A couple of my closest friends know that in texts (and sometimes in person) I use Qur’anic verses as either code or abbreviations to quickly convey an expression or message. 33:33 “stay dignified in your homes” when I want someone to mind their own business. 12:31 “this is not a man; this is none but a noble angel!” when an individual is astoundingly attractive. 2:256 “no doubt the virtuous path has become clearly distinct from the erring” when a situation reveals itself unexpectedly. Etc.

It feels like an intimate sort of thing to do, and I always experience a warm rush when I cite the Qur’an this way as interwoven into and inseparable from my life. I am disclosing this formerly secretive activity to you, dear reader, upon inquiries as how to I read the Qur’an so differently. It is imbued into my personhood. (My heart.) I suppose these are “exercises” but I’ve never thought of them that way as much as they are intrinsic to my soul.

Once, a man (one befitting of 12:31) answered when I asked how he makes the decisions he does, “With my heart.” That is the only answer I have to any exegetical readings.

In other news, I recently created a Patreon account. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me and expressed an interest in funding for access to my work. I will be posting about it occasionally.