The Qur’an was revealed to be recited, respected, understood and internalized.

I Seek refuge in Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), from the Shaitan.

      In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

         Islam has two primary sources, the Qur’an, and (Sunna) the authentic Traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), that explain and sometimes expand on that of the Qur’an.

         

Bismillah Al-Hamdulillah WA salatu WA Salamu 'ala RasulAllah

Amma ba'd

The HOLY QURAN IS SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND IMPOSSIBLE TO IMITATE.

The Qur’an was revealed to be recited, respected, understood and internalized.
Are you learning Qur’an this Ramadan? Are you reading more then last Ramadan? Have you improved on it this Ramadan?
The Holy Qur'an says that no man will be able to forge even a part of it and that no corruption shall touch it from any side. It is a miracle that the Holy Qur'an has remained unchanged and unaltered during all these 1400 years and it shall remain so till the Day of Resurrection, for Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), has taken it on Himself to protect it.
The Book of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is like an ocean. The less learned, like children, collect pebbles and shells from its shores. The scholars and thinkers, like pearl divers, bring out from it the highest philosophy, wisdom and rules of a perfect way of living. For easy daily recitation, the Qur'an is divided into thirty equal parts. One part takes only twenty-four reading minutes, and the whole Book requires twelve reading hours. There are 114 chapters, and 6,226 verses, containing 99,464 words made up of 330, 113 letters.
.The first chapter is recited in every prayer.
   It is important to Muslims. It can be translated as follows:
    Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening)

   Praise is only for Allah, Lord of the Universe.

The most Kind, the most Merciful.

The master of the Day of Judgment.

You alone we worship and to you alone we pray for help.

Show us the straight way, the way of those whom you have blessed.

Who have not deserved your anger? Nor gone astray.

"Shahru ramadaanal-lathi unzila feehil-Quraana huda linnaasi wa bay-yinaatim-minal hudaa wal furqaan. Fa man shahida minkumu shahra fal yasumhu" Qur’an (2:185).

"Ramadan is the (month) in which the Qur'an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting."

This Quranic verse explains the inseparable link between the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan

The Qur’an is characterized by a unique phenomenon never found in any human authored book.

Every element of the Qur’an is mathematically composed - the Surah, the verses, the words, the number of certain letters, the number of words from the same root, the number and variety of divine names, the unique spelling of certain words, the absence or deliberate alteration of certain letters within certain words, and many other elements of the Qur’an besides its content. There are two major facets of the Quran’s mathematical system: (1) The mathematical literary composition, and (2) The mathematical structure involving the numbers of Surah and verses. Because of this comprehensive mathematical coding, the slightest distortion of the Quran’s text or physical arrangement is immediately exposed.

"Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr.

And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is?

The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months

Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah's Permission with all Decrees,

Peace! Until the appearance of dawn (97:1-5)

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).

(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does well of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." (2:183-84)

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.

Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him" (2: 185).

The relationship between the Month of Fasting and the Book of Guidance (Al-Qur'an) are tied in the heavens.

 It is well acknowledged that the revelation of the Qur'an to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) began in the month of Ramadan in the Cave of Hira where he used to make an annual retreat.

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…." (Qur'an 2 verse 185).

The importance of this relationship is further strengthened with the knowledge that Angel Jibril Alayhi salaam would visit the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) every night in Ramadan to recite the Qur'an together: "…in the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him, and Jibril used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) used to recite the Qur'an to Jibril, and when Jibril met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare)." (Bukhari)

The more reason we are encouraged to read and study the Qur'an in this blessed month is because Ramadan intends to make us closer to the Qur'an. It wants to make us a part of their union because whoever studies and abide by the Qur'an will no doubt attain the goal of Ramadan (self-restraints, piety and noble conducts. This is because the Qur’an is guidance, mercy and protection all packed for the adornment of the believer. "And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) as Muslims)." (Qur'an 16 verse 89)

The month of Ramadan should be filled with the recitation of the Qur’an and reflection on its meaning. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Qur'an and humiliates others by it." (Muslim)

The Qur'an will also elevate its reciters on the Day of Judgment. Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)'s Messenger, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The one who was devoted to the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Judgment: ‘Recite and ascend (in Ranks) as you used to recite when you were on earth. Your rank (station) will be at the last verse you recite." (Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi)

Further, it will also intercede for its reciters on the day when we would require all help. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam): "Recite the Qur’an for indeed it will come on the Day of Judgment as an intercessor for its Ashhab (those who read memorize and implement it)". (Muslim)

In order to benefit from the gift of the Qur'an, we have to recite it (avoid reading too fast, remember we have been instructed to "…recite the Qur’an (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style." (Qur'an 73 verse 4). Follow the etiquettes of reciting it, which includes being in a state of wudu, correct pronunciation, seeking refuge from Shaitan). Then we have to memorize it .The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it" [Bukhari]).

For those who are already in the habit of reading the Qur'an every Ramadan,

Try and make sure to complete the entire Qur'an, if you have not been doing so in the past.

 Also, take this as an opportunity to get into the habit of reading the Qur'an daily even when Ramadan is over.

If you have not been reading the Qur'an during Ramadan in the past,

Then decide how much time you can reasonably take out of your schedule to read Qur'an on a daily basis.

 Don't push yourself to do too much,

Otherwise you'll end up right back where you started: not reading the Qur'an at all. Also remember,

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.

” Therefore, it's very important that you make a Ramadan schedule that you can stick to.

Is There A Minimum One Should Read?

Well, some scholars – such as Imam Ahmad and others –

Have disliked for a person to not complete the Qur'an at least every 40 days,

 Based on a Hadith of `Abdullah b. `Amr in which the Prophet the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) Instructed him to recite the Qur'an in forty days. Another narration gives the minimum as once a month.

However, this should not be taken as something obligatory,

 Particularly for those: who are not in the habit of reading Qur'an at all, or are not proficient in reciting the Qur'an, such as new Muslims.

 For them to attempt, all at once, to start reading the entire Qur'an once a month would probably become a barrier to them reading the Qur'an at all.

 As a bare minimum, one should study ten verses a day. This is based this on the narration of ibn Masud that the Companions used to learn the Qur'an ten verses at a time.

Since the hunger and thirst brought on by fasting softens the heart and makes it more receptive, this is an excellent time to try and read and contemplate the Qur'an. For that reason, I would highly recommend not merely reading the Qur'an, but studying it. It was the Sunnah of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) to study the Qur'an nightly with Jibril. It was this sort of thoughtful study of the Qur'an that had an impact on the quality of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) deeds. He was already the most generous of all human beings, yet study of the Qur'an in this month increased him in generosity.

The Messenger of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) (prayers of Allah be upon him and his family) has said: “These hearts rust just as iron rusts; and indeed they are polished through the recitation of the Qur’an.”

We have to live the Qur'an (the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) he was described as the Walking Qur'an by his wife, Aishah (RadiAllahu anha). The Qur’an was revealed to be recited, respected, understood and internalized. So, don’t just recite the Qur’an in Ramadan, memorize it, digest it and live it!

Set of rules for dealing with the Qur’an.

   Before one touches the book one must perform ritual washing or ablution i.e. beginning with the intention of ablution and the washing of the face, followed by the washing of 2 hands up to the elbows, to be followed by washing part of the head and finally the washing of the 2 legs up to the ankles.

 The Qur'an itself states that only those who are clean and pure should touch the sacred text: "This is indeed a Holy Qur'an, in a book well-guarded, which none shall touch but those who are clean..." (56:77-79). The Arabic word translated here as "clean" is mutahiroon, a word that is also sometimes translated as "purified".

   Some argue that this purity or cleanliness is of the heart, i.e. that only Muslim believers should handle the Qur'an. However, the majority of Islamic scholars interpret these verses to also refer to a physical cleanliness or purity, which is attained by making formal ablutions (wudu). Therefore, most Muslims believe that only those who are physically clean through formal ablutions should touch the pages of the Qur'an.   

Muslims are to listen in attentively whilst the Qur'an is being read.

    For the ease of reading so that we can pay attention to the meanings of the Qur’an) a special book stand (rihal) is used to keep it of the floor in respect of the Holy Book.

    There are various customs in different areas - these include:  The Qur'an is covered with cloth to keep it clean and protect it.

      It is kept on a high shelf with nothing above it. Before some readers will read it they touch their forehead with the book and kiss the cover.

The Qur’an was given to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) over 23 years (13 years whilst he was in Makkah and 10 years while he was in Madinah).  The longest chapters are at the beginning of the Holy Book and the shorter ones at the end of the Qur’an.

Children start with memorizing the smaller chapters at the end.

  

Tajweed

The word "Tajweed" means to improve, make better.

   Tajweed of the Holy Qur'an is the knowledge and application of the rules of recitation so the reading of the Qur'an is as the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), recited.

Tajweed and its application can only be learned with a qualified teacher.

The rules themselves can be studied independently, but their correct application can only be done by listening to, reciting to, and being corrected by, a qualified teacher of the Qur'an.

Do all Arabs know how to recite the Qur'an with proper Tajweed? (Simple answer is NO)

Unfortunately many do not know proper Tajweed. 

In the days of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), there was no need for the study of Tajweed because they talked with what is now known as Tajweed; in other words, it was natural for them.

 Now, over 14 centuries later, colloquial Arabic has changed radically from the classical Arabic with which the Qur'an was revealed, and Arabs have to study Tajweed, just in the same way that non-Arabs do.

Do you want to learn the Qur’an?

I want to learn to recite the Qur'an with proper Tajweed, but don't know where to start.

The first step is finding a qualified Qur'an teacher who will listen to you and point out your mistakes, and help you practice fixing them. 

You will need to learn the Arabic letters and vowels too.

What if there aren't any qualified teachers where I live?

Then your task is going to be a little harder, but certainly not impossible.

 You need to work with tapes of good reciters. That allows the student to repeat what the reciter has just read.

You will need to work on the pronunciation of letters by getting a description of the articulation points and practice placing your tongue, lips, or finding the place in your throat where the letter is articulated from, and compare it to the letter when recited by the Sheikh.

My friends do not lose heart. Keep the following Hadith in the back of your mind:

“Recite the Qur'an, for on the Day of Resurrection, it shall come as an intercessor for its companion.” [Muslim]

The Messenger of Allah (blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) has said:

 “The best of those amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and then teaches it to others.”

May Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) give us the Tufiq to be able to study the Qur’an and implement it in our daily lives in accordance to the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam?)

If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),

      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.

May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.

May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!

Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.

 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?

May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........

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