Source: Khutbahs of Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq Zahid, compiled by: Tawheed.com
The Deep Connection Between Ramadan and the Holy Quran
Allah, the Exalted, revealed the most superior book among the heavenly scriptures, the Holy Quran, in the most superior month of the year, Ramadan. In fact, it was revealed in its entirety from the Preserved Tablet to the lowest heaven on the most superior night of this blessed month, Laylat al-Qadr, and was placed in Bayt al-Izzah.
Allah, the Exalted, states:
﴿ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Baqarah: 185)
Translation: "The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion."
And He said:
﴿ إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ ﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Qadr: 1)
Translation: "Indeed, We sent it down during the Night of Decree."
From these verses, it is evident that the connection between the Quran and Ramadan is very strong; therefore, one should recite the Holy Quran as much as possible during this blessed month.
The Special Attention of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to the Quran in Ramadan
The Prophet ﷺ used to pay special attention to the Quran during the month of Ramadan and would review the Quran with Angel Jibril (Gabriel) every night.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه narrates:
(كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ بِالْخَيْرِ وَكَانَ أَجْوَدُ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ حِينَ يَلْقَاهُ جِبْرِيلُ... يَعْرِضُ عَلَيْهِ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ... )
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1902)
Translation: “The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was the most generous during Ramadan when Jibril عليه السلام would meet him. Jibril عليه السلام would meet him every night of Ramadan until it was over, and the Prophet ﷺ would recite the Quran to him. When Jibril عليه السلام would meet him, the Prophet ﷺ would become more eager in doing good deeds than the swift wind.”
The Holy Quran is the Clear Word of Allah
It is sufficient to highlight the greatness of the Quran that it is the revealed word of Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿وَإِنَّهُۥ لَتَنزِيلُ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ﴿١٩٢﴾ نَزَلَ بِهِ ٱلرُّوحُ ٱلْأَمِينُ ﴿١٩٣﴾ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنذِرِينَ ﴿١٩٤﴾ بِلِسَانٍ عَرَبِىٍّ مُّبِينٍ ﴿١٩٥﴾ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَفِى زُبُرِ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ ﴿١٩٦﴾
Reference: (Surah Ash-Shu'ara: 192-196)
Translation: "Indeed, this (Quran) has been revealed by the Lord of the worlds. It was brought down by the Trustworthy Spirit to your heart so that you may be among the warners. It is in clear Arabic language, and its mention is also found in the earlier scriptures."
And He said:
﴿تَبَارَكَ ٱلَّذِى نَزَّلَ ٱلْفُرْقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِۦ لِيَكُونَ لِلْعَٰلَمِينَ نَذِيرًا ﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Furqan: 1)
Translation: "Blessed is He who has sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be a warner to the worlds."
And Allah the Exalted swears by the position of the stars:
﴿فَلَآ أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَٰقِعِ ٱلنُّجُومِ ﴿٧٥﴾ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَقَسَمٌ لَّوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٧٦﴾إِنَّهُۥ لَقُرْءَانٌ كَرِيمٌ ﴿٧٧﴾ فِى كِتَٰبٍ مَّكْنُونٍ ﴿٧٨﴾ لَّا يَمَسُّهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱلْمُطَهَّرُونَ ﴿٧٩﴾ تَنزِيلٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ﴿٨٠﴾
Translation: "So I swear by the position of the stars, and indeed, it is a great oath if you only knew. Indeed, this is a noble Quran, in a protected tablet; none touch it except the purified. It is a revelation from the Lord of the worlds."
The Quran is an Unmatched Book
The Quran is an unmatched book in terms of eloquence and rhetoric, such that Allah the Exalted declared that neither jinn nor mankind can produce anything like it.
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿قُل لَّئِنِ ٱجْتَمَعَتِ ٱلْإِنسُ وَٱلْجِنُّ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يَأْتُوا۟ بِمِثْلِ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانِ لَا يَأْتُونَ بِمِثْلِهِۦ وَلَوْ كَانَ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ ظَهِيرًا ﴿٨٨﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Isra:88)
Translation: “Say: If all mankind and jinn were to gather together to produce the like of this Quran, they would not be able to produce the like of it, even if they were to assist one another.”
The Quran Guides to the Straight Path
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿إِنَّ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ يَهْدِى لِلَّتِى هِىَ أَقْوَمُ وَيُبَشِّرُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا كَبِيرًا ﴿٩﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Isra:9)
Translation: “Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most just, and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.”
And He said:
﴿ قَدْ جَآءَكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَٰبٌ مُّبِينٌ ﴿١٥﴾ يَهْدِى بِهِ ٱللَّهُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضْوَٰنَهُۥ سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَٰمِ وَيُخْرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِۦ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ ﴿١٦﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Ma'idah:15-16)
Translation: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book. Allah guides thereby whoever follows His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darknesses into the light and guides them to a straight path.”
The Quran is Free from Falsehood and Above Doubt
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِٱلذِّكْرِ لَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ ۖ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَكِتَٰبٌ عَزِيزٌ ﴿٤١﴾ لَّا يَأْتِيهِ ٱلْبَٰطِلُ مِنۢ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِۦ ۖ تَنزِيلٌ مِّنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ ﴿٤٢﴾
Reference: (Surah Fussilat: 41-42)
Translation: “Those who disbelieved after the reminder (Quran) has come to them, indeed, it is a mighty Book. Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it. It is a revelation from the Wise, Worthy of Praise (Allah).”
And He said:
﴿ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Baqarah: 2)
Translation: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt.”
The Protection of the Quran is the Responsibility of Allah
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ ﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Hijr: 9)
Translation: “Indeed, We have sent down the reminder (Quran), and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
The Noble Prophet ﷺ, during the revelation, would move his tongue quickly to memorize it, and Allah the Exalted consoled him:
﴿لَا تُحَرِّكْ بِهِۦ لِسَانَكَ لِتَعْجَلَ بِهِۦٓ ﴿١٦﴾ إِنَّ عَلَيْنَا جَمْعَهُۥ وَقُرْءَانَهُۥ ﴿١٧﴾ فَإِذَا قَرَأْنَٰهُ فَٱتَّبِعْ قُرْءَانَهُۥ ﴿١٨﴾ ثُمَّ إِنَّ عَلَيْنَا بَيَانَهُۥ ﴿١٩﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Qiyamah: 16-19)
Translation: “And (O Muhammad ﷺ) do not hasten with it (the revelation) before its recitation is completed to you. Indeed, upon Us is its collection and recitation. So when We have recited it, then follow its recitation. And upon Us is its clarification.”
Then the Quran was preserved in the hearts of the Companions, written down through the scribes of revelation. During the time of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, Zaid ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه compiled various manuscripts, and Uthman رضي الله عنه gathered the Ummah onto one Mushaf and distributed its copies, and today there is one Quran preserved without any disagreement throughout the world.
There is Healing in the Holy Quran
The Holy Quran is not merely a book of recitation, but it is a healing for both hearts and bodies. It provides healing for the diseases of the heart such as disbelief, polytheism, hypocrisy, and moral ailments such as envy, malice, grudges, greed, and avarice, and by the command of Allah, it also provides healing for physical ailments.
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَآءٌ لِّمَا فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴾
Reference: (Surah Yunus:57)
Translation: “O mankind! There has come to you a counsel from your Lord, and a healing for what is in the breasts, and guidance and mercy for the believers.”
Similarly, He said:
﴿قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ هُدًى وَشِفَآءٌ﴾
Reference: (Surah Fussilat:44)
Translation: “Say: This (Quran) is a guidance and healing for those who believe.”
And He said:
﴿وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا ﴿٨٢﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Isra:82)
Translation: “And We send down in the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers, and it increases the wrongdoers in nothing but loss.”
The Sunnah of Reciting the Mu'awwidhat for Healing
Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates:
(أنَّ رَسولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ كانَ إذا اشْتَكَى يَقْرَأُ علَى نَفْسِهِ بالمُعَوِّذاتِ ويَنْفُثُ، فَلَمَّا اشْتَدَّ وجَعُهُ كُنْتُ أقْرَأُ عليه وأَمْسَحُ بيَدِهِ رَجاءَ بَرَكَتِها.)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5016)
Translation: “When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fell ill, he would recite the Mu'awwidhat over himself and blow. Then when his illness intensified, I would recite over him and wipe with his hand, hoping for the blessings of his hand.”
This hadith is a clear evidence for performing healing with the Mu'awwidhat.
Healing through Surah Al-Fatiha and Its Blessing
Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and performing healing on the patient is also established from the Sunnah and becomes a means of healing by the command of Allah تعالى.
Hazrat Abu Sa'id al-Khudri رضي الله عنه narrates that the Companions رضي الله عنهم came to a tribe, but they did not offer them hospitality. Then their chief was bitten by a scorpion, and when treatment was of no benefit, he came to the Companions. One Companion said: I can perform Ruqyah, but since you did not offer hospitality, I will not do it until you give me compensation. They promised some goats. Then that Companion recited Surah Al-Fatiha and lightly spat, and the chief was cured. The Companions then discussed the goats among themselves and went to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. He ﷺ said:
(قدْ أَصَبْتُمْ، اقْسِمُوا، وَاضْرِبُوا لي معكُمْ سَهْمًا.)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:2276)
Translation: “You have done well, now distribute the goats and keep my share as well.”
This Hadith is evidence that performing Ruqyah with Surah Al-Fatiha is permissible and is a means of healing.
Hazrat Abu Sa'id al-Mu'alla رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(أَلَا أُعَلِّمُكَ أَعْظَمَ سُورَةٍ فِي الْقُرْآنِ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَخْرُجَ مِنْ الْمَسْجِدِ)
Translation: “Shall I not teach you the greatest Surah of the Qur'an before you leave the mosque?”
Then he ﷺ said:
(الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ هِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ الَّذِي أُوتِيتُهُ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5006)
Translation: “It (the Surah) is ‘الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ’ which is Surah Al-Fatiha, and this is the ‘seven oft-repeated’ and this is the great Qur'an that has been given to me.”
Ten Good Deeds for Every Letter
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas'ud رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(منْ قرأَ حرفًا من كتابِ اللهِ فله به حسنةٌ، والحسنةُ بعشرِ أمثالِها لا أقولُ آلم حرفٌ، ولَكِن ألِفٌ حرفٌ، ولامٌ حرفٌ، وميمٌ حرفٌ)
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi:2910: Hasan Sahih Gharib: and authenticated by Al-Albani)
Translation: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will receive one good deed, and one good deed is equal to ten times. I do not say that ‘الم’ is one letter, rather Alif is one letter, Lam is one letter, and Meem is one letter.”
The Qur'an will Intercede for its Reciters
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(اقْرَؤُوا القُرْآنَ فإنَّه يَأْتي يَومَ القِيامَةِ شَفِيعًا لأَصْحابِهِ)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:804)
Translation: "Continue to read the Quran, for it will intercede for its companions (i.e., those who read and act upon it) on the Day of Resurrection."
Satan Flees from the Recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(لا تَجْعَلُوا بُيُوتَكُمْ مَقابِرَ، إنَّ الشَّيْطانَ يَنْفِرُ مِنَ البَيْتِ الذي تُقْرَأُ فيه سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ.)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:780)
Translation: "Do not make your homes like graveyards, for indeed, Satan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited."
The Best Among You is the One Who Learns and Teaches the Quran
Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه narrates that the Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
(خَيْرُكُمْ مَن تَعَلَّمَ القُرْآنَ وعَلَّمَهُ.)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5027)
Translation: "The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it to others."
Another narration:
(إنَّ أفْضَلَكُمْ مَن تَعَلَّمَ القُرْآنَ وعَلَّمَهُ.)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5028)
Translation: "Indeed, the most virtuous among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it to others."
And in the narration of Nafi' bin Abdul Harith, the incident of Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه is mentioned where he said:
(إنَّه قَارِئٌ لِكِتَابِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، وإنَّه عَالِمٌ بالفَرَائِضِ)
Translation: "He is a reciter of Allah's Book and also knowledgeable about the obligations (of inheritance)."
Then Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه narrated the saying of Rasulullah ﷺ:
(إنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْفَعُ بهذا الكِتَابِ أَقْوَامًا، وَيَضَعُ به آخَرِينَ.)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:817)
Translation: "Allah elevates some people through this Book and lowers others."
The People of the Quran are Allah's Special Servants
Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه reports that Rasulullah ﷺ said:
(إنَّ للهِ أهلين من النَّاسِ)
Translation: "Among the people, there are some who are Allah's special servants."
The companions asked: Who are they? The Prophet ﷺ replied:
(هم أهلُ القرآنِ , أهلُ اللهِ وخاصَّتُه)
Reference: (Sunan Ibn Majah:179)
Translation: "They are the people of the Quran; they are (close to) Allah and His special servants."
The Virtue of the One Who Memorizes the Quran
The Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
(يقالُ لصاحِبِ القرآنِ: اقرأ، وارتَقِ، ورتِّل كَما كُنتَ ترتِّلُ في الدُّنيا، فإنَّ منزلتَكَ عندَ آخرِ آيةٍ تقرأُ بِها)
Reference: (Sahih al-Tirmidhi:2914)
Translation: “The one who is a companion of the Qur'an (the memorizer and practitioner) will be told: Continue reading, (ascend the ranks of Paradise), and recite in a melodious tone as you used to in the world. Your position will be where you finish reading the last verse.”
And he said:
(الْماهِرُ بالقُرْآنِ مع السَّفَرَةِ الكِرامِ البَرَرَةِ، والذي يَقْرَأُ القُرْآنَ ويَتَتَعتَعُ فِيهِ، وهو عليه شاقٌّ، له أجْرانِ.)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:798)
Translation: “The expert in the Qur'an will be with the honorable and righteous angels, and the one who recites the Qur'an and struggles with it will receive two rewards.”
The Virtue of Reciting the Qur'an in Prayer
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(فَثَلاثُ آياتٍ يَقْرَأُ بهِنَّ أحَدُكُمْ في صَلاتِهِ، خَيْرٌ له مِن ثَلاثِ خَلِفاتٍ عِظامٍ سِمانٍ.)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:802)
Translation: “If any one of you recites three verses in his prayer, it is better for him than three fat pregnant she-camels.”
And it is narrated by Hazrat Aqbah bin Amir رضي الله عنه:
(أَفلا يَغْدُو أَحَدُكُمْ إلى المَسْجِدِ... آيَتَيْنِ ... خَيْرٌ له مِن نَاقَتَيْنِ... )
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:803)
Translation: “Is there anyone among you who goes to the mosque in the morning to learn or recite two verses? They are better than two camels; three are better than three, four are better than four, and then each verse is better than that many camels.”
Who are the Enviable?
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(لا حَسَدَ إلَّا في اثْنَتَيْنِ: رَجُلٌ آتاهُ اللَّهُ القُرْآنَ فَهو يَقُومُ به آناءَ اللَّيْلِ، وآناءَ النَّهارِ، ورَجُلٌ آتاهُ اللَّهُ مالًا، فَهو يُنْفِقُهُ آناءَ اللَّيْلِ، وآناءَ النَّهارِ.)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:815)
Translation: “Envy (is permissible) only for two men: one whom Allah has given the Quran and he stands with it day and night, and the other whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it day and night.”
The Descent of Mercy and Angels at the Time of Recitation
It is narrated by Hazrat Bara رضي الله عنه that a man was reciting Surah Al-Kahf, and a cloud overshadowed him, and the horse became restless; the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(تِلكَ السَّكِينَةُ تَنَزَّلَتْ لِلْقُرْآنِ.)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:795)
Translation: “This tranquility (mercy) descended because of the Quran.”
And in the incident of Hazrat Asid bin Hudhayr رضي الله عنه, the Prophet ﷺ said:
(تِلكَ المَلائِكَةُ دَنَتْ لِصَوْتِكَ، ولو قَرَأْتَ لَأَصْبَحَتْ يَنْظُرُ النَّاسُ إلَيْها، لا تَتَوارَى منهمْ.)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5018)
Translation: "These were angels who had come close to your voice; if you had continued reciting, the people in the morning would have seen them, and they would not have been able to hide from them."
➊ To Read with the Right of Recitation
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَتْلُونَهُۥ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِۦٓ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ ۗ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ ﴿١٢١﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Baqarah:121)
Translation: "Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recitation; it is they who truly believe in it, and whoever disbelieves in it is among the losers."
The right of recitation is that the Quran should be read as it was revealed, and as the Prophet ﷺ taught.
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿وَقُرْءَانًا فَرَقْنَٰهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ عَلَىٰ مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنَٰهُ تَنزِيلًا ﴿١٠٦﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Isra:106)
Translation: "And We have divided the Quran into parts, so that you may recite it to the people in slow, measured tones, and We have revealed it gradually."
And He said:
﴿وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا ﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Muzzammil:4)
Translation: "And recite the Quran in slow, measured tones."
Hazrat Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها narrates:
(كانَ رسولُ اللَّهِ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ يقطِّعُ قراءتَهُ...)
Reference: (Sahih al-Tirmidhi:2927)
Translation: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would recite the Quran verse by verse, saying ‘الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ’, then he would pause, then he would say ‘الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ’, then he would pause, then he would say ‘مَلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ’.”
➋ Reciting the Quran in a Beautiful Voice
It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه:
(ما أذِنَ اللَّهُ لِشيءٍ ما أذِنَ للنبيِّ أنْ يَتَغَنَّى بالقُرْآنِ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5024, Sahih Muslim:792)
Translation: “Allah does not listen to anything as attentively as He listens to a Prophet who recites the Quran beautifully.”
And he said:
(زَيِّنوا القُرآنَ بأصواتِكم.)
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood:1468, Ibn Majah:1342, Ahmad:18517)
Translation: “Beautify the Quran with your voices.”
And he said:
(ليس مِنَّا من لم يتغنَّ بالقرآنِ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:7527)
Translation: “He is not one of us who does not recite the Quran in a melodious voice.”
➌ Reflection and Contemplation
Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿كِتَٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَٰرَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓا۟ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ ﴿٢٩﴾
Reference: (Surah Sad:29)
Translation: “This is a blessed Book We have revealed to you so that they may reflect on its verses and that those endowed with understanding may take heed.”
And He said:
﴿أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَآ ﴿٢٤﴾
Reference: (Surah Muhammad:24)
Translation: “Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?”
The Impact of the Quran and Its Effect on Hearts
Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿ٱللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ... تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ...﴾
Reference: (Surah Az-Zumar:23)
Translation: “Allah has revealed the best speech, a Book consistent in its verses, repeatedly recited. The skins shiver from it of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts soften to the remembrance of Allah. This is the guidance of Allah; He guides whom He wills, and whomever Allah leaves astray, for him there is no guide.”
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas'ud رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(اقْرَأْ عَلَيَّ القُرْآنَ)
Translation: “Recite the Quran to me.”
Then when I recited this verse from Surah An-Nisa:
﴿فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جِئْنَا مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةِۭ بِشَهِيدٍ وَجِئْنَا بِكَ عَلَىٰ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ شَهِيدًا ﴿٤١﴾
Translation: “So how will it be when We bring from every nation a witness and We bring you as a witness against these?”
Tears began to flow from the eyes of the Prophet ﷺ.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:4582, Sahih Muslim:800)
And Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿ لَوْ أَنزَلْنَا هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ عَلَىٰ جَبَلٍ لَّرَأَيْتَهُۥ خَٰشِعًا مُّتَصَدِّعًا مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ ٱللَّهِ...﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Hashr:21)
Translation: “If We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and crushed to pieces out of fear of Allah. And We present these examples to the people that perhaps they will give thought.”
It has also been mentioned that sometimes our hearts become hard, many recitations of the Qur'an are completed, yet there is no increase in faith, and we remain distant from action; whereas the Qur'an used to impact even the enemies, as in the case of Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه, and the incidents of Sa'd ibn Mu'adh and As'id ibn Hudhayr embracing Islam were mentioned.
Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ لِمَن كَانَ لَهُۥ قَلْبٌ أَوْ أَلْقَى ٱلسَّمْعَ وَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ ﴿٣٧﴾
Reference: (Surah Qaf:37)
Translation: “Indeed, in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart or who listens while he is present.”
Acting upon the Qur'an and Making it a Way of Life
Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿ وَهَٰذَا كِتَٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ ﴿١٥٥﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-An'am:155)
Translation: “And this is a blessed Book which We have revealed; so follow it and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.”
The Command to Hold Firmly to the Book of Allah
Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَكُم بُرْهَٰنٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكُمْ نُورًا مُّبِينًا ﴿١٧٤﴾ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱعْتَصَمُوا۟ بِهِۦ فَسَيُدْخِلُهُمْ فِى رَحْمَةٍ مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلٍ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَيْهِ صِرَٰطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا ﴿١٧٥﴾
Reference: (Surah An-Nisa 174-175)
Translation: “O people! A clear proof has come to you from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a manifest light (the Quran). So those who believe in Allah and hold fast to it, Allah will admit them to His mercy and grace and will guide them to Himself by a straight path.”
In the Farewell Sermon, the Prophet ﷺ said:
(وقد ترَكْتُ فيكم ما لَنْ تضِلُّوا بعدَه إنِ اعتصَمْتُم به: كتابَ اللهِ،)
Reference: (Sahih Ibn Hibban: 3944)
Translation: “I am leaving among you something that if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray after it: the Book of Allah.”
And in another narration, it is mentioned:
(فاعقلوا أيها الناس قولي... كتاب الله وسنة رسوله صلى عليه الله وسلم)
Reference: (As-Sunnah by Al-Maruzi: 68)
Translation: “O people! Understand my words well, I have conveyed the message, and I am leaving among you something that if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ.”
And it was said:
(فإنَّ هذا القرآنَ سببُ طرفِه بيدِ اللهِ ، و طرَفُه بأيدِيكم ، فتمَسَّكوا به ، فإنكم لن تَضِلُّوا و لن تَهلِكوا بعده أبدًا)
Reference: (Sahih al-Silsilah:713)
Translation: “This Qur'an is a strong rope; one end is in the hand of Allah and the other end is in your hands. So hold it firmly, you will never go astray or be destroyed after it.”
And it was asked of Abdullah bin Abi Awfa رضي الله عنه whether the Prophet ﷺ made a will. He said:
(أَوْصٰى بِكتَابِ اللّٰه)
Translation: “He made a will regarding the Book of Allah.”
Distance from the Qur'an and the Complaint of the Messenger ﷺ
Unfortunately, despite this emphasis, a distance from the Qur'an has developed within the Ummah. If we do not change our attitude, on the Day of Resurrection, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ will complain about us.
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًا ﴿٣٠﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Furqan:30)
Translation: “And the Messenger (ﷺ) will say: O my Lord! Indeed, my people have taken this Qur'an as a forsaken thing.”
Allamah Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله mentioned several forms of "abandoning the Quran" in his interpretation of {Mahjoor}:
❀ To stop listening to the Quran attentively and believing in it.
❀ To read it, but to abandon acting upon it and not adhering to what is lawful and unlawful.
❀ Not to regard it as a decisive authority in the principles and branches of religion.
❀ To cease pondering and trying to understand Allah's intent.
❀ To not seek treatment for the diseases of the heart from the Quran and to abandon its healing.
All these forms are included in this verse.
Conclusion
The Holy Quran is the light of our lives, the guidance, the healing, and the path to salvation. It is not merely a book to be read, but a book to be understood, internalized, and implemented in life. We should establish a strong connection with the Quran during Ramadan and after Ramadan: recitation, memorization, translation and interpretation, contemplation, and action—these are all included in the rights of the Quran. May Allah grant us the ability to fulfill the rights of the Quran, to hold it firmly, and to avoid the complaint of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Ameen.
