❀ Reward for Qur’an Recitation and the Importance of Understanding Its Meaning ❀
Source:
This article is derived from the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, based on the Fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain. The translation was done by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
I regularly recite the Qur’an, but I do not understand its meanings. Will I still be rewarded for my recitation?
The Qur’an is a blessed Book. Allah ﷻ says:
كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
[Surah Ṣād 38:29]
"This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, so that they may ponder over its verses and that those of understanding may take heed."
Every person who recites the Qur’an is entitled to reward, whether or not they understand its meanings. However, it is not befitting for a believing person, who is accountable for acting upon the Qur’an, to remain unaware of its meanings.
Consider this: If someone wishes to study medicine and reads medical texts, they must understand the content in order to benefit and apply it practically. So then, what should be our attitude towards the Book of Allah, which is a healing for what lies within the hearts, and a reminder for mankind, if we simply read it without pondering or understanding its meanings?
The Companions رضي الله عنهم would not go beyond ten verses until they had understood and implemented them fully in their lives.
Thus, while a person will earn reward for reciting the Qur’an regardless of their understanding, they should still strive with all their ability to learn the meanings and teachings of the Qur’an. This includes:
✔ Studying with reliable scholars,
✔ Referring to trusted tafsīr works such as Tafsīr Ibn Jarīr and Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr,
✔ And making an effort to apply the knowledge in daily life.
[Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih al-‘Uthaymeen رحمه الله]
Source:
This article is derived from the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, based on the Fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain. The translation was done by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
❖ Question:
I regularly recite the Qur’an, but I do not understand its meanings. Will I still be rewarded for my recitation?
❖ Answer:
The Qur’an is a blessed Book. Allah ﷻ says:
كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
[Surah Ṣād 38:29]
"This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, so that they may ponder over its verses and that those of understanding may take heed."
Every person who recites the Qur’an is entitled to reward, whether or not they understand its meanings. However, it is not befitting for a believing person, who is accountable for acting upon the Qur’an, to remain unaware of its meanings.
Consider this: If someone wishes to study medicine and reads medical texts, they must understand the content in order to benefit and apply it practically. So then, what should be our attitude towards the Book of Allah, which is a healing for what lies within the hearts, and a reminder for mankind, if we simply read it without pondering or understanding its meanings?
The Companions رضي الله عنهم would not go beyond ten verses until they had understood and implemented them fully in their lives.
Thus, while a person will earn reward for reciting the Qur’an regardless of their understanding, they should still strive with all their ability to learn the meanings and teachings of the Qur’an. This includes:
✔ Studying with reliable scholars,
✔ Referring to trusted tafsīr works such as Tafsīr Ibn Jarīr and Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr,
✔ And making an effort to apply the knowledge in daily life.
[Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih al-‘Uthaymeen رحمه الله]
