366 - AL-HIJR (Tashreehi Guftagu)
The concept of divine preservation, or *hifazat*, is central to the Islamic understanding of the Quran. Allah states He has revealed and safeguards the *dhikr* (remembrance, the Quran). Early opposition to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) included accusations of madness, stemming from a lack of comprehension of the revealed verses. This perceived madness, or *junun*, was initially viewed by some as a result of spiritual influence rather than deliberate rejection. The term *junun* originates from the Arabic root meaning 'hidden', referencing something concealed like a fetus in the womb or something covered. This parallels the idea of inherent faith within the human soul obscured by forgetfulness. The Quranic philosophy posits that these innate truths are merely veiled, and reminders – such as verses of the Quran – serve to rekindle this inner knowledge. Just as a forgotten friend is remembered upon encountering a familiar object, these verses act as signs (*ayat*) to awaken dormant truths within the human spirit. This principle is further emphasized in Surah Noun (also known as Surah Qalam), one of the earliest revelations, which reiterates the divine origin and protection of the Quran.
