Although both the words study and read are familiar terms in the learning process; but the question of whether study is different from reading or not?, addressing its answer makes sense; of course, it should be noted that the type of answer to this question is in keeping with the views raised in the field of Persian-Dari language.
In other words, when we say whether study is different from reading or not, we mean examining it in the use of Persian-Dari language, because; the type of difference between reading (recitation) and studying in the use of Arabic language is different from Persian-Dari language. Apparently, the meaning of reading in Arabic language is the same as the meaning of the word study in Persian-Dari language, and the meaning of study in Arabic language usage is also different from the use of the word study in Persian-Dari language in some ways.
According to one point of view, [1] the word study and reading have differences in terms of root, semantic load, or result. The most prominent of them are mentioned below:
A: Reading «قرائت» means looking at a written text and pronouncing it without thinking deeply about its subject, but studying from the root «طلع» means becoming clear and revealing, and this is not possible except with deep understanding.
B: Thinking and careful observation are not a requirement in reading, but studying has been defined as looking at everything with thought and reflection.
C: While reading, a person is not necessarily looking for answers to questions, but when studying, he is looking for answers to his own questions, and has a goal for studying.
D: By reading, thinking does not take flight and criticism does not open up; but in studying, since it is thinking, the view is critical and this brings about growth.
E: By reading, we review the text superficially and briefly and without evaluation, but in studying, we follow a topic with focus and purpose.
F: Reading means observing the text and seeing it to obtain information through the text, but studying has a broader meaning, which may be observing and seeing the text can be one of the means of obtaining information through reading.
G: Reading is more about going through the text; but studying is engaging with the text.
H: Reading is reviewing the text for the purpose of enjoyment, without memorization, but in studying the material is deposited in memory and will be recalled again for practical use.
I: In reading, we think more about finishing the text, but in studying, we think more about engaging with the text to find the answer to our question.
J: studying leads to the development of critical thinking and the birth of knowledge, but reading without reflection, thinking and criticism leads to the loss of knowledge.
K: Reading is broader in terms of the breadth of meaning, because studying is called a special type of reading.
Although the boundary between these two words is very tiny; Because with a little thought and contemplation while reading, one can step into the field of study and move forward. However, despite this, today one of the factors behind the backwardness of the Islamic society in the field of study is the lack of a proper understanding of this important word. Indeed, with a wrong understanding of study and staying in the line of reading, how can we expect to produce knowledge.
If we were to illustrate the difference between studying and reading in an example; let us visualize the four heights mentioned in the following text in our minds:
“The earth as seen by an airplane from a very high altitude is not the same as the earth as seen by a helicopter from a low altitude, and both images are different from what comes to the eye of a passerby on foot. In addition to these three images, the one who digs under the surface of the soil sees and experiences a completely different world.” [2]
Therefore, a society that wants progress and advancement must direct the direction of reading towards studying; Because, the stagnation of reading in the absence of study will bring nothing but repetitive patterns, and people will continue to experience staying in the text for years by just reading.
Level of Study
Study is one of the greatest blessings of Allah in the universe that introduces us to the thoughts, beliefs, customs and traditions of different people in the world. Study is our way of communicating with successful and great people in the world. Therefore, thinkers have always tried to make people get the most out of studying in the least amount of time. For this reason, they have acknowledged that the most important and prominent factor for the effectiveness of study is its correctness.
Researchers in the field of learning believe that in order to study properly, we must have “seven” characteristics. [3] The following is a detailed explanation of each of these characteristics:
1.3. Recognition
This characteristic is one of the most basic stages of the level of study, meaning that we must be literate and be able to read a text. In fact, we must already be aware of the symbols and signs of the alphabet. This level is the easiest and at the same time the most basic level of study. For example, someone who is not familiar with the Chinese alphabet cannot understand and recognize the meaning of any word or sentence in that language because he is not literate in reading Chinese.
2.3. Absorption
This level of study is a physical process; That is, light shines from a source to the book and from the page to our eyes and the eye gives commands to the brain through the optic nerve, as a result of which we can see the page of the book, anyone who can see can pass this level well. In other words; anyone who is literate and can see has passed two of the seven levels of study.
3.3. Comprehension
At this stage, information is formed with a coordination between our mind and our eyes and the information we are reading is processed as a picture for us and we can have a real image from the information entered. In other words, we somehow establish a connection between what we read and what we know, that is, the connection of this writing with our other information.
To understand this feature further, read this sentence: “The standard of study in the Islamic world is very low.” In this example, you involuntarily imagined the words “Islamic world” and “being low” in your mind based on previous information, and this allowed you to understand this sentence. Now read this sentence: “To be offended is to be a thief.” You will see that this sentence is also written in Dari, but you could not understand it because you could not relate it to your previous knowledge and reconstruct it in a visual form in your mind.
4.3. Knowledge
After studying the new material and making a connection between it and your previous information and integrating them together, we will comment on it. In the previous level, we understood what we had read, in this level we will understand what we have understood. For example, after reading this text: “The reading literacy rate in the Islamic world is very low,” you either confirm, reject, or criticize, and analyze it. What you gain from this after rejection, criticism, confirmation, analysis, etc., is called knowledge. It is at this level that the precise concept of study (thinking and pondering) manifests itself; because without thinking and contemplation, it is impossible to confirm, doubt, criticize, and analyze the material.
However, it cannot be called study in the true sense if our study is only limited to reading and understanding the material but we do not confirm, reject, criticize, experience, and analyze it,.
5.3. Recording and memorization
We initially classify and store the information we have obtained in our minds. This stage is actually the boundary between the previous and subsequent levels. That is, if we cannot record and store what we have studied, we cannot move on to the next stages of study. Therefore, this level is of particular importance.
6.3. Information retrieval
This level of study is the level that we use for taking tests. At this level, we must be able to remember and access the materials we have studied. In fact, this stage is the stage where the difference between successful and unsuccessful students is determined.
Therefore, memorizing the material alone is not enough, the ability to find the information stored in the brain when needed is the most essential part after recording and memorizing it.
7.3. Application
The last level of study is to apply it. If we have studied and used it, it means that we have passed all the stages of study. Applying the study is the most important part of study, it is precisely this level of study that leads to the birth of knowledge and brings growth and progress.
Allah Almighty says at the beginning of Surah Al-Alaq: «إقرأ» “Read” and at the end of this Surah He says: «واسجد واقترب» “And prostrate and draw near.” Considering the beginning and end of this Surah, we correctly understand that the study and reading of the Quran is practical study. that is, it is of little value if we study but do not use it in any way and it does not improve our life in this world and the hereafter.
The use of study has various forms, sometimes it appears in the form of behavioral change, sometimes in thinking, sometimes moral or scientific, and in some cases the application of study appears in the form of art. In general, the application of study is the cornerstone of the foundations of the birth of knowledge and the growth of a beneficial revolution for every society. Because, a society that makes the results of its study practical has certainly moved towards progress and excellence.
Now, if people in a society are constantly reading and studying but have no use for it, in fact, they have either misunderstood the concept of studying or have failed to pass the levels of studying. Yes, the losers in the field of studying are the same people who follow the formability, who by consuming the knowledge of others, have always closed the window of their intellect to change and will always resort from others.
