How to maximize our benefits from Quran

Quran revealed in Ramadan

Quran revealed in Lailatul Qadar

Surah Dukhan,44:1-5

1-Ha Mim. 2-By the Book that makes things clear 3-We sent it down during a blessed night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil). 4-In that (night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom 5-By command from Our presence. For We (ever) send (revelations)

How do we benefit from Quran?

1-Tilawah or Recitation

2-Istima or Listening

3-Tarteel &Tajweed or

recitation with rules

4-Hifz Memorization

5-Fahm or Understanding

6-Living Quran

7-Ta’leem or Teaching

8-Dawah to Quran

1-Recitation of Quran

• Indeed those who recite the Book of Allah 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” (Surah 35. Fatir, Verse 29)

Significance of Quran recitation

Abu Musa Ashari (RA) reported that Prophet (SAW) said-

"The believer who recites the Qur'an is like a citrus fruit - its fragrance is pleasing and its taste is

sweet.

The believer who does not recite the Qur'an is like a dry date - it has no fragrance but its taste is sweet.

The hypocrite who recites the Qur'an is like a basil - its fragrance is sweet, but its taste is bitter.

The hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an is like a colocynth - it has no smell, and its taste is

bitter" (Muslim)

Hadith

(Tirmidhi)

(Muslim)

Honor for excellentreciters of Quran

The Merit of Recitation of the Qur’an in a Pleasant Voice

• Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) saying, “Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur’an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Prophet (SAW) admired recitation of Abu Musa (RA)

• Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to him, “You have been given a Mizmar (sweet melodious voice) out of the Mazamir of Prophet Dawud (David).”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Reciting Quran in melodious voice

• : Abu Lubabah Bashir bin `Abdul-Mundhir (RA) reported: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “He who does not recite the Qur’an in a pleasant tone is not of us.” [Abu Dawud].

Prophet (SAW) recited in beautiful voice

• Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (RA) reported: I heard the Prophet (SAW) reciting Surah Wat-Teen during the `Isha’ prayer. I have never heard anyone reciting it in a more beautiful voice than his. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

9 Benefits of Quran recitation

2-Listening to Quranic Recitation

• “So, when the Qur'an is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy” [al-A‘raaf 7:204].

• Shaykh al-Sa‘di (RA) said: • This command is general and includes everyone who

hears the Book of Allah being recited. • He is enjoined to listen to it and keep quiet. • Keeping quiet is done outwardly by not speaking or

being distracted with anything that would keep one from focusing on listening to it. (Tafseer Al-Sa’di)

Benefits of listening Quran attentively• Beneficial knowledge through pondering upon the ayahs• Rewards from Allah • Allah guides His slaves and sets straight their affairs in this

world and the Hereafter• Ongoing and renewed faith,• Increased guidance and insight into his religion.• Allah connected the attainment of mercy to listening to

Quran• Companions used to listen to recitations. ‘Umar ibn al-

Khattaab (RA) would say to Abu Moosa (RA): Remind us of our Lord, and Abu Moosa would recite Qur'an whilst they listened.

Listening to Quran serves as a reminder

• Quran is an open and evident reminder for those who listen to it attentively with presence of mind.

• Muslim develops fear, love, respect, and a sense of obedience and submission towards Allah Almighty.

• It reminds a Muslim of the transitory nature of this world and how there will be a life in the hereafter for which a Muslim needs to prepare.

• Therefore, listening to Quran daily serves as a constant reminder for a Muslim.

Listening Quran in Taraweeh• Basic purpose of performing Taraweeh prayer is to

listen to the Quran• Eat the right and light foods in Iftar • Take friend and family with you. This keeps you

motivated and gives a feeling of enthusiasm• Arrive early, thinking that you are going to stand in

front of Allah –• Focus on recitation. • Read the translation of the excerpt that is going to

be recited in the Taraweeh during the night• Do Taraweeh with true heart and enjoy the prayer

instead of just getting over with it

Will a person be rewarded even if he does not understand its meanings?

• “(This is) a Book (the Qur’aan) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember” [Saad 38:29].

• A person will be rewarded for reading the Qur'an whether he understands its meanings or not.

• He should be very keen to understand its meanings and to learn these meanings from scholars who are trustworthy in their knowledge.

• If he has no access to a scholar who can teach him the meanings, he may refer to the trustworthy books of tafseer, such as Tafseer Ibn Jareer, Tafseer Ibn Katheer and others

3-Tarteel

• and recite the Qur'an in slow measured rhythmic tones. Muzammil, 73:4

• The tafsir of this ayah (according to Ibn Katheer) is to recite the Qur’an slowly, making the letters clear.

• This assists in understanding and pondering the meaning of the Qur’an. A related word is “Murattal”

• When asked about the meaning of Tarteel, Ali (RA) replied, ‘It means that the Qur’an should be recited with Tajweed and with due observance to the rules of Waqf (pausing or stopping at the end of the verse).’

Tajweed

• Those unto whom We have given the Scripture, who read it with the right reading, those believe in it. And whoso disbelieve in it, those are they who are the losers. (Al-Baqara, 2:121)

• Tajweed is the science of the rules of recitation of the Quran.

• Reciting with Tajweed means that one is applying the rules of Tajweed. Related word is “mujawwad”.

Speed of recitation- 3 types

• 1- تمطيط: غير من البطء التحقيقTAHQEEQ-slowness without elongation)-exceeding the length of a harakah to give rise to an added letter is called At-Tamteet. • For example, if he says kuuntum instead of kuntum –

he extends the sound so as to produce an extra waw.

• 2- التوسط: التدويرTadweer-moderation in recitation) It is moderation in recitation. It is neither as fast as Al Hadr nor as slow as Tahqeeq.

Fast reading or Al Hadar• 3- يعمها: و دمج غير من السرعة الحدر• (Al-Hadar-fastness without merging of letters)• When reading with Hadar, there is a danger of reducing the timing

of the letters and inserting one into another. • One may read fast with a view to earning reward, or with a view to

reviewing his memorization.• If one wants to review 3-4 juz a day and has limited time for it. he

must pronounce the letters and give them their rights. • For example, he should not say ja’anna instead of ja’alna (by failing

to pronounce the laam due to speed of recitation). • He has done idghaam of the laam into the noon. • Or instead of saying siraat allazi an’amta alayhim, he says siraat

allazin’amta. Where is the hamza? Each letter must be clearly pronounced.

4-Hifz or memorization of Quran

Benefits of memorization of Quran• 1. Highest ranks of Jannah for the Memorizer of the Qur'an:

• Abdullah Ibn 'Amr reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "It will be said to the companion of the Qur'an after he has entered Paradise, 'Recite, and rise!' For every verse he recites he will rise one level (in Paradise),until he recites the last verse with him (i.e., in his memory)."

(Abu Dawood) Obviously, the one who memorized the whole Qur'an will stop at the last verse of the Quran meaning they will be of those among the highest ranks of paradise.

2. The Highest Honor for the Parents of the Hafiz

Abu Dawood

Reciter of Quran will enter Jannah and will intercede for 10 family members

3. The best Muslim

The Prophet (SAW) said: “The best amongst you is the one who learns the

Qur’an and teaches it. ”(Sahih Al-Bukhari)

4. Hafiz of the Qur'an is worthy of envy in this world

(MUSLIM)

5. Reward for each letter of the Qur'an recited is ten times or more• The Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever recites one Word from the Book of

Allah will be rewarded for a good deed and ten more like it; and I don’t say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter but Alif is a letter and Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter” (Tirmidhi & Al-Dareemi)

The Qur'an has over 6000 verses and each verse has so many alphabets. Can you imagine the number of alphabets the memoriser of the Qur'an recites.

• He will recite one verse again and again and has to continuously recite the Qur'an to keep it fresh in his heart.

• Surely he would have gained millions of rewards by completing the Qur'an just once.

• Thereafter he will go over a verse again and again in his mind and he would have recited the Qur'an again and again resulting in rewards beyond mathematical calculations and our limited comprehension.

6. The Qur'an will intercede for the Memorizer of the Qur'an:

• It was narrated that Abu Umaamah al-Baahili said:“I heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) say: ‘Recite the Qur'an, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection to intercede for its companions. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqarah and Soorat Aal ‘Imraan, for they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds or two shades or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Soorat al-Baqarah for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.” (Muslim: 804, Al-Bukhaari).

7. Jannah for the one who memorized the Qur'an

• Ali (RA) reports that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

“Anyone who knows the Quran by heart and follows the lawful and the prohibited according to it, he will be sent to Heaven by Allah(SWT).” (Tirmidhi).

As long as the memorizer of the Qur'an follows the lawful and keeps away from the prohibited then he will be granted Jannah.

8. A crown and garment of honor for the Memorizer of the Qur'an• Aboo Hurayrah(RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW)

said, "The Qur'an will be brought on the Day of Judgement, and it will say, 'O My Lord! Adorn him (the one who read and practiced it)!' So he will be adorned with the crown of glory and honor . It will then say, 'O My Lord! Increase this!' So he will be clothed with the clothes of glory and honor. Then it will say, 'O My Lord! Be pleased with Him! So He (Allah) will be pleased with him. It will be said, 'Recite! And rise!' and every verse he recites will bless him with a good deed"

(at-Tirmidhee)• What an honour it would be when on such a day of terror the

memoriser of the Qur'an would be given such a high honour and adorned with a crown and garment of glory and honour.

9. The Memorizer of the Qur'an will be saved from the fire• 'Ismah Ibn Maalik (RA)reported that the Prophet

(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: • "If the Qur'aan is enclosed by skin (i.e., if a person

memorizes the entire Qur'an), then Allah will never burn it in the Fire (of Hell) ”

(al-Bayhaqee)

10. Double reward for those who try hard to memorize the Qur'an• Aisha(RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu

Alaihi wasallam) said: The likeness of the one who reads Quran and memorizes it is that he is with the righteous honorable scribes. The likeness of the one who reads it and tries hard to memorize it even though it is difficult for him, he will have (at least) a double reward.(Al-Bukhaari, 4937)

• So we must NEVER give up memorizing the Qur'an even though we may struggle to learn a single verse for it maybe that shaytan will try hard to make a person give up knowing that he will receive double rewards for it if he continues.

10 steps to memorizing the Quran

• 1. Al-Ikhlas – Sincerity-• The first step to ease the memorization of the Quran is sincerity.

The person must memories the Quran for the sake of reward and to please Allah. Not to show off, aim to impress others or in order to get a Job (e.g. as Imam of the Masjid).

• 2. Correct the pronunciation and recitation Another factor that will help a person memorize the Quran is to correct the pronunciation and recitation of the Quran. This can be achieved by listening to a Qari whose style of recitation you like and makes you feel connected to the Quran.

• 3. Specify how many verses you want to memorize on a daily basis- For example, commit yourself to memorize 3, 5, 10, 20 verses per day.

Steps to memorizing the Quran• 5. Memorize from only one copy of the Quran- This is

because in every Qurأan, the layout of the verses is different. If you memorise from one copy you will have a mental picture of the verse in your mind, whereas if you attempt to memorise from many different copies of the Quran, it could lead to confusion and difficulty in memorizing the Quran.

• 6. Understanding is a mechanism of memorizing- Understanding the verses will definitely increase memorization and also khushoo (ritual fear and focus) during salah.

• 7. Do not go to another chapter until you finish the chapter you are on- Memorizing the Quran in chapters is the best way to memorize the Quran as it will be easier to remember where you stopped last.

Steps to memorizing the Quran• 8. Do not listen to yourself all the time -It is advisable to

recite in front of someone who is Hafiz ul Quran (who has memorised the Quran) as this will benefit the hafiz and he will correct him on any mistakes he makes. 9. Continuity - Always recite to yourself, wherever you are- It has been reported the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said that the Quran will run away from the tongue of a person faster than an untied camel. Make sure you are constantly reciting the Quran wherever you are e.g. on the bus, whilst travelling, relaxing at home etc. 10. Identify the patterns of the verses -The Quran is Mutashaabihaat, which means that it has a pattern. Verses often look and sound like each other, which is a great aid to memorising the Qurأan.

-Understanding

Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur'an or are their hearts locked up by them? (Mohammad, 47:24)

Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto thee full of blessings that they may meditate on its Signs and that men of understanding may receive admonition. (Saad,38:29)

Those who when they are admonished with the Signs of their Lord droop not down at them as if they were deaf or blind. Furqan (25:73)

Those who do not try to understand Quran are heedless

Many are the Jinns and men We have made for Hell: They have hearts wherewith they understand not eyes wherewith they see not and ears wherewith they hear not. They are like cattle nay more misguided: for they are heedless (of warning). (Araaf, 7:179)

Hadith instructing not to finish Quran in less than 3 days because it will not be understood• It was reported from Yazid bin Abdullah, from Abddullah

bin Amr (RA), that he said, “O Allah’s Messenger (SAW)! In how many days should I recite Qur’an?”

• He (the Prophet, PBUH) replied, “In one month.”• I said, “I am capable of more!” – and he made it less, until

he said, “Recite it in seven.” • So he (Abdullah bin Amr, RA) said, “I am capable of more!” • But he (the Prophet, PBUH) said, “He who recites it in less

than three (days) will not understand it.”• (Hadith No. 1390, Chapters pertaining to the Month of

Ramadan, Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 2).

Levels of understanding of Quran

1-Literal meaning though Arabic knowledge or through translations

2-Understanding of the learned through their presentations or tafasir

3-Study and ponder on your own to attain Tadhakkur and then Tadabbur

4-Discover its meaning through practicing its message and fulfilling its mission

Earlier scholars on understanding Quran• Anas bin Malik said,”Often one recites the Quran

and it curses him because he does not understand it.”

• According to Abdullah Ibn Umar(RA), sign of faith is to understand the Quran

• Ali (RA) said ,” There is no good in Quran reading which is not pondered over.”

• Abu Sulayman Al Darani said,” I recite a verse and remain with it for 4-5 nights and do not pass on to another verse till I have ended my thinking on it.

2 aspects of understanding- 1-Tazakkur

And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition? (54:32)

Verily We have made this (Qur'an) easy in thy tongue in order that they may give heed. (Dukhan, 44:58)

We have put forth for men in this Qur'an every kind of Parable in order that they may receive admonition. (Zumar,39:27)

Tazakkur• It signifies your grasp of the general messages and

teachings of Quran. • You understand the demands which this message

makes to you• You build the will to act in accordance with it• You determine what message you must deliver to

your fellow human beings. • It is in this sense that Quran is easy to understand• It is available to every sincere inquirer• You have to strive all your life to gain this light

2-Tadabbur

• You try to find the full meaning of every word, ayah and surah

• You explore deep meanings of parables, textual cohesion, find central ideas, delve into lexical intricacies, tanzil and historical background.

• You do comparative study of tafsir• Discover all implications for the relation of man

with God, his fellow humans• Derive laws and morals for individual and society• You need knowledge of ‘Ulumul Quran’

Suggestions to improve understanding• Choose at least 5 pages to read in translation daily

and couple it with reading it in Arabic and/or listening to it in Arabic

• During Ramadan, choose to pray a certain number of rakahs for taraweeh, but also make it a point to sit down and follow the recitation with the English translation

• For Ramadan especially, try to read the translation of the surah that will be covered in that night’s prayer.

Suggestions to improve understanding• Use keywords ( like Qabr, Jannah, Hashar ) to help

your mind and heart interact with the Qur’an’s message to you.

• Listen to the Qur’an and its translation constantly; while stuck in traffic, while cooking and cleaning etc.

• Study the meanings of Qur’anic words specifically over time. Here is a good reference: :: http://abdurrahman.org/qurantafseer/learnquran.pdf

• Throughout the year, work on tajweed (correct recitation of the Qur`an in Arabic) and memorization.

6-Living Quran• 1-Mother of the believers, Aisha (RA) was asked

this question, "How was the akhlâq of our beloved Prophet (SAW)? Her response was very brief, but effective

• آُن ر# الق ُه ُل ق ُخ َك'اُن' “His character was the Qur’an!”• 2-In a hadith the Prophet said:

I was educated by my Lord, most Glorified and He educated me best.

Not living by Quran is hypocrisy (NIFAQ)• Prophet (SAW) said:• Many of the hypocrites in my Ummah will be from

amongst the reciters of the Quran. (Ahmad)• He is not a true believer in the Quran who treats as

Halal (permissible) what it has made Haram (prohibited). Read the Quran so it enables you to desist Haram. If it is not able to do so, you have not read Quran. (Tabarani).

Companions of the Prophet and the Quran• ‘Abdullah ibn (RA) spent 10 years or 12, just to master Surah

al-Baqarah. • In a process like this, it’s obvious that ibn ‘Umar (RA) was not

only determined to memorize the Surah, but in addition to memorizing it, he was determined to comprehend it, and put every single verse of it into practice.

• ‘Uthmān, Ubay ibn Ka‘b and Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd (RA) said that when they learnt 10 verses from the Prophet, everyone ensured he won’t go for more until he has mastered the 10 and put them into practice. As a result, they learnt the Qur’an, comprehended it, and then practiced it accordingly.

( Al Itqaan Fi Ulumul Quran by Suyuti)

How to practice teachings of Quran?• In order to internalize any chapter or verses in the

Qur’an, one needs to have its understanding• Having Arabic knowledge gives you a higher level of

understanding the Qur’an. • The learner is usually advised to start from the

shorter chapters• This understanding of Quran must strengthen our

Iman which motivates us to live the Quran• Ayahs understood must be put into practice

following the footsteps of the Prophet (SAW)

7-Teaching Quran

• Allah did confer a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the verses of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error. (Al `Imran: 164)

Prophet (SAW) encouraged learning and teaching Quran

Hadith

• Abu Hurayrah (RA), narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said,"No people assemble in a house among the houses of Allah (mosques) and recite the Book of Allah and study it (among themselves), but there would descend upon them tranquility; mercy would cover them; and the angels would surround them and Allah makes mention of them in the presence of those who are near Him. (Muslim)

Teaching two verses of Quran

Teaching two verses is so valuable• Uqbah ibn `Amir (RA) who said,• "Once we were in Suffa when the Messenger of Allah

( SAW) came out and said, 'Which of you would like to go out every morning to But’han (a place near Madinah) or Al-Aqiq (a valley near Madinah) and bring two large she-camels without being guilty of sin or without severing the ties of kinship?

• 'We said, 'Messenger of Allah, we would like to do it.' Upon this he said, 'Does not one of you go out in the morning to the mosque and teach or recite two verses from the Book of Allah, the Majestic and Glorious?

• That is better for him than two she-camels, and three verses are better than three (she-camels), and four verses are better for him than four (she-camels), and so on. “ (Sunan Abu-Dawood)

8-Dawah to Quran- Quranic Mission

And remember Allah took a Covenant from the People of the Book to make it known and clear to mankind and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs and purchased with it some miserable gain! and vile was the bargain they made! Ale-Imran,3:187

Quranic Mission assigned to the Prophet

O thou wrapped up (in a mantle)! Arise and deliver thy warning! (Muddasir,74:1,2)

This Qur'an has been revealed to me by inspiration that I may warn you and all whom it reaches.

Blessed is He Who sent down the Criterion to His servant that it may be an admonition to all creatures

If the Quran’s message is not proclaimed, then mission is not done

• O Messenger (Muhammad SAW)! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind. Verily, Allah guides not the people who disbelieve. (Maidah,5:67)

Situation of Muslims today• Quran is recited by millions today but it brings no

change in their situation• Many recite it, but do not understand it• If they understand it, they do not act upon it• If they act upon it, they do so on part of it and

neglect part of it• They do not bring the light of its guidance to the

world like they are commanded through words and actions.

Root Cause of present day situation of Muslim Ummah

Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in and do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do. (2:85)

Solution to Ummah’s situation is to turn to Quran and fulfill its mission

Had they established the Torah & the Injil and what has been sent down to them by their Lord, they would have eaten from above them and from beneath their feet. Maidah, 5:66 Propht (SAW) said,” Allah (SWT) makes some people to rise and others to fall by this Book.

How did the Prophet (SAW) fulfilled his mission?• Quran caused him to abandon his solitude and

confront the world living in disobedience to God• It inspired him to raise his voice against falsehood

and he stood up against disbelief and injustice• He drew every pure soul from each home and

gathered them under the banner of truth• All mischievous and corrupt forces tried to

persecute them • Quran guided the truthful in this struggle till its

guidance became the way of life and beyond

Right way for understanding Quran’s message and mission• We can not fully understand it merely by reading it• We need to act upon its teachings fully with

sincerity• We must call humanity at large to the message of

Quran for its success and salvation• We must then face struggle and hardships with

patience and steadfastness keeping full trust in Allah. This is the true Quranic path we must walk on to fully comprehend the meanings of Quran

O ye who believe! be ye helpers of Allah. (Saf,61:14)