trivial.
Consider the Islamic celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These are joyous occasions deeply rooted in worship, gratitude, and submission to Allah. Their joy is spiritual and reflective, not superficial. To call these occasions “festivals” would diminish their profound meanings. Similarly, attaching the word “festival” to the Qur’an creates a disconnect between its sacred purpose and the secular image that the term often evokes.
Moreover, using the term “Qur’anic festival” opens the door to misinterpretation. To the uninformed, it might conjure images of parades, loud music, or revelry—activities that Islam often cautions against when taken to excess. For instance, a Qur’anic recitation event might aim to deepen one’s connection to Allah, but labelling it a “festival” could unintentionally attract a crowd expecting entertainment rather than spiritual enlightenment. Precision in language is vital in Islamic traditions, and terms like “gathering” or “symposium” better preserve the solemnity of such occasions.
The Qur’an is not just a book; it is Allah’s final message to humanity, and its recitation, study, and understanding are acts of worship. To frame these sacred practices as part of a “festival” undermines the dignity of the Qur’an and the reverence Muslims owe to it. Imagine referring to a gathering for tahajjud (night prayers) or a Qur’anic competition as a “festival.” Such terminology strips the event of its spiritual depth and misrepresents its purpose.
It is also important to, with all sense of humility, caution scholars and traditional leaders against carelessly inventing new terms or traditions on a whim. If some have historically criticised the celebration of Maulud (the Prophet’s birthday) as an innovation, why then should the term “Qur’anic festival” be any less scrutinised? This is not to argue the correctness or incorrectness of the concept of Maulud, Qur’anic events or similar practices but to highlight the inconsistency in applying principles of linguistic and theological precision. The issue is, first and foremost, with the choice of the word “festival” attached to the Qur’an.
The Qur’an deserves words that uplift its message, preserve its sanctity, and reflect its divine status. It is a guidance for humanity, a light for those in darkness, and a connection to Allah that transcends worldly pleasures. Let us honour its dignity by rejecting terms that fail to encapsulate its sacred purpose.
Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim (AbuMuhd) can be reached via matazu247@gmail.com.