It is recommended for every believing man and woman to recite the Book of Allah, the Noble Quran, often, with due contemplation and understanding. This may be done by using a copy of the Quran or from one's memory. Allah - the Most High – Says (what means): "[This is] a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded." [Quran 38:29]
Are you one of those people who rarely touch the Quran? Or do you read it daily, but don't find it is having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be, these are some simple tips that can help you connect with the Quran.
1. Before you touch it, check your heart
The key to really benefiting from the Quran is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allah's book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad was described by his noble wife, 'Aa'ishah as a "walking Quran": in other words, he didn't just read and recite the Quran, he lived it.
2. Before you touch it, do your Wudhoo' (ablution)
Doing your Wudhoo' is good physical and mental preparation to remind you that you are not reading just another book. You are about to interact with Allah, the Most Exalted, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him.
3. Start with reading only five minutes everyday
Too often, we think that we should read the Noble Quran for at least one whole hour. If you are not in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just five minutes daily. If you took care of step one, Insha Allah (Allah willing), you will notice that those five minutes will become ten, then half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even more!
4. Make sure that you understand what you have read
Five minutes of reading the Quran in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you are reading. If you are not Arabic, or you don't understand the Arabic language, then make sure you have a good translation of the Quran in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you have read that day.
Regarding those who neglect the Glorious Quran by not reading or not understanding it, Allah Almighty Says (what means):"And the Messenger has said, “O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Quran as [a thing] abandoned." [Quran: 25: 30]
Allah Almighty informs us about His Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad that he said: "My Lord my people have abandoned - acting or listening - to the Quran" and that is because the idol-worshippers did not pay attention nor listen to the Quran, as Allah Says (what means): "And those who disbelieve say, “Do not listen to this Quran and speak noisily during [the recitation of] it that perhaps you will overcome.” [Quran 41:26]
5. Remember that the Noble Quran is far more interactive than a CD
In an age of "interactive" CD-ROMs and computer programs, a number of people think books are passive and boring. But the Quran is not like that. Remember that when you read the Glorious Quran, you are interacting with Almighty Allah. He Almighty is talking to you, so pay attention.
6. Do not just read, you have to listen too
There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Quran, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your walkman or your car's CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Quran reading, not as a replacement for it.
7. Make Du'aa' (supplication).
Ask Allah, the Most Exalted, to guide you when you read the Quran. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Du'aa' to
Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this.
When you are making du’aa', you have a direct connection with Allah Almighty. So when you are saying your du’aa', you shouldn’t be distracted, but instead you should be fully concentrated. TheProphet said:
"Make Du’aa' and be assured of it being answered, and know that Allah, the Exalted, does not answer a Du’aa' from a careless heart which is not concentrating." [At-Tirmithi]
To reflect upon the verses of Allah is a form of worship; it is something 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 (exegesis) of the verses being pondered over. Allah, Most High, Says in the Quran (what means): “Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” [Quran: 4:82]
The Book of Allah is unlike any other; it is the timeless Speech of Allah, and not a created thing. It is the study guide for life, death, and what follows. Therefore, it deserves a far 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, Muhammad . 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, let every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allah’s Love by reciting and reflecting over Allah’s Book hold tight to the meanings explained by the Prophet and those taught by the Companions and their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islam.
Dear Muslim brother and sister! Know that reciting and pondering over the Book of Allah and devoting regular time to its study and implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the next. Let us now look at just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to the majestic Words of Allah. Each benefit stands as enough of an encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves wholly to the Quran.
Reading and Reflecting Over the Quran Fulfils an Islamic Duty
The Prophet summarised this religion with his statement: “The religion (of Islam) is naseehah (offering sincere advice)!” Tameem bin Aws said: “We asked, ‘To whom?’” He replied: “To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and to their subjects.” [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allah includes its regular recitation, learning the rules of Tajweed (the recitation of the Quran, according to specified rules) 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, honouring it and defending it, abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it, and teaching it and calling to it.
The Quran will be a Proof for or against Us on the Day of Judgement
This is due to the statement of the Messenger : “And the Quran 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 one's favour, a proof for us on the Day when we will desperately need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against us. The very Speech of our Creator as a proof against us! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allah’s own Speech is against Him?
Think carefully, dear Muslim brothers and sisters, about your position with the Quran. Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, and being heedless of its orders and prohibitions? Are you thinking deeply over it? Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgement?
The Quran will Intercede for Us on the Day of Judgement
Abu Umamah related that the Prophet said: “Read the Quran, for indeed it will come on the Day of Standing (Judgement) as an intercessor for its companions.” [Muslim]
The Quran Raises One's Status in this Life
In Saheeh Muslim, which is one of the two most authentic books of prophetic narrations, we find a wonderful story about how a man from the people of Paradise, ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab understood this principle. The story is that once, some men came to question him during his reign as caliph regarding the leadership of Makkah. The men 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 command of the People of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)?” He replied: “Indeed he is a reciter 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””?
The People of the Quran are from Best of People
‘Uthman said that the Prophet said: “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it to others.” [Al-Bukhari]
There are Ten Rewards for Every Letter Recited from the Quran
As a Hadeeth (prophetic statement) in At-Tirmithi proves: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that 'Alif, Lam, Meem' (a combination of letters frequently mentioned in the Holy Quran) is a letter, rather I am saying that ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Lam’ is a letter and ‘Meem’ is a letter.” [At-Tirmithi] So increase your recitation of the Quran to gain these merits, as well as the following ones.
The Reciters of the Quran Will Be in the Company of the Noble and Obedient Angels
‘Aa'ishah related that the Prophet said: “Indeed the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. 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 Shaytan (Satan) give you false excuses, such as ‘I am not an Arab.’ or ‘It is not in my language.’ This Hadeeth 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! Surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Quran once you hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the Quran.
One’s Position and Rank in Paradise is Determined by the Amount of Quran He Memorised in this Life
‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘Aas heard the Prophet saying: “It will be said to the companion of the Quran: 'Read and elevate (through the levels of Paradise) and beautify your voice as you did when you were in the worldly life! For verily, your position in Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!’” [Abu Dawood and At-Tirmithi]
The Quran Leads to Paradise
The Quran states (what means): "Indeed the Quran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward." [Quran: 17:9]
The Prophet said: “The Quran 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.” [At-Tabarani]
Know, dear brothers and sisters, that these nine benefits from the numerous benefits available can only be attained by a sincere commitment to the Book of Allah, and not simply by an empty claim of love for it. Rather, the heart must be sincerely attached to the Book of Allah and the limbs and tongue will follow suit in this attachment. One must know that we only mentioned a few of the numerous benefits of reading and reflecting over the Quran. There are many other benefits that await your reading of the Quran and books of Hadeeth, such as the chapter of the Quran that will plead 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.
