Why & How to Learn the Quran (part 2 of 2)

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Description: The second lesson on learning the Quran highlighting practical tips to embark on your study.

Published on 20 Jul 2015 - Last modified on 25 Jun 2019

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Objectives:

·To learn five beautiful ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad on learning the Quran.

·To know how often to read, how much to read and when to read.

·To understand the importance of listening attentively and memorizing the Quran.

Arabic Terms:

·Hadith- (plural – ahadith) is a piece of information or a story. In Islam it is a narrative record of the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad and his companions.

Importance of Learning the Quran in the Words of Prophet Muhammad

1. "The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."[1]

2. "Allah has His own people among mankind." They said: "O Messenger of Allah, who are they?" He said: "The people of the Quran, the people of Allah and those who are closest to Him."[2]

3. "This Quran is the Banquet of Allah. Learn as much as you can from His banquet. This Quran is the Rope of Allah, and it is the clear Light and [the effective and beneficial] Healing. It is a protection for the one who clings to it and a rescue for the one who follows it. It is not crooked and so puts things straight. It does not deviate so as to be blamed. Its wonders do not cease. It does not wear out with much repetition. So recite it for Allah will reward you for the recitation of every letter...." (Also Abdullah ibn Masud said, “This Quran is the Banquet of Allah. Whoever enters it is safe.”).[3]

The Quran is a ‘banquet’ in the sense that it is something of great benefit that Allah has prepared for people then invited them to it.

4. "...A group of people do not gather in a house among the Houses of Allah (a mosque) reciting the Book of Allah and studying it amongst themselves - except that tranquility descends upon them, they are enveloped by mercy and surrounded by the angels - and Allah mentions them with those with Him (the higher angels).”[4]

5. "Whoever teaches one verse of the Book of Allah Almighty, will be rewarded (every time) it is recited."[5]

Practical Guidelines to Study the Quran

How Often to Read?

Every day you must read some of the Quran. In fact do not consider a day complete unless you have spent some time with the Qur'an. It is better to read regularly, even if it be only a small portion, than to read long parts, but only occasionally.

How Much to Read?

There is no fixed answer. It varies from person to person and from situation to situation. The guideline is what Allah has said: 'Read whatever you can with ease' (Quran 73:20)

The quantity of reading will very much depend on the purpose of reading. If you just want to spend time with the Quran, or get a quick overview, you may read much faster and, therefore, more. If you want to ponder and reflect, you may read much slower and, therefore, less.

When to Read?

Any time of the day or night is suitable for reading the Quran and one may do so in any physical posture. Allah says,

“Remember the name of your Lord at morning and in the evening and part of the night.” (Quran 76:25)

“Those who remember Allah when they are standing, and when they are sitting and when they are lying.” (Quran 3:191)

There are some specific times which are more desirable and rewarding as they are recommended by Allah and His Prophet. There are also certain recommended postures. The most excellent time to read is at night and the most desirable posture is to stand in prayer. To do so requires that you should memorize some portions of the Quran and remain awake for some time during the night. You may not be able to do so all the time for various reasons and the Quran recognizes such limitations, therefore, you are permitted ‘whatever portion’ at ‘whatever time’ and ‘whatever position.’

Learn to Read Correctly in Arabic

It will take some time and effort to learn the Arabic script and to learn to read the Quran correctly. It is best to learn with a qualified teacher, but if you do not have the opportunity to do so, you can learn with any of the online Quran learning websites. Dedicate half an hour three to five days a week for about a year and you will be on your way to reciting the Quran in Arabic.

Listen Attentively

While you may not be able to recite the Quran immediately, you can download free mp3 files and listen to it on your smartphone or computer. Listen attentively and fall silent whenever the Quran is being recited. This is what the Quran itself commands: “When the Quran is read, listen attentively, and fall silent, so that you may be blessed with mercy”. (Quran 7:204)

You should not talk while the Quran is being recited.

Memorize the Quran

Memorize as much of the Quran as you can. Memorization is an essential way of making the Quran penetrate you. It is not a mechanical, ritual act. It is an act of high spiritual and devotional importance. Only through memorization can you recite the Quran in prayers and ponder over its meaning while you stand in the presence of the Speaker. It makes the Quran flow on your tongue, reside in your mind, dwell in your heart. It becomes your constant companion. The best way to memorize is with a qualified teacher, but if one is not available, you can use an online teacher. It will be very difficult to do it on your own.