Virtues of the Holy Quran
Virtues of the Holy Qura Prepared by Abdul Hadi Hakimi
Introduction
All the praises and thanks be to Allah Alone. Prayers and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet, Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.
Preoccupation with the Quran is one of the most virtuous acts of worship, whether by reciting it, pondering on its meanings, or working according to its teachings. The companions, may Allah be pleased with them, have received this Noble Quran, realizing the honor which Allah, Glorified and Exalted, has bestowed upon them. Therefore, they embarked upon it, reciting it for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day. People passed by them at night, while they were reciting the Quran, and their recitation seemed like the buzzing of bees. They made it the nourishment of their souls, the food of their hearts, and the apples of their eyes. Their souls got purified by it, and there secret selves got reformed. We ask Allah, Glorified and Exalted, to bestow His Generosity upon us and make us recite the Noble Quran. We ask Him that it will be our proof on the Day of Resurrection. Allah Almighty says, {Verily, those who recite the Book of Allâh (this Qur’ân), and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, they hope for a (sure) trade-gain that will never perish. (29) That He may pay them their wages in full, and give them (even) more, out of His Grace. Verily He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (good deeds and to recompense).} [Surat Fâtir 35:29-30]
{إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَتْلُونَ كِتَابَ اللَّـهِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَنفَقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً يَرْجُونَ تِجَارَةً لَّن تَبُورَ ﴿٢٩﴾ لِيُوَفِّيَهُمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدَهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِۚ إِنَّهُ غَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ} فاطر: 29-30
Transliteration: Inna allatheena yatloona kitaba Allahi waaqamoo alssalata waanfaqoo mimma razaqnahum sirran waAAalaniyatan yarjoona tijaratan lan taboora (29) Liyuwaffiyahum ojoorahum wayazeedahum min fadlihi innahu ghafoorun shakoorun
Allah Almighty says, {And We send down of the Qur’ân that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism and act on it), and it increases the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) nothing but loss.} [Surat Al-Isrâ’ 17:82]
{وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا} الإسراء: 82
Transliteration: Wanunazzilu mina alqurani ma huwa shifaon warahmatun lilmumineena walayazeedu alththalimeena illa khasaran
The Almighty also says, {verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest.} [Surat Ar-Ra’d 13:28]
{أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّـهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ} الرعد: 28
Transliteration: ala bithikri Allahi tatmainnu alquloobu
Allah Almighty says, {O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur’ân, enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences) which is in your breasts,} [Surat Yûnus 10:57]
{يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ} يونس: 57
Transliteration: Ya ayyuha alnnasu qad jaatkum mawAAithatun min rabbikum washifaon lima fee alssudoori wahudan warahmatun lilmumineena
The Noble Quran (it elevates ranks in Paradise)
The meanings of the words
The Quran holder: he is the one who carries it, preserves it, and who is keen in reciting it. He is the one who acts according to its rules and manners.
Elevate: it means elevate in Paradise according to the sum you memorized from the Quran.
The jurisprudence of the Hadith
- It urges the memorization of the Book of Allah and pondering on it.
- The ranks of the believers in Paradise are according to their deeds and diligence in this worldly life.
The Noble Quran (it includes the sublimity and ranks in this worldly life and the Hereafter)
‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “By this book (the Qur’an), Allah would exalt (to a high status) some peoples and degrade others.” [Reported by Muslim 817]
«إنَّ الله يرفع بهذا الكتاب أقوامًا ويضع به آخرين» رواه مسلم
The jurisprudence of the Hadith
- Knowledge elevates the rank of its holder in this worldly life and the Hereafter.
- Knowledge elevates the rank of the owned slave until it puts him in the courts of kings.
The Noble Quran (one is among the close People of Allah through it)
The jurisprudence of the Hadith
- inciting the recitation of the Quran, increasing reading it, and not to be occupied by other than it.
- Allah, Glorified and Exalted, makes the Quran intercede for its holders, those who used to read it in this worldly life and act according to its teachings.
The Noble Quran (it intercedes on the Day of Judgment)
Abu Umamah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, saying, ‘Recite the Quran, for it comes on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor to its holder.’“ [Reported by Muslim 804]
«اقرؤوا القرآن، فإنَّه يأتي يوم القيامة شفيعًا لأصحابه» رواه مسلم
The jurisprudence of the Hadith
- It urges on increasing the good deeds and reciting the Quran.
The Noble Quran (it includes the profitable trade with Allah, Glorified and Exalted, and the multiplication of the reward)
The Noble Quran (the teacher and learner are among the best of people)
‘Uthman ibn ‘Affân, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “The best among you is the one who learns the Quran and then teaches it.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari 5027]
«خيركم من تعلَّم القرآن وعلَّمه» رواه البخاري
The jurisprudence of the Hadith
- It incites studying the Quran, teaching it, and pondering on it. Moreover, it urges on knowing its rulings, decrees, and the laws of the previous nations, and what Allah has ordained and prohibited as this leads to success in this worldly life and the Hereafter.
The Noble Quran (through it you will be with the angels: the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven)
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with him her, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “Whoever recites the Quran and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). Moreover, whoever recites the Quran and stutters with it, and it is difficult for him, will have a double reward.” [Reported by Muslim 798]
«الماهر بالقرآن مع السفرة الكرام البررة، والذي يقرأ القرآن ويتتعتع فيه، وهو عليه شاق، له أجران» رواه مسلم
The meanings of the words
Master it: it means he excels in uttering its words perfectly in a way that he does not confuse letters.
The scribes: the messenger angels to the Messengers of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon them all
The righteous: the obeying
Stutter: recites the Quran more than once because of the difficulty in reading and memorizing it.
The jurisprudence of the Hadith
- The rank of the one who is keen in keeping on reciting the Quran is greater than the rank of the one who does not keep on reading it.
- The one who stutters on reading the Quran will be rewarded twice; one for reading it, and one for the difficulty in stuttering in reading it.
Some of the sayings of the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, about the Noble Quran and its reciter
1- Ibn Mas’ûd, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “The reciter of the Quran should be known by his night (as he is awake) while people are asleep. He is to be known by his day (as he is fasting) while people are eating. He is to be known by his crying (out of fear from Allah) while people are laughing, by his piety while people are only sincere. He is known by his silence while people are talking idly, by his submission while people are conceited, and by his sadness while people are rejoicing.”
2- ‘Uthman ibn Affan and Hudhaifa ibn Al-Yaman, may Allah be pleased with them, said, “When the hearts are purified, they will not be satiated from reciting the Quran.”
3- Abdullah ibn Mas’ûd, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “If you seek knowledge, turn the Quran into prose, as it includes the knowledge of those of old and those of later times.”
The etiquette of reciting the Quran
Firstly, the reciter of the Quran should have a pure intention, for the sake of Allah Almighty. He should be away from hypocrisy and showing off, as Allah Almighty says, {Say (O Muhammad): “Verily I am commanded to worship Allâh (Alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only.} [Surat Az-Zumar 39:11]
{قُلْ إِنِّي أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ اللَّـهَ مُخْلِصًا لَّهُ الدِّينَ} الزمر: 11
Transliteration: Qul innee omirtu an aAAbuda Allaha mukhlisan lahu alddeena
Secondly, reciting the Quran is one of the best acts of worship. Therefore, one should make his heart present with his mind when reading the Quran to increase his pondering (over the verses). Allah Almighty says, {(This is) a Book (the Qur’ân) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.} [Surat Sâd 38:29]
{كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ} ص: 29
Transliteration: Kitabun anzalnahu ilayka mubarakun liyaddabbaroo ayatihi waliyatathakkara oloo alalbabi
Thirdly, when starting reciting, one should seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan, Allah Almighty says, {So when you want to recite the Qur’ân, seek refuge with Allâh from Shaitân (Satan), the outcast (the cursed one).} [Surat An-Nahl 16:98]
{فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْآنَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّـهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ} النحل: 98
Transliteration: Faitha qarata alqurana faistaAAithbiAllahi mina alshshaytani alrrajeemi
Seek refuge means that one should turn to Allah and ask His Help to be protected from the slips and whispers of Satan.
The one who recites the Quran is conversing with Allah Almighty; therefore, he should abide by some matters. Among which are:
1- To sit in a purified place
2- To face the Qibla (the direction of the Ka’ba in Mecca) as possible as he can
3- To sit in submission and reverence; because he is conversing with Allah Almighty
4- He should not read while battling sleep in order not to commit mistakes in recitation
5- To cleanse the mouth with siwak (the Araak toothbrush)
6- To be keen on wearing a clean garment and to put on perfume
7- When passing by the verses of mercy, he asks Allah from His Graces; and when passing by the verses of torment, he seeks refuge with Allah from torture
8- Not to raise the voice if there is someone near reciting the Quran, both are conversing with their Lord, and in order not to confuse him during the recitation
9- To adorn the Quran by his voice, and try to better his voice with no exaggeration
10- There is nothing wrong that the reciter answers back the salutation, if someone salutes him, and then returns to reading the Quran
11- If one is in the mosque and the adhan (call for prayer) takes place, he should cut off the recitation and follow the caller. After the adhan ends, he resumes the recitation.
Here are some images of abandoning the Quran, which include abandoning its recitation:
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has complained to Allah, Glorified and Exalted, against those who abandon the Quran and turn away from it. Allah Almighty says, {And the Messenger (Muhammad) will say: “O my Lord! Verily, my people deserted this Qur’ân (neither listened to it, nor acted on its laws and orders).} [Surat Al-Furqân 25:30]
{وَقَالَ الرَّسُولُ يَا رَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِي اتَّخَذُوا هَـٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ مَهْجُورًا} الفرقان: 30
Transliteration: Waqala alrrasoolu ya rabbi inna qawmee ittakhathoo hatha alqurana mahjooran
Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “There are different kinds of abandoning the Quran:
- To abandon hearing it, believing in it, and listening to it,
- To abandon working according to it (its rules, laws, teachings…), knowing its permissible and forbidden; even if one reads and believes in it,
- To abandon making it the judge in the basics and branches of religion,
- To abandon pondering over and understanding it, and not knowing what it verses mean,
- To abandon healing the diseases of the hearts by it, all the previous is included in the words of Allah Almighty in the aforementioned verse.”
Note:
There is another kind of abandoning, which has prevailed in our times. It is putting a copy of the Quran in a certain place, to be blessed by merely its presence. It is to be put on a shelf in the house, at the back or front of the car, until it is covered with dust, which is a testimony that it is abandoned. This shows the misbehavior to the Book of Allah.
Finally, we ask Allah to make the Noble Quran a proof for us, not against us. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Prayers and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Reciting the Holy Quran brings inifinte numbers of benefits in this life and in the hereafterlife. It is the way to paradise, the way of building a sound psychological characters, among the many benefits of the Holy Quran are:
The Best Muslim
The best of you is he who learns the Qur'an and teaches it."
[al-Bukhari]
So easy but the reward is heavy
"Will not any of you go to the masjid and learn or read two verses from the Book of Allah `azza wa jall? (For) that is better for him than two she-camels, and three (verses) are better for him than three (she-camels), and four (verses) are better for him than four (she-camels). And the number (of verses read in total) are better than the same number of camels." [Muslim]
Vying in rciting Quran
"There is no envy (acceptable) except in two (cases): a person whom Allah has given the Qur'an and recites it throughout the night and throughout the day. And a person whom Allah has given wealth, that he gives out throughout the night and throghout the day."
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Reciting just one letter will be much rewarded
"Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter." [At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darimi]
Even Shuttering in recitation is rewarded
"He who is skillful in reciting the Qur'an is with the unveiled, honorable, and pious (i.e. Hur al `Ain). And he who stutters when reading the Qur'an, (and its recitation) is difficult upon him, will receive two rewards." [Al-Bukhari]
A heart without Quran is like devestated house
"Verily he who has nothing of the Qur'an in his heart, is like a house (which has been) destroyed." [At-Tirmidhi]
The Holy Quran is an intercessor
"Read the Qur'an. For verily it will come forth on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its readers." [Muslim] "The Qur'an is an intercessor (which by Allah's permission) intercedes, and an opponent (which is) truthful. He who appoints it as his leader, (then it) will lead him to Paradise. And he who puts it behind him, (then it) will lead him to the Fire."
[Ibn Hibban, Al-Bayhaqi, At-Tabarani, Sahih]
The Holy Quran and fasting Ramadn
"Fasting and the Qur'an will intercede for the slave on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say: 'O My Rabb! I prevented him from food and desires, so accept my intercession for him.' And the Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleep during the night, so accept my intercession for him.' He (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: 'And they will (be allowed to) intercede.'"
[Ahmad, at-Tabarani, Al-Hakim, Sahih]
The Holy Quran is the way to civilization
"Verily Allah raises nations by this book (the Qur'an) and puts down (i.e. destroys) others by it." [Muslim]
The Virtues of Reciting the Quran
1. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that when anyone of you wishes to converse with his Creator, he should recite the Quran. In other words, reciting the Quran is like conversing with Allah Ta'âlâ. The wealthiest people are those who carry the Quran. That is, those in whose hearts Allah Ta'âlâ has placed the Quran. This means that there is no one wealthier than the person who reads the Quran and thereafter practices upon it. Through the barakah of practising upon it, Allah Ta'âlâ grants the person internal wealth and external prosperity. Hasan Basri rahmatullâhi ealayh relates that there was a person who used to constantly come to eUmar radiyallâhu eanhu for his worldly needs. So eUmar radiyallâhu eanhu ordered this person to go and read the book of Allah (i.e. the Quran). This person went away and eUmar radiyallâhu eanhu did not see him again. Later, when he met him, eUmar radiyallâhu eanhu began complaining to him. (i.e. he complained to him saying: "I was searching for you, where did you disappear?" When a person frequently visits someone and then he suddenly stops visiting him, the latter becomes worried as to where he has disappeared or what is his condition) This person replied: "I have found in the book of Allah that which has made me self sufficient and independent of eUmar." In other words, I have found such a verse in the Quran through which my eyes have turned away from the creation and I have begun to place my complete trust in Allah Ta'âlâ. I used to come to you for my worldly needs, now what is the need for me to come. When mentioning the verse which he had found, the person was most probably referring to the following verse and other verses which contain a similar subject matter:
"Your sustenance is in the sky, and that which you have been promised (also comes from the sky)."
In other words, your sustenance and all your other needs have been provided for from Our court, so what is the need to turn to others?
2. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the most virtuous form of eibâdah is the recitation of the Quran. That is, after all the fard acts, the recitation of the Quran is the most virtuous of all the nafl acts.
3. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that you should honour those who have memorized the Quran. The person who honours them has in fact honoured Me. And it is obvious that it is wâjib to honour Him.
4. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the best among you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it.
5. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that on the day of judgement, the parents of the person who learns the Quran and practices on its injunctions shall be made to wear a crown, the light of which will be brighter than the sun which illuminates your homes in this world. In other words, the light of that crown will be brighter than the light of the sun through which it illuminates your homes in this world.
If the person's parents will be accorded such a high status, what do you think the status of that person will be who practices on the laws and injunctions of the Quran?
6. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the person who recites the Quran and thereafter thinks to himself that someone else has been granted a bounty greater than this bounty (the bounty of being able to recite the Quran), then without doubt he has despised something that Allah Ta'âlâ has elevated, and elevated something that Allah Ta'âlâ regards as despicable and insignificant. It is not befitting of a person who knows the Quran to speak in harsh terms with one who addresses him harshly and disrespectfully. Nor should he speak ignorantly with one who addresses him ignorantly. Instead, he should forgive him and overlook his faults out of honour and respect for the Quran.
In other words, it is necessary for the eulamâ and those learned in the Quran to regard the knowledge of the Quran as the greatest and the most virtuous. If they attach more importance to any worldly thing other than the knowledge of the Quran, then they have in fact despised something that Allah Ta'âlâ has elevated. And if you despise something that the ruler has elevated, it is regarded as a major crime. It is also necessary on those learned in the Quran to abstain from conversing with people in an ignorant and disrespectful manner because the honour and respect of the Quran demands this from them. If anyone behaves ignorantly with them, they should forgive him.
7. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam said: "The Quran is more beloved to Allah Ta'âlâ than the heavens, the earth and whatever is in between them." In other words, the status of the Quran is higher than the entire creation, and Allah Ta'âlâ loves the Quran the most.
8. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the person who teaches a single verse to anyone becomes his master. It is not befitting for the student to abstain from helping his master at the time of need. Nor should he give preference to anyone other than his teacher if the other person is not higher in status than his teacher. If the student commits any of these acts, he has in fact broken one of the circles of Islam. In other words, by his doing this, he has put into Islam a great evil and abstained from fulfilling a great order of the Sharîeah. The consequences of this is that there is a fear that he will be punished in this world and in the hereafter.
9. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam said: "The person who does not respect the elderly, does not show mercy to the young and does not fulfil the rights of the eâlim is not from my fummah."
The person who recites the Quran and teaches it is also included in this Hadîth. The meaning of this Hadîth is that the person who has any of these qualities is out of the jamâ'ah of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam and his fImân is very weak. It is therefore necessary to respect the old, be merciful towards the young, and to honour, respect and serve the eulamâ.
10. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the person who reads the Quran, understands its meanings and commentary, and yet does not practice on it, has made his abode in hell. In other words it is a major sin to read the Quran and not to practice on it. However, ignorant people should not rejoice under the assumption that they have not studied the Quran so if they do not practice on it there is no harm. This is because an ignorant person will receive a double punishment: one for not seeking knowledge, and the other for not practising.
11. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam was told: "A certain person recites the Quran the entire night but in the morning he goes around stealing." Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam replied: "Very soon, his recitation of the Quran will stop him from stealing." That is, through the barakah of this recitation, he will abandon this habit of stealing.
12. eAlî radiyallâhu eanhu narrates that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam said: "The person who reads the Quran, memorizes it, considers its halâl to be halâl and its harâm as harâm - Allah Ta'âlâ will enter him into jannah and accept his intercession on behalf of ten persons from his family who were originally condemned to hell and upon whom hell had become wâjib.
13. It is mentioned in a Hadith that the person who listens to a single letter of the Quran while he is in a state of wudû, 10 rewards will be written in his favour, 10 sins will be wiped out, and his status will be elevated by 10. The person who recites a single letter of the Quran while he is sitting down and offering his salât, 50 rewards will be written in his favour, 50 sins will be wiped out, and his status will be elevated by 50. The person who recites a single letter of the Quran while standing shall have 100 rewards written in his favour, 100 sins wiped out, and his status elevated by 100. Allah Ta'âlâ will write one dueâ in favour of the person who recites the Quran and completes it. This dueâ will be accepted immediately or after some time.
14. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the person who recites the Quran, praises Allah Ta'âlâ, sends salutations to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam and asks forgiveness from Allah Ta'âlâ has in fact asked for success from its appropriate place. In other words, he followed the appropriate method of making a dueâ whereby it is hoped that it would be readily accepted. In this context, praising Allah Ta'âlâ means that one should say "Alhamdulillâh" or words that have a similar meaning. To make dueâ in this way after having recited the Quran has a special effect in the acceptance of dueâs as is apparent from this Hadith.
15. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that you should teach Sûrah al-Wâqi'ah to your womenfolk because it is the sûrah of wealth. In other words, by reciting this sûrah, one becomes wealthy and all the necessary expenses can be paid easily. Apart from this, one is endowed with internal "wealth" as well. As mentioned in another Hadîth that the person who recites Sûrah al-Wâqi'ah every night will never experience any shortage in his sustenance. Since women are weak-hearted, they become extremely distressed at the slightest hardship. It is for this reason that they have been specifically mentioned. On the whole, this sûrah is beneficial to all those seeking wealth; whether they be male or female.
16. The best reciter of the Quran is that person whom when he is heard, you get the impression that he is fearing Allah Ta'âlâ. This means, that he reads with attention and concentration similar to that of a frightened person speaking in the presence of a king or ruler, ever on-guard that he does not say or do anything out of place.
The best way of reciting the Quran is for the person to make wudu, sit in the direction of the qiblah with humility, and begin his recitation thinking that he is conversing with Allah Ta'âlâ. If he understands the meaning of the words, he should ponder over the meanings. Wherever the words of mercy are mentioned, he should ask for Allah's mercy. Wherever His punishment is mentioned, he should ask for refuge in Allah from His punishment. On completing his recitation, he should praise Allah Ta'âlâ, send salutations to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam, ask for forgiveness, ask for any of his other needs, and then send salutations to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam at the end. While reciting the Quran, as far as is possible, do not allow other thoughts to enter the mind. If you happen to think of something, do not worry about it, it will disappear on its own. When reciting the Quran, try and wear clean clothes.
1. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that when anyone of you wishes to converse with his Creator, he should recite the Quran. In other words, reciting the Quran is like conversing with Allah Ta'âlâ. The wealthiest people are those who carry the Quran. That is, those in whose hearts Allah Ta'âlâ has placed the Quran. This means that there is no one wealthier than the person who reads the Quran and thereafter practices upon it. Through the barakah of practising upon it, Allah Ta'âlâ grants the person internal wealth and external prosperity. Hasan Basri rahmatullâhi ealayh relates that there was a person who used to constantly come to eUmar radiyallâhu eanhu for his worldly needs. So eUmar radiyallâhu eanhu ordered this person to go and read the book of Allah (i.e. the Quran). This person went away and eUmar radiyallâhu eanhu did not see him again. Later, when he met him, eUmar radiyallâhu eanhu began complaining to him. (i.e. he complained to him saying: "I was searching for you, where did you disappear?" When a person frequently visits someone and then he suddenly stops visiting him, the latter becomes worried as to where he has disappeared or what is his condition) This person replied: "I have found in the book of Allah that which has made me self sufficient and independent of eUmar." In other words, I have found such a verse in the Quran through which my eyes have turned away from the creation and I have begun to place my complete trust in Allah Ta'âlâ. I used to come to you for my worldly needs, now what is the need for me to come. When mentioning the verse which he had found, the person was most probably referring to the following verse and other verses which contain a similar subject matter:
"Your sustenance is in the sky, and that which you have been promised (also comes from the sky)."
In other words, your sustenance and all your other needs have been provided for from Our court, so what is the need to turn to others?
2. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the most virtuous form of eibâdah is the recitation of the Quran. That is, after all the fard acts, the recitation of the Quran is the most virtuous of all the nafl acts.
3. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that you should honour those who have memorized the Quran. The person who honours them has in fact honoured Me. And it is obvious that it is wâjib to honour Him.
4. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the best among you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it.
5. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that on the day of judgement, the parents of the person who learns the Quran and practices on its injunctions shall be made to wear a crown, the light of which will be brighter than the sun which illuminates your homes in this world. In other words, the light of that crown will be brighter than the light of the sun through which it illuminates your homes in this world.
If the person's parents will be accorded such a high status, what do you think the status of that person will be who practices on the laws and injunctions of the Quran?
6. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the person who recites the Quran and thereafter thinks to himself that someone else has been granted a bounty greater than this bounty (the bounty of being able to recite the Quran), then without doubt he has despised something that Allah Ta'âlâ has elevated, and elevated something that Allah Ta'âlâ regards as despicable and insignificant. It is not befitting of a person who knows the Quran to speak in harsh terms with one who addresses him harshly and disrespectfully. Nor should he speak ignorantly with one who addresses him ignorantly. Instead, he should forgive him and overlook his faults out of honour and respect for the Quran.
In other words, it is necessary for the eulamâ and those learned in the Quran to regard the knowledge of the Quran as the greatest and the most virtuous. If they attach more importance to any worldly thing other than the knowledge of the Quran, then they have in fact despised something that Allah Ta'âlâ has elevated. And if you despise something that the ruler has elevated, it is regarded as a major crime. It is also necessary on those learned in the Quran to abstain from conversing with people in an ignorant and disrespectful manner because the honour and respect of the Quran demands this from them. If anyone behaves ignorantly with them, they should forgive him.
7. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam said: "The Quran is more beloved to Allah Ta'âlâ than the heavens, the earth and whatever is in between them." In other words, the status of the Quran is higher than the entire creation, and Allah Ta'âlâ loves the Quran the most.
8. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the person who teaches a single verse to anyone becomes his master. It is not befitting for the student to abstain from helping his master at the time of need. Nor should he give preference to anyone other than his teacher if the other person is not higher in status than his teacher. If the student commits any of these acts, he has in fact broken one of the circles of Islam. In other words, by his doing this, he has put into Islam a great evil and abstained from fulfilling a great order of the Sharîeah. The consequences of this is that there is a fear that he will be punished in this world and in the hereafter.
9. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam said: "The person who does not respect the elderly, does not show mercy to the young and does not fulfil the rights of the eâlim is not from my fummah."
The person who recites the Quran and teaches it is also included in this Hadîth. The meaning of this Hadîth is that the person who has any of these qualities is out of the jamâ'ah of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam and his fImân is very weak. It is therefore necessary to respect the old, be merciful towards the young, and to honour, respect and serve the eulamâ.
10. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the person who reads the Quran, understands its meanings and commentary, and yet does not practice on it, has made his abode in hell. In other words it is a major sin to read the Quran and not to practice on it. However, ignorant people should not rejoice under the assumption that they have not studied the Quran so if they do not practice on it there is no harm. This is because an ignorant person will receive a double punishment: one for not seeking knowledge, and the other for not practising.
11. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam was told: "A certain person recites the Quran the entire night but in the morning he goes around stealing." Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam replied: "Very soon, his recitation of the Quran will stop him from stealing." That is, through the barakah of this recitation, he will abandon this habit of stealing.
12. eAlî radiyallâhu eanhu narrates that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam said: "The person who reads the Quran, memorizes it, considers its halâl to be halâl and its harâm as harâm - Allah Ta'âlâ will enter him into jannah and accept his intercession on behalf of ten persons from his family who were originally condemned to hell and upon whom hell had become wâjib.
13. It is mentioned in a Hadith that the person who listens to a single letter of the Quran while he is in a state of wudû, 10 rewards will be written in his favour, 10 sins will be wiped out, and his status will be elevated by 10. The person who recites a single letter of the Quran while he is sitting down and offering his salât, 50 rewards will be written in his favour, 50 sins will be wiped out, and his status will be elevated by 50. The person who recites a single letter of the Quran while standing shall have 100 rewards written in his favour, 100 sins wiped out, and his status elevated by 100. Allah Ta'âlâ will write one dueâ in favour of the person who recites the Quran and completes it. This dueâ will be accepted immediately or after some time.
14. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that the person who recites the Quran, praises Allah Ta'âlâ, sends salutations to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam and asks forgiveness from Allah Ta'âlâ has in fact asked for success from its appropriate place. In other words, he followed the appropriate method of making a dueâ whereby it is hoped that it would be readily accepted. In this context, praising Allah Ta'âlâ means that one should say "Alhamdulillâh" or words that have a similar meaning. To make dueâ in this way after having recited the Quran has a special effect in the acceptance of dueâs as is apparent from this Hadith.
15. It is mentioned in a Hadîth that you should teach Sûrah al-Wâqi'ah to your womenfolk because it is the sûrah of wealth. In other words, by reciting this sûrah, one becomes wealthy and all the necessary expenses can be paid easily. Apart from this, one is endowed with internal "wealth" as well. As mentioned in another Hadîth that the person who recites Sûrah al-Wâqi'ah every night will never experience any shortage in his sustenance. Since women are weak-hearted, they become extremely distressed at the slightest hardship. It is for this reason that they have been specifically mentioned. On the whole, this sûrah is beneficial to all those seeking wealth; whether they be male or female.
16. The best reciter of the Quran is that person whom when he is heard, you get the impression that he is fearing Allah Ta'âlâ. This means, that he reads with attention and concentration similar to that of a frightened person speaking in the presence of a king or ruler, ever on-guard that he does not say or do anything out of place.
The best way of reciting the Quran is for the person to make wudu, sit in the direction of the qiblah with humility, and begin his recitation thinking that he is conversing with Allah Ta'âlâ. If he understands the meaning of the words, he should ponder over the meanings. Wherever the words of mercy are mentioned, he should ask for Allah's mercy. Wherever His punishment is mentioned, he should ask for refuge in Allah from His punishment. On completing his recitation, he should praise Allah Ta'âlâ, send salutations to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam, ask for forgiveness, ask for any of his other needs, and then send salutations to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ealayhi wa sallam at the end. While reciting the Quran, as far as is possible, do not allow other thoughts to enter the mind. If you happen to think of something, do not worry about it, it will disappear on its own. When reciting the Quran, try and wear clean clothes.
Nine great benefits of reciting the Quran
Indeed to reflect on Allah’s verses is a form of worship that will draw one close to Allah Most High. This reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather it includes a study of the classical tafseer of the verses being pondered over, as this would fulfil Ibnul-Qayyim’s great advice, “Such as reflecting over a book which a person has memorised and he expounds it so that he may understand what its author intends by it.”Indeed the Book of Allah is not a book like any other, it is the timeless Speech of Allah, not a created thing, the study guide for life and death and what comes after. Therefore it deserves a more careful study than anyone else’s speech. It necessitates that its reader return to the early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its explanation by the one deputed by Allah to rehearse and explain His Words to humanity (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). For if one would try to ponder over the meanings of the verses without having done this study, then surely the filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the correct application and understanding that the early Muslims had would cause him to understand some things not intended by Allah Most High, and therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allah. So every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allah’s Love breciting and reflecting over Allah’s Book, then let him hold tight to the meanings explained by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), and those taught by the companions and their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islam.
So dear brother and sister Muslim! Know that reciting and pondering over the Book of Allah, devoting your time regularly to its study and implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the Next, so let us now look to just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to Allah’s Majestic Words. Each benefit stands as enough of an encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves to the Qur’an.
1 - Reading and reflecting over the Qur’an fulfils an Islamic duty.
Indeed the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) summarised this Religion with his statement: “The Religion is naseehah (sincerity)!” So then Tameem ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, then said, “We asked, ‘To whom?’” He said: “To Allah, HIS BOOK, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and their common folk.” [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allah includes its regular recitation, learning the rules of tajweed and reciting it beautifully, learning about its tafseer and the reasons for its revelation, affirming that it is the Truth, the perfect Speech of Allah and not part of the creation, honoring it and defending it, abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it, teaching it and calling to it. [See Jaami’ul-’Uloom wal-Hikam of Ibn Rajab Al-Hambalee] So by reading and reflecting over the Qur’an, one fulfills an obligation and is rewarded for that. Upon fulfilling this obligation, the Qur’an then becomes a proof for him on the Day of Judgment! And that is our second benefit we will take by embracing this Noble Book...
2 - The Qur’an will be a proof for us on the Day of Judgment.
This is due to the statement of the Messenger: “And the Qur’an is a proof for you or against you.” [Muslim] So one of two things will occur with this proof, the Book of Allah. It will either be in your favor, a proof for you on the Day when you will need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against you, the very Speech of your Creator, a proof against you! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allah’s own Speech is against him?!?! Think carefully, dear Muslim brother or sister, about your position with the Qur’an! Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, being heedless of its orders and prohibitions, are you thinking deeply over it?! Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgment.?! O Allah! We ask you, by Your Glorious Speech and the rest of your beautiful Names and Attributes, to make the Qur’an a proof for us! O Allah! Don’t make the Qur’an a proof against us on that Day, and save us from the hellfire! For if Allah makes the Qur’an a proof in our favour on that Day, then it would also be an intercessor for us, when NO intercession will take place except by His Permission.
3 - The Qur’an will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment.
The proof: Aboo Umaamah relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Read the Qur’an, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” [Muslim]
4 - Your status in this life will be raised.
In Saheeh Muslim, we find a lovely story, about how a man from the people of Jannah, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, understood this principle. Some men came to question him during his khilaafah about the leadership of Makkah, they asked, “Who do you use to govern Makkah?” He said, “Ibn Abzaa.” They asked, “And who is Ibn Abzaa?” Umar replied, “A freed slave from those we freed.” They remarked, “You left a freed slave in charge of the people of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)!?!?” So he answered them, “Verily he is a reader of the Book of Allah and is knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven’t you heard the statement of your Messenger: “Verily Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it.”
5 - You will be from the best of the people.
‘Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others” [Al-Bukhari]
6 - There are ten rewards for each letter you recite from the Qur’an.
As an authentic hadith in At-Tirmithee proves: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” So increase your recitation of the Qur’an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well.
7 - The reciters of the Qur’an will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels.
‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
So dear brother or sister Muslim, do not let the Shaytaan give you false excuses, such as “I am not an ‘Arab,” or “Its not my language.” This hadith is a firm proof against these whisperings. Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allah, whether you are an ‘Arab or not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared for you to embrace the Book of Allah without holding back or offering excuses! And surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Qur’an once you hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the Qur’an...
8 - Your position in Paradise is determined by the amount of Qur’an you memorize in this life!
‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-’Aas heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’an: Read and elevate (through the levels of the Paradise) and beautify your voice as you used to do when you were in the dunyaa! For verily, your position in the Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!” [Aboo Daawood and At-Tirmithee, saheeh]
9 - The Qur’an will lead you to Paradise!
The Prophet said: “The Qur’an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]
Know, dear brother or sister, that these nine benefits from the many benefits available can only be attained by a sincere commitment to the Book of Allah, not by a person’s mere statement, “I love the Qur’an, it’s beautiful.” Rather the heart must be sincerely attached to Allah’s Book and the limbs and tongue will follow in this attachment. You must know that we only mentioned a few of the numerous benefits of reading and reflecting over the Qur’an. There are many benefits that await your reading in the Qur’an and books of hadith, like the chapter of the Qur’an that will argue on your behalf in the grave, and that it is a physical healing, a source of rest and relaxation for your heart, among many other things. And Allah knows best. (Taken from Look 4 Islam)
Indeed to reflect on Allah’s verses is a form of worship that will draw one close to Allah Most High. This reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather it includes a study of the classical tafseer of the verses being pondered over, as this would fulfil Ibnul-Qayyim’s great advice, “Such as reflecting over a book which a person has memorised and he expounds it so that he may understand what its author intends by it.”Indeed the Book of Allah is not a book like any other, it is the timeless Speech of Allah, not a created thing, the study guide for life and death and what comes after. Therefore it deserves a more careful study than anyone else’s speech. It necessitates that its reader return to the early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its explanation by the one deputed by Allah to rehearse and explain His Words to humanity (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). For if one would try to ponder over the meanings of the verses without having done this study, then surely the filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the correct application and understanding that the early Muslims had would cause him to understand some things not intended by Allah Most High, and therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allah. So every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allah’s Love breciting and reflecting over Allah’s Book, then let him hold tight to the meanings explained by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), and those taught by the companions and their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islam.
So dear brother and sister Muslim! Know that reciting and pondering over the Book of Allah, devoting your time regularly to its study and implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the Next, so let us now look to just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to Allah’s Majestic Words. Each benefit stands as enough of an encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves to the Qur’an.
1 - Reading and reflecting over the Qur’an fulfils an Islamic duty.
Indeed the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) summarised this Religion with his statement: “The Religion is naseehah (sincerity)!” So then Tameem ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, then said, “We asked, ‘To whom?’” He said: “To Allah, HIS BOOK, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and their common folk.” [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allah includes its regular recitation, learning the rules of tajweed and reciting it beautifully, learning about its tafseer and the reasons for its revelation, affirming that it is the Truth, the perfect Speech of Allah and not part of the creation, honoring it and defending it, abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it, teaching it and calling to it. [See Jaami’ul-’Uloom wal-Hikam of Ibn Rajab Al-Hambalee] So by reading and reflecting over the Qur’an, one fulfills an obligation and is rewarded for that. Upon fulfilling this obligation, the Qur’an then becomes a proof for him on the Day of Judgment! And that is our second benefit we will take by embracing this Noble Book...
2 - The Qur’an will be a proof for us on the Day of Judgment.
This is due to the statement of the Messenger: “And the Qur’an is a proof for you or against you.” [Muslim] So one of two things will occur with this proof, the Book of Allah. It will either be in your favor, a proof for you on the Day when you will need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against you, the very Speech of your Creator, a proof against you! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allah’s own Speech is against him?!?! Think carefully, dear Muslim brother or sister, about your position with the Qur’an! Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, being heedless of its orders and prohibitions, are you thinking deeply over it?! Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgment.?! O Allah! We ask you, by Your Glorious Speech and the rest of your beautiful Names and Attributes, to make the Qur’an a proof for us! O Allah! Don’t make the Qur’an a proof against us on that Day, and save us from the hellfire! For if Allah makes the Qur’an a proof in our favour on that Day, then it would also be an intercessor for us, when NO intercession will take place except by His Permission.
3 - The Qur’an will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment.
The proof: Aboo Umaamah relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Read the Qur’an, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” [Muslim]
4 - Your status in this life will be raised.
In Saheeh Muslim, we find a lovely story, about how a man from the people of Jannah, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, understood this principle. Some men came to question him during his khilaafah about the leadership of Makkah, they asked, “Who do you use to govern Makkah?” He said, “Ibn Abzaa.” They asked, “And who is Ibn Abzaa?” Umar replied, “A freed slave from those we freed.” They remarked, “You left a freed slave in charge of the people of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)!?!?” So he answered them, “Verily he is a reader of the Book of Allah and is knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven’t you heard the statement of your Messenger: “Verily Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it.”
5 - You will be from the best of the people.
‘Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others” [Al-Bukhari]
6 - There are ten rewards for each letter you recite from the Qur’an.
As an authentic hadith in At-Tirmithee proves: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” So increase your recitation of the Qur’an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well.
7 - The reciters of the Qur’an will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels.
‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
So dear brother or sister Muslim, do not let the Shaytaan give you false excuses, such as “I am not an ‘Arab,” or “Its not my language.” This hadith is a firm proof against these whisperings. Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allah, whether you are an ‘Arab or not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared for you to embrace the Book of Allah without holding back or offering excuses! And surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Qur’an once you hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the Qur’an...
8 - Your position in Paradise is determined by the amount of Qur’an you memorize in this life!
‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-’Aas heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’an: Read and elevate (through the levels of the Paradise) and beautify your voice as you used to do when you were in the dunyaa! For verily, your position in the Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!” [Aboo Daawood and At-Tirmithee, saheeh]
9 - The Qur’an will lead you to Paradise!
The Prophet said: “The Qur’an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]
Know, dear brother or sister, that these nine benefits from the many benefits available can only be attained by a sincere commitment to the Book of Allah, not by a person’s mere statement, “I love the Qur’an, it’s beautiful.” Rather the heart must be sincerely attached to Allah’s Book and the limbs and tongue will follow in this attachment. You must know that we only mentioned a few of the numerous benefits of reading and reflecting over the Qur’an. There are many benefits that await your reading in the Qur’an and books of hadith, like the chapter of the Qur’an that will argue on your behalf in the grave, and that it is a physical healing, a source of rest and relaxation for your heart, among many other things. And Allah knows best. (Taken from Look 4 Islam)
