Human beings are social beings and interact through the process of exchanging information. The most common mode of this human communication includes verbal (audio) communication and scripted (written) communication.

The Final Divine Communication to humanity (al-Qur’an) was conveyed orally and documented in memory and preserved in script; thus incorporating both of the most common elements of human communication. The opening injunction of the final revelation was “Read!” and the entire revelation that followed is considered “al-Qur’an” or the Reading.  Reading, thus, takes on a degree of sanctity in Islam as it is associated with engaging the Divine Writ.

Reading as an essential tool of communication that facilitates interaction with others but also allows us to engage with the thoughts, perspectives, insights and reasoning of others. This broadens our understanding of the world and the way it is perceived. Without reading, the highway of understanding is constricted to a narrow alley and our perspective on reality may become extremely limited. Reading thus broadens our scope of understanding, widens our horizon and elevates our level of awareness. Reading allows us to connect what we know and synthesize it with the information we obtain to attain a higher level of knowledge and a better appreciation of the world we live in. Reading is empowering.

Sadullah Khan, originally from South Africa, was a student leader active in the anti-apartheid struggle. Sheikh Khan has been a public speaker since the age of 12, a public reciter of Quran since age 6, a chanter of melodious odes in praise of the Prophet since 8, and an experienced teacher at colleges and universities in South Africa and the USA; Khan completed studies in Law at University of Durban, South Africa, Journalism (UK) and Islamic Studies at Al – Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt[citation needed].

Khan co-founded the Islamic College of Southern Africa (now International Peace University of South Africa) where he also headed the Quranic Sciences Department from 1990-98. He formerly wrote the column Ask the Imam for Beliefnet.com,[1] and lectured on Islamic Civilization at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where he also presented a thirteen-week 3-hour weekly live TV program from CSUDH on Islamic Civilization & Culture. As a motivational speaker he addresses issues of theology, spirituality, empowerment and youth development. He is the author of the book Dimensions of the Qur’an. Sadullah Khan has served in several roles:

• Director of Muslim Affairs at the University of Southern California
• Lecturer on Islam for the Academy of Judaic, Christian and Islamic Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles
• Advisor for the development of the post-graduate Islamic Studies program at Claremont Graduate University
• Advisor to the Chancellor’s Committee on Religion Ethics and Values at UCLA
• Presenter of weekly Wise Living TV show titled “From the Streets of LA to the Hearts of the World”