The importance of Tajweed

The Noble Quran is the literal words of Allaah that He revealed as an infallible source of legislation for mankind to live an organised life by. It contains regulations and recommendations about all aspects of life and references to the Hereafter. Being so important, the Quran must be read, written, and recited correctly and clearly, so as not to create any sort of ambiguity or misunderstanding whatsoever. Allaah Almighty addressed His Messenger Muhammad in the Quran, Saying (what means): "…And recite the Quran with measured recitation." [Quran 73:4]



Listening to the Quran being recited correctly is enough to soften even the hardest of hearts. Muslims and non-Muslims alike find it a deeply moving experience, even if they do not understand what is being said. Every Muslim has to recite Quran in prayers, but many of us do not realise that reciting the Quran correctly while observing the rules of recitation is not an advanced science for expert reciters alone, rather it is an obligation upon each and every one of us whenever we recite the Quran.



What is Tajweed?


The Arabic word Tajweed linguistically means 'proficiency' or 'doing something well'. It comes from the same root letters as the word Jayyid, which means 'good'. When applied to the Quran, it means giving every letter of the Quran its rights and dues of characteristics when we recite the Quran, and observing the rules that apply to those letters in different situations. We give the letters their rights by observing the essential characteristics of each letter. We give them their dues by observing the characteristics of each letter that are present in them some of the time and not present at other times.

The Quran was revealed with Tajweed rules applied to it. In other words, when the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) recited the words of Allaah to the Prophet Muhammad he recited them in a certain way and he showed the Prophet the ways in which it was permissible to recite the Quran. So it is obligatory upon us to observe those rules so that we recite it in the way it was revealed.

At the time of the Prophet there was no need for people to study Tajweed because they talked with what is now known as Tajweed, so it was natural for them. When the Arabs started mixing with the non-Arabs and as Islam spread, mistakes in the Quranic recitation began to appear, so the scholars had to record the rules. Now, because the everyday Arabic that Arabs speak has changed so much from the Classical Arabic with which the Quran was revealed, even the Arabs have to study Tajweed.

The Purpose of Tajweed

The Quran is the word of Allaah, and its every syllable is from Allaah. Its recitation must be taken very seriously. The purpose of the Science of Tajweed, in essence, is to make the reciter proficient in reciting the Quran, observing the correct pronunciation of every letter with the rulings and characteristics which apply to it, without any exaggeration or deficiency. Through this, the reciter can recite the Quran according to the way of the Prophet who received it from Jibreel who received it from Almighty Allaah in the Classical Arabic language.

Each Arabic letter has a Makhraj (an exit or articulation point from which it originates) and Sifaat (attributes or characteristics). Knowing the Makhraj and Sifaat of each letter is an important part of Tajweed. Sometimes two letters have very similar exits, which makes mixing them up easy. So, if a person does not know the attributes of each letter, he may change the meaning of the words in Quran recitation. Observing the rules of Tajweed in reciting prevents the reciter from making mistakes in reciting the Quran.

The Ruling of Reading with Tajweed

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Al-Jazari who was a great Quran and Hadeeth scholar of the 9th Hijri century, stated in his famous poem that details the rules of Tajweed:
"And applying Tajweed is an issue of absolute necessity, Whoever doesn't apply Tajweed to the Quran, then a sinner is he."

Hence, applying the rules of Tajweed is an obligation to keep away from the major mistakes in reciting the Quran.

The scholars have divided the types of mistakes one might fall into when reciting the Quran into two:

1. Clear mistakes: which usually change obvious things and change the meaning.

2. Hidden mistakes: for which one may need to study Tajweed rules.

The majority of scholars agree that applying the Tajweed rules of the Quran such that the clear mistakes are avoided is an individual obligation (Fardh 'Ayn) upon every Muslim who has memorised part or all of the Quran, while applying the rules of Tajweed to avoid the hidden mistakes is a collective obligation (Fardh Kifaayah) upon Muslims. That is, there must be some students of knowledge who have knowledge of that. This is because the Quran was revealed with the Tajweed rules applied to it, and the Prophet recited it back to Jibreel in that way and the companions of the Prophet read it in that way, so it is an established Sunnah (Prophetic tradition or practice).

The list below shows the type of mistakes under each category:

Clear Mistakes:

Mistakes related to correct pronunciation of letters so that letters are not mixed up in a way that changes their meaning. Scholars and ordinary Muslims alike should avoid these.

Examples of Clear Mistakes:

• Changing one letter into another or a short vowel (Harakah) into another (e.g. changing Fat-hah into Dhammah or the letter Qaaf into Kaaf, etc)

• Not observing the elongations (Madd) at all. Reciting them quickly as if there is no Madd so that they turn into the length of a vowel.

• Making a Madd letter which out of a normal Harakah.

• Stopping or starting at an incorrect place so that the meaning is spoilt, like stopping at 'Laa ilaaha' (i.e., there is nothing worthy of worship), without completing 'illallaah' (except Allaah).

Hidden Mistakes:



Mistakes which have to do with perfecting pronunciation and are not obvious. These are known only by those who have studied Tajweed rules or are experts in this field. Ordinary Muslims may not know such mistakes or perceive them to be so.

Examples of Hidden Mistakes:



• Not being totally exact with the elongation of letters: (Making the Madd shorter or longer by a 1/2 or even 1/4 degree, etc.)

• Not observing the attributes of each letter perfectly: (Slightly rolling the Raa', or exaggerating the 'N' sound in Noon etc.)

• Not observing the rules with which to pronounce letters when they are next to each other (like not merging certain letters that should be merged (Idghaam) and not clearly pronouncing those which should be clearly pronounced (Ith-haar) etc.)

• Making light letters sound heavy and heavy letters sound light (except if by doing this one changes a letter into another; in which case it would be an obvious mistake.)

Among the proofs that the scholars bring to show the obligation of Tajweed and its being an established Sunnah is that Almighty Allaah Says in the Quran (what mean): "…And recite the Quran with measured recitation." [Quran 73:4]


There are various Prophetic narrations also showing us the importance of Tajweed. Umm Salamah was asked about the recitation of the Prophet and she described it as a recitation: "Clearly-distinguished, letter by letter".



source www.islamweb.com

The Noble Quran is the eternal miracle of Prophet Muhammad . Every Prophet was supported with a miracle(s) and upon his death it disappeared, except Prophet Muhammad whose miracle remained, preserved and protected, namely the Book of Allaah, His divine revealed Word. Allaah Says (what means): "Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it." [Quran 41:42]

Allaah clearly stated that the Quran is His Word, Saying (what means):

"And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allaah [i.e. the Quran]." [Quran 9:6], and in His Saying (which means): "Those who remained behind will say when you set out toward the war booty to take it, 'Let us follow you'. They wish to change the words of Allaah." [Quran: 48:15] These two verses prove that the Quran is the Word of Allaah and that He sent it down to Prophet Muhammad .

The Sunnah of the Prophet (his sayings) further proves this fact; Jaabir narrated: "The Prophet used to offer his message to people during the season of Hajj and say: "Is there a man who would take me to his tribe (i.e. to convey the message to them), because the (tribe of) Quraysh have prevented me from conveying the Word of Allaah?" [Ahmad & At-Tirmithi]

There are many logical and substantial evidences proving this fact, such as the inability of the polytheists to come up with one single verse, let alone a whole chapter, that is similar to it. This is so, despite their eagerness and ambition to prove the Prophet wrong in what he was calling to, and their strong command of the Arabic language in which the Quran was revealed. Undoubtedly, this is evidence that the Quran is not made by or the words of humans.

The Quran contains news of past nations and other unseen matters which serve as great proof that it is the Word of Allaah. When the Persians defeated the Romans in battle, the Quran addressed the issue and informed that the Romans would overcome the Persians in few years to come as Allaah Says (what means): "The Romans have been defeated (i.e. By the Persians) in the nearest land. But they, after their defeat, will overcome." [Quran 30: 2-3]

Furthermore, the Quran consists of scientific miracles by highlighting certain scientific facts which were not discovered except fourteen centuries later, such as the Quran proving that there is a barrier between the salty water and fresh water where they meet preventing them from mixing, as Allaah Says (what means): "He released the two seas (the two bodies of water: fresh and salt), meeting [side by side]. Between them is a barrier [so] neither of them transgresses." [Quran 55: 19-20] Modern science discovered this to be a fact.

The fact that tranquility and assurance can be found upon reading the Quran which is not felt when reading any other book, is yet another proof that it is the Word of Allaah, as Allaah Says (what means): "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the mention of Allaah. Unquestionably by the remembrance of Allaah hearts are assured." [Quran 13: 28]

Furthermore, being cured by virtue of reading the Quran over a sick person can be added to the list of evidences proving it to be the Word of Allaah. Allaah Says (what means): "And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers." [Quran 17: 82]

Lastly, the evidences proving the Quran to be the Word of Allaah are too many to numerate in one article, and so we conclude with the saying of Al-Waleed Ibn Al-Mugheerah, one of the leaders of the polytheists who was requested to criticize and censure the Quran. After hearing parts of it from Prophet Muhammad, salallaahu alayhi wa sallam, he said: "What can I say? I swear by Allaah! There is no man who knows poetry better than me, and it does not sound like anything I ever heard. The only thing I can say is that it has sweetness to it, and it is so appealing. It is so fruitful (to the heart) and abundant (in its benefits). Indeed, nothing rises above it in style, and it surely destroys anything that challenges it." [Al-Haakim & Al-Bayhaqi]

This is the Quran, the Word of Allaah, which confounds humans' capabilities due to its inimitable style, justice and accuracy. The Quran still challenges people and people remain incapable of challenging it, and it remains the clear evidence from Allaah against its enemies and opponents. All efforts to deny its authenticity have failed.



source www.islamweb.com

The Quran is the last Book revealed by Allaah Almighty. He has promised to protect it from any distortion or loss. Allaah Says in the Quran (what means): “Verily, We have revealed the Reminder (the Quran) and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." [Quran 15:9] Its written and recited forms have been preserved without even the slightest change for over fourteen hundred years. This cannot be said about the New Testament or the Old Testament. However, Allaah’s protection of the Quran did not stop there; He also safeguarded the original meaning. If the protection of the Quran’s meaning had not taken place, deviants would have turned the Book of Allaah into a jumble of symbols, riddles and codes open to a multiplicity of interpretations, and its original meaning would have been lost. Allaah preserved the meaning of the Quran by explaining some of its generalities within the Quran itself and by entrusting the Tafseer (explanation) of the remainder to His final Messenger, Muhammad .

The Prophet's companions were taught to seek their understanding of the Quran first from the Quran itself, then from the explanations of the Prophet and from their own intimate understanding of the language of the Quran. After the Prophet’s death, those who entered Islam as new converts depended first on the Quran to explain itself, then they depended on the Companions to explain the Quran to them. The Companions would inform their students among the Taabi'een (second generation) of the circumstances in which the verses were revealed, the interpretations given by the Prophet’s statements and actions. Finally, they would explain the meanings of some words which may not have been familiar or which may have had a different meaning to Arabs outside of the Arabian Peninsula.

With the passing of era of the Companions, the scholars among the Taabi'een shouldered the grave responsibility of conveying the original meanings of the Quran to the next generation of Muslims exactly as they had received it. It was this next generation which began the process of gathering and recording the various narrations of Tafseer from the Taabi'een.

From the above mentioned methodology of the Prophet and his companions, and of the early generations of Muslim scholars which followed them, the following points have been deduced by scholars as being the correct steps for making correct Tafseer of the Quran.

Tafseer of the Quran by the Quran Itself:

There are many places in the Quran where questions are asked and subsequently answered in order to catch the attention of the reader and to increase the impact of the concept mentioned. In other places, general statements are made and then later explained in order to vary the modes of presentation and encourage readers and listeners to reflect more. This self-explanatory process is referred to as Tafseer of the Quran by the Quran. Allaah chose to clarify what He intended by revealing other explanatory verses. For example Allaah asks (what means): “By the Sky and the night comer. And what will make you know what the night comer is?” [Quran 86: 1-2] Then He, the Most Exalted, answers His question in the next verse (which means): “It is the piercing star).” [Quran 86:3] Allaah also states in the Quran (what means): “Beasts which are herded have been made Halaal (allowable) for you except those which will be recited to you.” [Quran 5:1]

Sholtry afterwards, He explains (what means): “The dead animal, blood, pork, animals sacrificed for other than Allaah, animals strangled to death, killed by a blow or by falling from a height, killed by goring or partially eaten by wild animals are forbidden to you.” [Quran 5: 3]

Another example can be seen in the verse in which Allaah Almighty describes Himself Saying (what means), “No vision can grasp Him…” [Quran 6:103] This verse implies that Allaah can not be seen. However, Allaah later describes the believers in the next life as (what means): “Gazing at their Lord.” [Quran 75:23] and disbelievers as (what means): “Verily, they will be veiled from their Lord on that day.” [Quran 83:15]

Hence, before any explanation or interpretation may be sought, the Quran must be relied upon to explain itself, for Allaah knows best what He intended.

Tafseer of the Quran by the Sunnah

On many occasions, the Prophet added further clarification to various verses of the Quran. Allaah had entrusted the task of explaining the Quran to the Prophet . This trust was expressed in the verse (which means): “Verily, We have revealed the Reminder (Quran) to you (O Muhammad) so you may explain to the people what has been revealed to them.” [Quran 16:44] And the verse (which means): “We have only revealed the book to you (O Muhammad) in order that you clarify for them the things about which they differ.” [Quran 16:64]

The Companions understood this clearly and always turned to the Prophet for clarification whenever they were in doubt about the meaning of any of the Quranic passages. In fact, most of the fine details of prayer, almsgiving, pilgrimage, and inheritance laws, etc. were explained either by the Prophet’s statements or practical demonstration and applications (the practical Sunnah). Thus, the Prophet’s explanations of the Quranic passages are referred to as the Tafseer of the Quran by the Sunnah.

For example, the Prophet explained the word "Al Kawthar" in the verse (which means): “Verily, We have given you Al Kawthar” as a river in paradise which Allaah has given him. [Al Bukhaari] Because the Sunnah was based on guidance from Allaah, it represents the second part of Allaah’s promise to explain the Quran, as He Says (what means): “…Then verily, We will explain it.” [Quran 75:19] Consequently, no other human interpretation can be given precedence over of the Prophet .



Source: Tafseer Soorat Al-Hujuraat

By: Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

Allaah Almighty Says in the Quran (what means): “We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers.” [Quran 17:82] And also (what means): “O mankind! There has come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.” [Quran 10:57]

It is narrated on the authority of An-Nu'maan Ibn Basheer who said : "I heard the Messenger of Allaah say : "That which is lawful is plain and that which is unlawful is plain and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which not many people know. Thus, he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honor, but he who falls into doubtful matters falls into that which is unlawful, like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Truly, every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allaah's sanctuary is His prohibitions. Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh which, if it be whole,all the body is whole and which, if it be diseased, all of it is diseased. Truly it is the heart." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Diseases of the heart are a mixture of suspicions and lusts which can lead our souls into turmoil and despair. However, Allaah Almighty has provided us with a special prescription that will cleanse and heal our diseased hearts: The Quran.

The Quran provides the healing for many types of ailments:

1. It contains proofs and clear evidences which separate right from wrong.

2. It adequately and clearly negates our doubts.

No book on this earth other than the Quran provides such comprehensive proofs and testimonies in relation to exalted matters of monotheism, confirmation of Allaah’s attributes, the Day of Judgment, Prophethood and refutation of incongruous doctrines and degenerate opinions.

Although the Quran offers a genuine cure for the evils of suspicions and doubts, its benefit depends to a large extent on comprehending its essence and purpose. Those who are blessed with such faculties would have the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, as clearly and easily as they can distinguish between day and night.

They would know for certain that all other knowledge and concepts prevailing among people are either traditions or false presumptions; however fanciful and appealing they may appear, these would be unable to offer a substitute for the Truth or genuine matters as encapsulated in the Quran and would provide no benefit.

The Hadeeth (narration) of Prophet Muhammad compares the futility of such efforts to: “Inferior camel’s meat on top of a rough mountain, neither the hill is easy to climb nor the camel is healthy enough to get down the hill.” [Al-Bukhaari]

In fact, the knowledge obtained by theologians could be found in the Quran with a much better elaboration and explanation, for the theologians are inclined to affectation, wordiness and perpetuating perplexity. They assume that their attitudes help in refuting suspicions and doubts, but contrary to their presumption, these suspicions and doubts are better served by their efforts. If healing and guidance, knowledge and certainty could not be obtained from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad it would be impossible to obtain them from the utterances of those perplexed skeptics.

The Quran draws its ability of healing the diseases of lusts by its wisdom and fair exhortation, through the renouncement of earthly pursuits and the pursuance of the Hereafter. It draws upon parables and narrations containing lessons to be pondered. If the heart assimilated these qualities, it would certainly be inclined towards good deeds and renounce the evil ones.

The Quran also eliminates spiritual diseases which corrupt our intentions and prompt us towards ill deeds; hence the heart heals and returns to its normal nature, where its facultative and self-acquired deeds excel. The body also returns to its normal functioning by rejecting whatever contradicts the right guidance, just like an infant who accepts nothing but milk. In this course of affairs, the heart feeds on faith and the Quran which provides it with reprimands, consolidation, support, gladness, joy and invigoration to establish its authority, as a body is nourished by what develops and strengthens it.

The heart and the body would not flourish without adhering to the Quran. Even if they attained some of the desired results from another source, the attainment would be very minor and would not serve the purpose and desired end result.

The Book of Allaah is the rain that brings forth true life on Earth.

I bear witness that there is no deity besides Allaah—alone, who has no partner, no equal; Lord of the Messengers, Creator of the heavens and the earths. I bear witness that Muhammad is His devoted-servant and His Messenger sent with a Clear Book that separates guidance from misguidance, deception from righteousness, and conjectures from certainty.

Allaah revealed the Book (Noble Quran) in order for us to read it, and mull over it with care and vigilance; to enrich our souls from its remembrance; to carry it and construe it in the best of manners; to affirm it and strive to establish its commands and prohibitions; pick the fruits of its precious knowledge that is our way to Allaah and to glean the wisdom from its gardens and flowers.

For it is His Book, and nothing else, that can guide His seekers to Him. It is the path that leads the traveler to Allaah. It is His brilliant Light that illuminates the darkness of uncertainty and disbelief. It is His mercy of guidance and source of happiness for all creation. It is the bridge that connects His devotee to Him when all else fails. It is the great door to Him that remains open, when all else is closed. It is the straight path that is not tainted by the opinions of mortals. It is the remembrance full of wisdom that is not swayed by desires. It is the noble revelation containing wisdom that sages can never fathom. Its wonders never end, nor are its clouds barren, its signs are never exhausted, its agreements never contradict.

The more a soul delves into its depths, the more it increases in insight and guidance. It is the cure for mankind from diseases of the heart. It is life to the hearts and pleasure and brilliance to the souls. It is the harbinger that calls night and day: "O seekers of good, hurry to me"

It is the caller of faith at the head of the straight path, calling (what means): "O our people, respond to the caller of Allaah and have faith in Him so He may forgive your sins for you and may save you from a painful chastisement." [Referring to verse 31 of chapter 46]

The Quran is Allaah's greatest blessing on us. It is the fulfillment of His promise to Aadam and his descendants, as Allaah Almighty Says (what means): ''…There shall come to you guidance from Me, and whatsoever follows My Guidance no fear shall be on them, nor shall they sorrow'' [Quran 2:38]


It is the only weapon for struggling against the forces of evil and temptation in this world. It is the only means to overpower our fear and anxiety. It is the only Light as we grope in the darkness, with which to find our way to success and salvation. It is the only healing for our inner sickness, as well as the social ills that may surround us. It is the constant reminder of our true nature and destiny, of our station and our duties.

But alas! Desires have put out the lamps of the hearts, and opinions of the mortal humans have shut those doors of Divine guidance and lost the keys. The hearts are laden with the rust of their own earning, so much so that they do not find the realities of the Quran opening to them. The burdens of ignorance have so settled upon it that its knowledge does not blossom into righteous actions.

Woe unto you, how have you made the nourishment of your heart those vain opinions that contradict the Quran and Sunnah (Prophet's Tradtion) that neither replenish it nor quench its thirst? So now your heart does not accept nourishment of the Word of the Lord of the worlds, and the speech of His eminent Messenger!

For how will you ever find your way through the darkness of conjectures and opinions of mortals to the clear distinction of right and wrong when you have closed your eyes to the light of the Book of Allaah and the way of the Messenger?

Woe unto you, how have you adulterated the right opinions with the sick ones, and the accepted ones with the rejected ones, and have managed to incapacitate your souls from receiving the guidance and knowledge from the Book that is immune to falsehood from all directions.

Nay, but it is, by Allaah, a trial that has blinded the hearts from the sources of righteousness and has embezzled the minds from their goals.

The Book of Allaah is the coolness of eyes for which the competitors compete, the finality to which the contenders contend.

How can you still be in the dark under a rising sun?


How can you lose your way under a bright constellation?

Glory be to Allaah, The Exalted!


Source: Madaarej-us-Salikeen (Ranks of the Seekers), By Imam Ibnul-Qayyim

It is recommended for every believing man and woman to recite the Book of Allaah, 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. Allaah - the Most High – Says (what means): "[This is] a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have revealed to you [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded." [Quran 38:29] And:

"Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allaah (the Quran) and establish prayer and spend [in His cause] out of what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, [can] expect a transaction [i.e. profit] that will never perish. That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them of His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving and Appreciative."[Quran 35:29-30]
The aforementioned recitation of the Quran includes both reciting and acting upon it (abiding by what Almighty Allaah enjoins in it and refraining from what He forbids in it). The recitation is to be done with contemplation and understanding of it. Sincerity to Allaah is a means of complying with and acting upon the Quran, and its recitation contains a great reward - as the Prophet said: "Recite the Quran, for on the Day of Resurrection, it shall come as an intercessor for its companion (one who recites and complies by its teachings)." [Muslim]
The Prophet also said: "The best of you is he who learns the Quran and teaches it."[Al-Bukhaari]

Another narration states: "Whoever reads one letter of the Quran shall receive a good deed and ten good deeds similar to it. I do not say that Alif Laam Meem is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter." [At-Tirmithi]

The Prophet said to Abdullaah Ibn 'Amr Ibn Al-`Aas : "Complete the recitation of the Quran once a month." He ('Abdullaah) said: "I am able to do more than that, O Messenger of Allaah." So he said: "Then complete its recitation once in seven days." [Al-Bukhaari]

The Companions used to complete the entire Quran once every seven days.
So, it is recommended that the readers of the Quran increase their reading of it, with contemplation and understanding it, along with sincerity to Allaah - with the purpose of learning and benefiting from it. They should read the entire Quran once a month. If, however, they are able to do more than this without any difficulty, then they should complete it in less than this time.

However, it is best not to complete it in less than three days, since this is the least amount of time that the Prophet mentioned to 'Abdullaah Ibn `Amr Ibn Al-`Aas . This is because if it is read in less than three days, the person becomes hasty and lacks thought and concentration while reading it.

Allaah, the Most High, Says in the Glorious Quran (what means): "And the Messenger has said, “O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Quran as [a thing] abandoned." [Quran: 25: 30]

So, Allaah Almighty informs us about His 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 Allaah 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]

Thus, when the Quran was being read to them, they would deliberately make noise and futile speech so that they would not hear the Quran. However, this is from the ways of abandoning the Quran. Likewise, not having faith and trust in it is also from the ways of abandoning the Quran. Not pondering over it, nor trying to understand it, not acting by it, not obeying its orders and refraining from what it forbids, turning to something other than it - whether poetry, music, amusement, or other forms of vain speech and taking a path that is derived from other than the Quran are all from the ways of abandoning the Quran, of which we were strictly warned by Allaah, the Most Exalted, and His Messenger .

source www.islamweb.com

To reflect upon the verses of Allaah is a form of worship; it is something that will draw one close to Allaah, 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. Allaah, Most High, Says in the Quran (what means): "Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allaah, they would have found within it much contradiction." [Quran: 4:82]

The Book of Allaah is unlike any other; it is the timeless Speech of Allaah, 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 Allaah 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 Allaah, Most High, and therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allaah. So, let every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allaah’s Love by reciting and reflecting over Allaah’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 Allaah 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 Allaah. 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 Islaam) is naseehah (offering sincere advice)!” Tameem bin Aws said: “We asked, ‘To whom?'” He replied: “To Allaah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and to their subjects.” [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allaah 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 Allaah 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 Allaah. 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 Allaah’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 Umaamah 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-Khattaab 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 Allaah and is knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven’t you heard the statement of your Messenger : “Verily Allaah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it?”"

The People of the Quran are from Best of People

‘Uthmaan said that the Prophet said: “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it to others.” [Al-Bukhaari]

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 Allaah, he will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that 'Alif, Laam, Meem' (a combination of letters frequently mentioned in the Holy Quran) is a letter, rather I am saying that 'Alif' is a letter, 'Laam' 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-Bukhaari & Muslim]

So dear brother or sister Muslim, do not let the Shaytaan (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 Allaah, 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 Allaah 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

‘Abdullaah 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 Daawood & 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-Tabaraani]

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 Allaah, and not simply by an empty claim of love for it. Rather, the heart must be sincerely attached to the Book of Allaah 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.


source www.islamweb.com