10 Things To Keep In Mind While Reading the Holy Quran
Holy Quran is the last and final sacred book of Allah Almighty that He revealed on His last Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). The followers of this sacred scripture are generally called Muslims but it contains teachings and instructions for the whole mankind, and not just for one nation. The Gracious Lord has taken responsibility of protection of this divine source of information Himself, which means that there can never be any amendment made to it, and it is the ultimate source of enlightenment.
“Say, If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.” [Quran, 17: 88]
Considering it as a heavenly manuscript, unfortunately, most of us take unnecessary precautions like keeping it out of common person`s reach by placing at high places, as if it is some showpiece which is reason why we read it rarely. Even if we read it, some of us become too careless during the process and do not follow the right instructions of Quran reading, which is synonymous to dishonoring the righteous script of the Creator of universe.
Following are some guidelines which we are all obliged to pursue, while recitation of the Holy Quran:
- A state of cleanliness
The very first obligation of reader of Quran applies before actually starting to recite it. One should always remain in a complete condition of hygiene throughout the recital process, for this text is not similar to any other ordinary book and requires high ethical standards. This cleanliness includes ghusl (major ablution) and wudu (minor ablution) in that order. It is also advisable for one to have brushed its teeth, most preferably with miswaak (small wooden log obtained from Salvadora persica tree).
“Indeed, it is a noble Qur’an. In a Register well-protected; None touch it except the purified.” [Quran, 56: 77- 79]
The importance of purity is evident from the above Ayahs, which clearly indicate we should sanitize ourselves even before coming into contact with the sacred book, let alone reading it.
- Beginning with “Ta`awwudh” (protection from Satan)
After carrying out the prerequisite of maintain hygiene, one should start reading Quran with “Ta`awwudh”, which is read as “A`ūdhu billāhi min ash-shaitāni r-rajīmi”, and is translated as “I look for protection in Allah from shaitan, the accursed one” before “Tasmiya” which is read as “b-ismi-llāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīmi”, and is interpreted as “In the name of Allah, Who is the most Gracious, the most Merciful”. The Creator of the universe says in Quran:
“So when you recite the Qur’an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].” [Quran, 16: 98]
Allah Almighty has given Satan enough powers to deviate us from right purpose, which is why He has stressed on first searching for God`s help from shaitan`s wickedness, so that we could remain safe from satanic distractions while reading the Holy Book of our Lord.
- Reading it slowly
The true spirit of reading this marvelous document is to study it little by little. Just like it was gradually revealed upon the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah, so that people could understand it better, we should also make a habit of reciting it bit by bit so that we could comprehend its teachings better. That might well be the reason why Quran is full of pauses; so that we can stop and look back at the verse we have just read and ponder on it.
“And those who disbelieve say, “Why was the Qur’an not revealed to him all at once?” Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly.” [Quran, 25: 32]
As the above mentioned Quranic verse emphasizes that one cannot learn Quran if it does not read it slowly, so it is explicable that Quran learning is only done when we recite it gradually and steadily.
- Adopting Tajweed (accurate pronunciation)
As the sacred manuscript has been written in Arabic, which is a very complex language to speak and pronounce its words correctly, so, reading Quran bounds us to be very cautious in this matter. Now, the purpose of slow recitation becomes more obvious because that helps in attaining Tajweed (correct accent), so that we may not change the whole meaning of some words by uttering them wrongly in a hurry. Those, whose mother tongue is other than Arabic, need to first learn about its basics of speech from sources like “Noorani Qaida”.
“Or add to it, and recite the Qur’an with measured recitation.” [Quran, 73: 4]
So, there is great importance of reading the blessed book with a lot of care to avoid making the wrongful interpretation of Quranic verses. Therefore, every Muslim is strongly suggested to learn Holy Quran with Tajweed to ensure the correct pronunciation of word while reading or reciting the Quran.
- Beautifying voice
One should not only take care of gradual comprehension and maintenance of acceptable intonation while narrating Furkan e Hameed, but also keep a handsome tone.
“Allah has not permitted anything like He has permitted a Prophet to recite the Quran in a good voice.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The above stated Hadith stresses on the importance of a pleasant pitch during reading Quran. It also means that the Gracious God likes this deed and it is a Prophetic action to do.
- Being in a separate place
Speaking of a student, whose exams are just around the corner, and who needs to study for it, surely it would choose to prepare for tests in a space disconnected from all sorts of noise and interruptions. Likewise, we also need to be in that kind of environment to be aware of the teachings of Quran in the right manner. This act is not compulsory to follow and one can even do Quran reading publicly if one can understand it, for it may serve as a means of inspiration for others and they could learn from it too.
- Thinking about meaning of verses
For those, who are not much familiar with Arabic, they must read and comprehend the translation of Ayahs thoroughly to develop strong relationship with Quran. The problem with most of us is that we are not aware of true essence Quran, which is that we should actually understand it than just reading it. There is also a misconception that blessing are given on reading Furkan, which is actually in the context of reading as well as knowing what has been said, which is emphasized in the following verse:
“Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?” [Quran, 47: 24]
- Memorizing and acting upon learning
Reading and understanding of the God`s sacred scripture is not enough for one if it does not try learn by heart and actually act accordingly. We should think about the verses whether we are behaving as we are directed, if not, then we have to evaluate our lives, and try to correct our actions.
“[This is] a blessed Book 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]
It is understood from the above Quranic sentence that we will be held responsible if we have read and realized something and not performed according to it. So, we should all make a habit of perceiving the Holy book with a view to hold on to its lessons.
9. Fulfilling other rights of Quran
It is religious duty of every reader of the Holy Book of God Almighty to complete all necessary important things while reciting, like to take pauses whenever stop signs appear, and to prostrate in front of Allah at 15 occasions. Other than that, one has to take great care while handling Quran, and sit in respectable manner. It should be recited constantly, without taking any unnecessary breaks during a single session.
10. Praying and gaining God`s mercy
One has to develop a set schedule of Quran reading to get enlightened with its lessons over and over again. This practice would help in firmness of faith, and getting closer to Almighty to achieve His mercy.
“So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” [Quran, 7: 204]
The sacred book of Allah Almighty is a great cause of achieving His mercy, and that is only possible by understanding it properly, and asking The Most Merciful for His help and forgiveness while reading or listening to Furkan e Hameed.
May Allah grant us all determination and desire to recite, understand, and act upon the vital teachings of the Holy Book of Quran in the right way! Aameen!
