What does Iqra (اقرأ) mean?

The first word revealed in the Quran is sometimes translated as "read" or "recite". In the English language, these two words can hold a broad scope of meanings with slight variations such as:

Read: to understand the meaning of written symbols (not necessarily aloud)

Recite: to verbally repeat from memory (read aloud)

The word Iqra in the many verses seems to have a broad meaning which is (a command to the prophe ) to read and then proclaim it to the people by reciting it aloud. The word Iqra was also used metaprically in the sense of "accumulating something, distributing it, transferring it to other places". "For example, Qaraet'in-nâqatu was the name to the general incident of camels getting pregnant, carrying the baby in the womb,and giving birth to it. in addition, the same word is used for "bringing together letters, words, sentences or information and transmitting it to someone else". This is also why it is used in the sense of "reading or proclaiming". However, it would be doing injustice to the word "qarae" if we would have translated it only as "reading." The verbatim translation for "reading" is ""tilâvet" in Arabic. This could be roughly translated as 'reading a text that has already been written.'However, it is clear that the Qur'an does not contemplate a reading in this sense. "Iqra" means the prophet will accumulate something (knowledge) and then will distribute this knowledge. In other words, our Prophet will learn something from Allah (the God), and also has the responsibility to teach people what he learned, either verbally or in writing. That is the duty given to him by the giver. This can be seen in the following verses: Isrā / 14, 45, 93, 106; Nahl / 98; Current A'ruf / 204; İnşikak / 21; A'la / 6 and Müzzemmil / 20.

let us take current translation of verse Quran 96:1- Iqra biismi rabbika allathee khalaqa

Current Translation: Read/Recite in the name of your Lord who created

Translation with linguistic analysis: Proclaim! (Study, read and "bringing together letters, words, sentences or information and transmitting it to someone else") with the labels(symbols) as taught by your Lord and Cherisher, Who creates and shapes (person, place or things) with His divine wisdom.

Intelligent Humor: Allama Iqbal using Iqra in the same sense

Hairat Hay Taleem o Tarqi Main Hay Pichay

Jis Qoam Ka Agarz "Iqra" Say Hota Tha

“‘Iqra’ was the first word of the Divine Revelation. It is not just a command to read but a declaration of the Muslim’s duty to pursue knowledge and learning.” – Allama Iqbal.