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The Qur’an: The Book to Be Read, Studied and Followed
By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
Islam stands as the most rational and precise religion that Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful as given to the whole mankind. The Religion from Allah I the Almighty gives importance to the acquisition of knowledge. In fact, the first revelation that Allah, our Creator (2:29,117 and 6:73), has revealed to His last and final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad r pertains to reading:
“Read!
In the name of your Rabb (Cherisher
and Sustainer, Allah) Who created — created man, out of a leech-like clot:
Read! And your Rabb is Most
Generous.” (96:1-3)
The divine commandment to read in the Name of our Creator is addressed to all humanity because Prophet Muhammad r is Allah’s universal Messenger to all mankind (34:28). When we read the Qur’ân we find it to be unique. We can not compare it to any book that claims to be “the Word of God” or “inspired.” Allah’s Book is full of wisdom and guidance. It is the Book Full of Wisdom (36:2), because, it is the Truth from our Creator (22:54) ¾ the One full of knowledge and wisdom (22:52). Allah emphasizes that He Alone has sent down the Qur’ân to us (e.g., 3:7, 5:48, 6:92,11:1, 12:1-2, 13:36-37, 25:6, 42: 17, 46:2 and 69:43-52). For instance He makes it very clear:
“This
Qur’ân is not such as can be produced by other than Allah. On the contrary it
is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation
of the Book ¾
wherein there is no doubt from the Creator of the Worlds.”
(10:37)
The Qur’ân is the Book of guidance sure, without doubt to those who fear Allah I (2:2). It is the Book that makes things clear, a Guide and Glad Tidings for the Believers (27:1-2). There is no other and no better guidance than Allah’s Book. The unique and incomparable comprehensive teachings of the Qur’ân guide mankind at all ages. They are simple, yet very practical offering the best solutions to our perplexing problems. The Qur’ân serves as Allah’s comprehensive guide and mercy to us. Allah the Exalted tells us:
“For We had certainly sent
unto them a Book based on knowledge, which We explained in detail a guide and a
mercy to all who believe." (7:52)
“
. . . We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur'an) explaining all things, a guide, a mercy,
and glad tidings to Muslims.” (16:89)
The Qur’ân is the only Book wherein Allah instructs mankind to read, study, and follow it for guidance. Allah I tells us:
" . . . Read, therefore, of the
Qur’ân as much as may be easy (for you)... Read ... and establish regular
Prayer and give zakat (charity) and
loan to Allah a beautiful loan. And whatever good you send forth for your souls,
you shall find it in Allah's presence. Yeah, better and greater in Reward."
(73:20)
“Those to whom We have given the Book (the Qur’an) study it as it should be studied: they are the ones that believe therein: those who reject faith therein the loss is their own.” (2:121)
In order to gain admonition in studying the Qur’ân (as it should be studied), Allah the Almighty enjoins us to understand, recite, listen, and remember it. He I says:
“We have revealed for you (O
mankind!) a book which will give you eminence.
Will you not then understand?” (21:10)
“Do they not then earnestly
seek to understand the Qur’ân, or their hearts locked up by them?”
(47: 24)
“And We have indeed made the
Qur’ân easy to understand and remember.
Then, is there any that will receive admonition?”
(54:17, 22, 32, 40)
“Recite what is sent of the Book by
inspiration to you, and establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains
from shameful and evil
deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest
(thing in life) without doubt.
And Allah knows the (deeds) that you do.”
(29:45)
“...
And recite the Qur’ân in slow,
measured rhythmic tones.” (73:4)
“When the Qur’ân is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that you may receive Mercy.” (7:204)
“ . . . It (Qur’ân) is indeed a Message of remembrance. Therefore let who ever will, keep it in remembrance. It is in Books held (greatly) in honor, exalted (in dignity), kept pure and holy.” (80:11-14)
The Qur’ân should be read and studied for guidance. If you are among those who have not yet read it, then do so. Compare it to any book that claims to be “the Word of God.” If you seek nothing but the truth, if you seek solely for divine guidance then, you will find that the Qur’ân is the ultimate answer. You must follow it to be truly righteous and receive Allah’s mercy. Indeed, those who follow it receive divine guidance. Allah the Almighty tells us:
“And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that you may receive mercy.” (6:155)
“Those who listen to the Word,
and follow the best of it. Those
are the ones who Allah has guided, and those are the ones endued with
understanding.” (39:18)
We have been reading so many books
in our lives; but have we ever set some time reading the Divine Book?
Have we fully understood its Message to us? Have we studied it deeply?
Have we tried our best learning how to read in Arabic and recite
Allah’s Book in its original Arabic text?
Have we been listening to it with attention?
Do we care to remember it for the pleasure of Allah I?
How many of us have been following its teachings for divine guidance?
All of us
should positively and actively
respond to these challenges. We have to remember that of all books, the Qur’ân
alone repeatedly claims in many of its ayât (verses) that it comes from
Allah. It rationally tells us the belief in the absolute oneness of
God, Allah (47:19), Who is our Only Creator (2:29, 117; 6:73), Who Alone
deserves all Praise, the Only Rabb (Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer) of
the Worlds and Whose Aid and Guidance we seek (1:1-7).
Therefore, we should worship Him as our Rabb and not to associate
partners with Him. Allah I
says:
“O mankind! Worship your
Guardian Rabb (Allah), Who created you and those who came before you that you
may become righteous. (He) Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens
your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith
fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when you know (the
truth).” (2:21-22)
For those who are very fortunate among us to have responded to Allah’s commandments to read, study and follow the Qur’ân, how many have been sharing the divine knowledge, truth, and guidance to others? In other words, how many of us are actively doing Da’wah (invitation to Islam) to the unfortunate non-Muslims?
If you are among those who still find difficulty and doubts in the Qur’ân, I invite you to read it, as it is the Truth and Divine Revelation from Allah the Almighty. Also read all books and other reading materials written all about the Book of Allah I. Do not judge Islam by the behavior of some Muslims who do not actually implement Islam. Before, during and after your readings, pray (at least supplicate) to our Only True God and Creator to open your mind and heart and be rational. Be sincere in your prayers. If you are objective in your readings, Insha Allah (God Willing), you will find the Truth. The Truth is that the Qur’ân is the Book of Allah, the One and Only True God and Creator of all mankind.
Try to be rational in your readings and accept the Truth. Contemplate and ponder upon the incomparable excellence, beauty, wisdom, truth and veracity of the Qur’ân so that you will see the Light. You will find that indeed, the Qur’ân is the Divine Message for all mankind.
Prophet Muhammad r, Allah’s Messenger to the whole mankind, teaches us the benefits and virtues of reading, remembering, reciting and following the Qur’an. The Prophet r died but his teachings based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah (his Tradition) still continue to guide those who really seek for Truth and salvation or eternal success in the Life Hereafter. The following Ahâdîth, which are authentic, should inspire us to read, remember, recite and follow the Qur’an:
Virtues of Some Selected Qur’anic Suraat (Chapters) and Ayât (Verses):
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that Allah’s Messenger r
said, “The Um (substance) of the
Qur'an is the seven oft-repeated verses (Al-Mathani) and is the Great Qur’an
(i.e. Surat-al-Fatiha).” (Bukhari
Hadith 6/227)
Abu
Said Al Mualla t narrated: “While I was praying, the Prophet called me but I did not
respond to his call. Later I said, “O Allah's Messenger! I was praying.” He
said, “Didn't Allah say: 'O you who believe! Give your response to Allah (by
obeying Him) and to His Messenger when he calls you'?” (8.24) He then said, “Shall I not teach you the most
superior Surah in the Qur'an?” He said, “(It is), 'Praise be to Allah, the
Rabb of the worlds. ' (i.e., Suraat Al-Faith) which consists of seven repeatedly
recited Verses and the Magnificent Qur'an which was given to me.”
(Bukhari Hadith 6/528)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that the Messenger r
said: “If anyone observes prayer in
which he does not recite Umm al-Qur'an, it is deficient (he said this three
times) and incomplete. It was said
to Abu Hurairah t:
“At times we are behind the Imam. He
said: “Recite it inwardly, for he had heard Allah’s Messenger r
declare that Allah the Exalted had
said: “I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant,
and My servant will receive what he asks for.”
When the servant says: “Praise be to Allah, the Rabb of the
universe”, Allah the Most High says: “My servant has praised Me.”
And when he (the servant) says: “The Most Compassionate, the
Merciful”, Allah the Most High says: “My servant has lauded Me”. When he (the servant) says: “Master of the Day of
Judgment,” He remarks: “My servant has glorified Me”, and sometimes He
will say: “My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me.”
When he (the worshipper) says: “You
Alone we worship and You Alone we
ask help”, He (Allah) says: “This is between Me and My servant, and My
servant will receive what he asks for.” Then,
when he (the worshipper) says: “Guide us to the straight path, the path of
those to whom You have been
Gracious --not of those who have incurred Your displeasure, nor of those who
have gone astray”, He (Allah) says: “This is for My servant, and My servant
will receive what he asks for.” Sufyan
said: Ala' bin Abdur Rahman bin Ya'qub narrated it to me when I went to him and
he was confined to his home on account of illness, and I asked him about it.”
(Muslim 775)
Said
Al Khudrit narrated that a man heard another man reciting Surat-ul-Ikhlas (The Purity
of Faith): “Say: He is Allah, the One (112)” and he was repeating it. The
next morning he came to Allah's Messenger and mentioned the whole story to him
as if he regarded the recitation of that Surah as insufficient. On that, Allah's
Messenger said, “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! That (Surah No. 112) equals
one-third of the Qur'an.” (Bukhari
8/638)
Abu
Hurairah t narrated that Allah’s Messenger r
said: “Get together, for I am going
to recite one-third of the Qur'an before you.” And those who could get
together gathered there. Then Allah’s Messenger r
came out and recited: “Say: 'He,
Allah, is One.'” He then entered (his house). Some of us said to the others:
“Perhaps there has been some news from the heaven on account of which he has
gone inside (the house).” Allah’s Messenger r
again came out and said: “I told
you that I was going to recite one-third of the Qur'an; keep in mind, this
(Surah al-Ikhlas) is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an.”
(Muslim 1771)
Abu
Darda t narrated that Allah’s Messenger r
said: “Is any one of you incapable
of reciting a third of the Qur'an in a night? They (the Companions) asked: How
could one recite a third of the Qur'an (in a night)? Upon this he (the Prophet r)
said: “He is Allah, One” (Qur'an, 112) is equivalent to a third of the
Qur'an.” (Muslim 1769)
Abdullah ibn Abbas and Anas ibn Malik t narrated that Allah's Messenger r said that, "When is shaken" (Al-Zalzalah, Chapter 99) is
equivalent to half of the Qur'an, "Say, He is Allah, One" (Al-Ikhlas,
Chapter 112) is equivalent to a third of the Qur'an, and "Say, O
infidels" (Al-Kafirun, Chapter
109) is equivalent to a quarter of
the Qur'an.” (Tirmidhi
2156)
Ayfa'
ibn AbdulKila'i t
told of a man who asked Allah's Messenger r
which Surah of the Qur'an was
greatest and was told that it was “Say, He is Allah, One.” He asked which
verse of the Qur'an was greatest and was told that it was the Throne Verse,
“Allah, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal.” He asked Allah's
Prophet which verse he would like to bring good to him and his people and was
told, “The end of Surah al-Baqarah, for it is one of the treasures of Allah's
mercy from under His throne, which He gave to these people, and there is no good
in this world and the next, which it does not include.”
(Tirmidhi 216 and Darimi)
Irbad
ibn Sariyah t
narrated that Allah's Messenger r
used to recite al-Musabbihat before
going to sleep, and say: “They contain a verse which is better than a thousand
verses.” (Abu Dawud 5039)
Abdullah
ibn Umar t narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said, “Can one of you not recite a
thousand verses daily?” Then when he was asked who could recite a thousand
verses daily he replied, “Can one of you not recite 'Rivalry has distracted
you' (‘Al-Haakumutakaathur’)”?” (Tirmidhi 2184 Bayhaqi transmitted it in
Shu'ab al-Iman)
Qur’an as a Source of Blessings or Rewards:
Humaid
t narrated: “I heard Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan delivering a sermon. He said,
“I heard the Prophet r saying, “If Allah wants to do a favor to somebody, He bestows on him,
the gift of understanding the Qur'an and Sunnah. I am but a distributor, and
Allah is the Giver. The state of this nation will remain good till the Hour is
established, or till Allah's Order comes.”
(Bukhari 9/415)
Abdullah
ibn Abbas t narrated that while Gabriel was sitting with Allah’s Messenger r
he heard a creaking sound above him.
He lifted his head and said: “This is a gate opened in heaven today which had
never been opened before.” Then when an angel descended through it, he said:
“This is an angel who came down to the earth who had never come down
before.” He greeted and said: “Rejoice in two lights given to you which have
not been given to any prophet before you: Fatihat al-Kitab and the concluding
verses of Surah al-Baqarah. You will never recite a letter from them for which
you will not be given (a reward).”
(Muslim 1760)
Abdullah
ibn Mas`ud t narrated that the Prophet r
said: “Whenever a person recites one letter from the Book of Allah, one good
deed is recorded for him. One good deed is equal to ten good deeds the like of
it. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim
is a letter, but A is a letter L is a letter and M is a letter.”
(Tirmidhi 1003)
Makhul
that Allah's Messenger r
said, “If anyone recites al-Imran
on a Friday, the angels will invoke blessings on him till night comes.”
(Tirmidhi 2172 and Darimi)
Abdullah
ibn Amr ibn al-'As narrated that the Prophet r
said: “If anyone prays at night
reciting regularly ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent; if
anyone prays at night and recites a hundred verses, he will be recorded among
those who are obedient to Allah; and if anyone prays at night reciting one
thousand verses, he will be recorded among those who receive huge rewards.”
(Abu Dawud 1393)
Uthman
ibn Abdullah ibn Aws ath-Thaqafi t on his grandfather's authority, narrated Allah's Messenger r
as saying, “A man's recitation of
the Qur'an without using a copy of it produces a thousand degrees of reward, but
his recitation while using a copy is double that, reaching two thousand
degrees.” (Al-Tirmidhi 2167 and Bayhaqi transmitted it in Shu'ab al-Iman)
Said
bin Al Musayyib narrated that the Prophet r
said,
“If anyone recites ten times 'Say, He is Allah, One', a palace will be
built for him in Paradise because of it; if anyone recites twenty times two
places will be built for him in Paradise because of it; and if anyone recites it
thirty times three palaces will be built for him in Paradise because of it.”
Umar ibn al-Khattab said, “I swear by Allah, Messenger of Allah, that
we shall then produce many palaces for ourselves; to which he (the Prophet r) replied, “Allah's abundant grace is even more comprehensive than
that.” (Tirmidhi 2185 and
Darimi)
Qur’an as a Source of Guidance:
Anas
bin Malikt
narrated that he heard Umar t speaking while standing on the pulpit of the Prophet r
in the morning (following the death of the Prophet r),
when the people had sworn allegiance to Abu Bakr. He said the Tashah-hud before
Abu Bakr, and said, “Amma Ba'du
(then after) Allah has chosen for his Messenger r
what is with Him (Paradise) rather
than what is with you (the world). This is that Book (Qur'an) with which Allah
guided your Messenger r,
so stick to it, for then you will be guided on the right path as Allah guided
His Messenger r
with it.” (Bukhari 9/374)
Qur’an Increases One’s Eminence or Status:
Uthmant
narrated that the Prophet r
said, “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach
it.” (Bukhari
6/545)
Aishah
(radhiallahu anha) narrated that the Prophet r
said, “Such a person as recites the Qur'an and masters it by heart, will be
with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself
to learn the Qur'an by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a
double reward.” (Bukhari
6/459)
Abu
Musa al Hashari t narrated that the Prophet r
said, “The example of a believer who recites the Qur'an is that of a citron (a
citrus fruit) which is good in taste and good in smell. And the believer who
does not recite the Qur'an is like a date, which has a good taste but no smell.
And the example of an impious person who recites the Qur'an is that of Ar-Rihana
(an aromatic plant) which smells good but is bitter in taste. And the example of
an impious person who does not recite the Qur'an is that of a colocynth which is
bitter in taste and has no smell.” (Bukhari
6/538, 9/649 and 7/338)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said, “Learn and recite the Qur'an, for to one who learns, recites and uses it
in prayer at night, it is like a bag filled with musk whose fragrance is
diffused everywhere; and he who learns it and goes to sleep having it within
him, is like a bag with musk tied up in it.” (Tirmidhi 2143, Nasa’i and Ibn
Majah)
Abu
Hurairah t narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said, “Do not wish to be the like of except the like of two men: a man whom
Allah has given the Qur'an and he recites it during the hours of the night and
the hours of the day, in which case one may say, 'If I were given the same as
this man has been given, I would do the same as he is doing.' The other is a man
whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, in which case one
may say, 'If I were given the same as he has been given, I would do the same as
he is doing. “ (Bukhari 9/619)
Hudhaifa
t narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said to us, “Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of
the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Qur'an was revealed and the
people read the Qur'an, (and learnt it from it) and also learnt it from the
Sunnah.” Both Qur'an and Sunnah strengthened their (the faithful believers)'
honesty.” (See Hadith No. 208).” (Bukhari
9/381)
Amr
bin Salaam t narrated that the Prophet r
said “…Let the one amongst you
who knows Qur'an most should lead the prayer.”
(Bukhari 5/595)
Abu
Said Al Khudri t narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said: “When there are three
persons, one of them should lead them. The one among them most worthy to act as
Imam is one who is best versed in the Qur'an.”
(Muslim 1417)
Anas bin Malik t narrated that the Prophet r
said: “A believer who recites the Qur'an is like a citron whose
fragrance is sweet and whose taste is sweet, a believer who does not recite the
Qur'an is like a date which has no fragrance but has sweet taste, a profligate
who recites the Qur'an is like basil whose fragrance is sweet but whose taste is
bitter, and the profligate who does not recite the Qur'an is like the colocynth
which has a bitter taste and has not fragrance. A good companion is like a man
who has musk; if nothing of it goes to you, its fragrance will (certainly) go to
you; and a bad companion is like a man who has bellows; if its (black) root does
not go to you, its smoke will (certainly) go to you.” (Abu Dawud 4811)
Qur’an as a Blessing and a Means of Approach to Allah:
Jubayr
ibn Nufayr t narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said, “Allah finished Suraat al-Baqarah with two verses which I have been
given from His treasure which is under the Throne; so learn them and teach them
to your womenfolk, for they are a blessing, a means of approach (to Allah) and a
supplication.” (Tirmidhi 2173 and Darimi transmitted it in mursal form)
Abu
Mas`ud Al Badrit
narrated that Allah's Messengerr
said, “It is sufficient for one to recite the last two Verses of
Surat-al-Baqara at night.” (Bukhari
5/345)
An-Nawwas
ibn Sam'ant narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger r
say: “On the Day of Resurrection
the Qur'an and those who acted according to it will be brought with Suraat
al-Baqarah and Al-i-Imran preceding them. Allah’s Messenger r
likened them to three things, which I
did not forget afterwards. He (the Prophet) likened them to two clouds or two
black canopies with light between them, or like two flocks of birds in ranks
pleading for one who recited them. (Muslim 1759)
Ayfa'
ibn AbdulKila'i t told of a man who asked Allah's Messenger r
which Surah of the Qur'an was
greatest and was told that it was “Say, He is Allah, the One.” He asked
which verse of the Qur'an was greatest and was told that it was the Throne
Verse, “Allah, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal.” He asked
Allah's Prophet r
which verse he would like to bring good to him and his people and was told,
“The end of Suraat al-Baqarah, for it is one of the treasures of Allah's mercy
from under His throne, which He gave to these people, and there is no good in
this world and the next, which it does not include.”
(Tirmidhi 2169 and Darimi transmitted it)
Qur’an as an Intercessor for Those who Recite it:
Abu
Umamah Abu Umamah t
heard Allah's Messenger r
say: “Recite the Qur'an, for on the
Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite it.
Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqarah and Surah al-Imran, for on the Day of
Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds
in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah 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. ” (Muawiya said: “It has been conveyed to me
that here Batala means magicians.”) (Muslim
1757)
Abu
Hurairah t narrated that the Prophet r
said: “A Surah of the Qur'an
containing thirty verses will intercede its reader till he will be forgiven.
That is: Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the sovereignty (Surah Al Mulk,
67)."
(Abu Dawud 1395)
Qur’an as a Source of Salvation or Expatiation Sins:
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that the Prophet r
said, “Angels keep on descending from and ascending to the Heaven in turn,
some at night and some by daytime, and all of them assemble together at the time
of the Fajr and 'Asr prayers. Then those who have stayed with you overnight
ascend unto Allah Who asks them, and He knows the answer better than they,
“How have you left My slaves?” They reply, “We have left them praying as
we found them praying.” If anyone of you says “Ameen” (during the prayer
at the end of the recitation of Surat-al-Fatiha), and the angels in Heaven say
the same, and the two sayings coincide, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Bukhari 4/446)
Abdullah
ibn Amr t
narrated that a man came to Allah’s Messenger r
and said: “Teach me to read the
Qur'an, Messenger of Allah.” He
said: “Read three Suraat which begin with A.L.R.”
He said: “My age is advanced, my mind has become dull (i.e. memory has
grown weak), and my tongue has grown heavy).”
So he said: “Then read three Suraat which begin with H.M.”
He repeated the same words. So
he said: “Read three Suraat which begin with the “Glorification of Allah”.
But he repeated the same excuse. The
man then said: “Teach me a comprehensive Surah, Messenger of Allah.”
The Prophet r
taught him Surah (99). “When the
Earth is shaken with her earthquake”. When he finished it, the man said: By
Him Who sent you with truth, I shall never add anything to it. Then man then
went away. The Prophet r
said twice:
“The man received salvation.”
(Abu Dawud 1394)
Abu
Hurairaht narrated that the Prophet r
said: “A Surah of the Qur'an
containing thirty verses will intercede its reader till he will be forgiven.
That is: “Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the sovereignty” (Surah 67).” (Abu Dawud 1395)
Qur’an as a Source of Contentment, Peace and Happiness:
Bara bin Azib t narrated that a man recited Surat-al-Kahf (in his prayer) and in the house there was a (riding) animal, which got frightened and started jumping. The man finished his prayer with Taslim, but behold! A mist or a cloud hovered over him. He informed the Prophet r of that and the Prophet r said, “O so-and-so! Recite, for this (mist or cloud) was a sign of peace descending for the recitation of Qur'an.” (Bukhari 4/811)
Abu
Mas’ud t
narrated that the Prophet r
said, “If somebody recites the last two Verses of Surah al-Baqara at night, it
will be sufficient for him.” (Bukhari
6/571)
Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah's Messenger r said: Would any one of you like, when he returns to his family, to find there three large, fat, pregnant she-camels? We said: “Yes “. Upon this he said: “Three verses that one of you recited in his prayer are better for him than three large, fat, pregnant she-camels.” (Muslim 1755)
Abdullah
ibn Mas'ud t narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said, “He who recites surah
al-Waqi'ah every night will never be afflicted by want.”
Ibn Mas'ud t used to order his daughters to recite it every night.
(Tirmidhi 2181, Bayhaqi transmitted it in Shu'ab al-Iman)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said, “A thousand years before
creating the heavens and the Earth, Allah recited Ta-Ha and Ya-Sin, and when the
angels heard the recitation they said, 'Happy are the people to whom this comes
down, happy are the minds which carry this, and happy are the tongues which
utter this.” (Tirmidhi 2148 and
Darimi)
Qur’an as a Source of Light or Enlightenment:
Abu Sa'id t narrated that the Prophet
r
said, “If anyone recites surah
al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine brightly for him till the next Friday.”
(Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 2175, Bayhaqi
transmitted it in Kitab ad-Da'wah al-Kabir)
Qur’an as Prevention for the Weakening of Faith:
Abdullah
bin Umar tnarrated
that Allah's Messenger r
said, “These hearts become rusty
just as iron does when water affects it.” On being asked what could clear them
he replied, “A great amount of remembrance of death and recitation of the
Qur'an.” (Tirmidhi 2168 and
Bayhaqi)
Qur’an as a Protection from Satan and Other Harmful Beings:
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that Allah's Messenger ordered me to guard the Zakat revenue of
Ramadan. Then somebody came to me and started stealing of the foodstuff. I
caught him and said, “I will take you to Allah's Messenger!”
Then Abu Hurairah t
described the whole narration and said:) That person said (to me), “(Please
don't take me to Allah's Messenger and I will tell you a few words by which
Allah will benefit you.) When you go to your bed, recite Ayat-al-Kursi, (2.255)
for then there will be a guard from Allah who will protect you all night long,
and Satan will not be able to come near you till dawn.” (When the Prophet r
heard the story) he said (to me), “He (who came to you at night) told you the
truth although he is a liar; and it was Satan.”
(Bukhari 6/530)
Abu
Mas`ud Al Ansari t narrated that the Prophet r
said, “If one recites the last two Verses of Surat-al-Baqara at night, it is
sufficient for him (for that night).” (Bukhari
Hadith 6/560)
Abu
Hurairaht
narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said: “Do not make your house as
graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surah al-Baqarah is
recited.” (Muslim 1707)
Abu
Darda t narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said: “If anyone learns by heart
the first ten verses of the Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the
Dajjal.” (Muslim 1766)
Shaddad
ibn Aws t narrated that Allah's Messenger r
said, “If any Muslim recites a
Surah from Allah's Book when he goes to bed, Allah will put an angel in charge
of him, and nothing which may harm him will come near him till he wakes.” (Tirmidhi 2396)
Qur’an as a Cure/Medicine:
Ibn
Abbas t narrated that some of the companions of the Prophet r
passed by some people staying at a place where there was water, and one of those
people had been stung by a scorpion. A man from those staying near the water
came and said to the companions of the Prophet, “Is there anyone among you who
can do Ruqya as near the water there is a person who has been stung by a
scorpion.” So one of the Prophet's companions went to him and recited
Surat-al-Fatiha for a sheep as his fees. The patient got cured and the man
brought the sheep to his companions who disliked that and said, “You have
taken wages for reciting Allah's Book.” When they arrived at Medina, they
said, “O Allah's Messenger! (This person) has taken wages for reciting Allah's
Book.” On that Allah's Messenger r
said, “You are most entitled to
take wages for doing a Ruqya with Allah's Book.” (Bukhari
7/633)
Alaqah
ibn Sahar at-Tamimi t
narrated that he passed by a clan (of the Arab) who came to him and said: “You
have brought what is good from this man.” Then they brought a lunatic in
chains. He recited Surah al-Fatihah over him three days, morning and evening.
When he finished, he collected his saliva and then spat it out, (he felt relief)
as if he were set free from a bond. They gave him something (as wages). He then
came to the Prophet r
and mentioned it to him. Allah’s
Messenger r
said: “Accept it, for by my life,
some accept it for a worthless charm, but you have done so far a genuine one.’
(Abu -Dawud 3413 and 3887)
Aishah
(radhiallahu anha) narrated that whenever Allah's Messengerr
became sick, he would recite Mu'awwidhat (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) and
then blow his breath over his body. When he r
became seriously ill, I used to recite (these two Suraat) and rub his hands over
his body hoping for its blessings. (Bukhari
Hadith 6/535)
Aishah
(radhiallahu anha) narrated that whenever Allah's Messenger r
became ill, he used to recite
Al-Muawidhatan (i.e. the last two Suraat of the Qur'an) and then blow his breath
and passed his hand over himself. When he had his fatal illness, I started
reciting Al-Muawidhatan and blowing my breath over him as he used to do, and
then I rubbed the hand of the Prophet r
over his body. (Bukhari 5/714)
Aishah
(radhiallahu anha) narrated that whenever the Prophet r go went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow
over it after reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas, and
then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting
with his head, face and front of his body. He used to do that three times.
(Bukhari Hadith
6/536A)
Indeed, the Qur’an being the Book of Allah the Almighty is so full of virtues that bring benefits to mankind. It is the solution to all sorts of problems in this world and the source of salvation, peace, contentment and eternal happiness in the life Hereafter. The above compilations on the Ahâdîth pertaining to the benefits and virtues of the Qur’an must encourage us to spend time studying and following the Book of Allah the Almighty. We have to follow the Prophet r who not only memorized the Qur’an but also lived an exemplary successful life for us to follow. According to ‘Aishah (radhiallahu anha), Allah’s Messenger r acted what was revealed to him in the Qur’an (Bukhari 1/78). In order to attain Allah’s pleasure by obeying and following His Universal Messenger r, it is imperative that we study and follow the Qur’an. We must remember that doing so is acting on the Prophet’s will as he bequeathed to us the Qur’an as narrated in the following authentic Hâdîth:
Talha
bin Musarrif t reported:
“I asked 'Abdullah bin Abu Aufa
Did the Prophet make a will?” He replied, “No,” I asked him, “How is it
then that the making of a will has been enjoined on people, (or that they are
ordered to make a will)?” He replied, “The Prophet r bequeathed Allah's Book (i.e. Qur’an).”
(Bukhari 4/3)
The Qur’ân certainly serves as Allah’s guide and mercy to all humanity (27:76, 77; 31:3). It guides us to the Right Path, Islam ¾ the only perfect religion (5:3) acceptable to Allah (3:19; 3:85). It will forever remain as the pure divine guidance to all humanity. Allah has promised to guard it against all sorts of change or perversion (15:9). It serves as the authentic proof of the divine mission of Prophet Muhammad r, the unlettered Prophet (7:158). Allah I tells us that He sent down the Qur’ân to His Servant, Prophet Muhammad r (18:1) by inspiration (42:7) ¾ through the Angel Gabriel (16: 102). He revealed it in stages (17:106) and arranged it gradually to strengthen our hearts (25:32). He took charge of its collection and promulgation (75:16-17).
We should thank Allah for inspiring His Messenger r with the best conduct (i.e., Sunnah or Tradition/ Way) and wisdom (i.e., Ahâdîth or Teachings and Sayings). The Prophet’s Sunnah and Ahâdîth completely guide us how to live according to the Qur’ân. Allah’s Book guides us to believe and obey Muhammad r (3:31-32, 4:170 and 47:33). For our complete guidance, it is a must for us to follow Muhammad’s Sunnah because, he is Allah’s universal Messenger to all mankind (34:28) and the Seal of the Prophets (33:40) whom Allah, the Mighty One, taught and inspired (53: 4, 10) with Guidance and the Religion of Truth to make it prevail over all religions (61:9).
Allah’s Book with its instruction to mankind to follow the Sunnah (and Ahâdîth) of the Prophet r is the only comprehensive divine guidance to all mankind. It covers all subjects affecting mankind, be it physical, material or economic, socio-cultural, political, legal, religious and spiritual, or the like. It talks not only about us and our environment; but also the events and circumstances affecting us. Allah I says that nothing has been omitted from it (6:38). It is further explained in detail (11:1 and 6:114). Any rational man or scientist who had become atheist because of the misconception that, “the Word of God disagrees with science” will discover the Truth. He will be enlightened to know that Allah’s Book contains information about the scientific facts of life because it is the Truth of assured certainty (69:51).
For our eternal peace, happiness and prosperity, we have to read, study and above all follow the Qur’ân. It is the only true and comprehensive Divine Revelation from Allah that guides us to righteousness and eternal happiness. Our Creator I tells us:
“Verily this Qur’ân does
guide to that which is most right (or stable), and gives the glad tidings to the
Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent
reward...” (17:9-10)
Allah I will reward the righteous the Garden of Paradise as their final abode (25:15-16). They shall have joy in all that they do and shall have whatever they call for (36:55-57). The greatest bliss, however, is the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme triumph (9:72). Allah I promises them the eternal Garden where they will enjoy comfort and peace. He I says:
“But those who believe and do
deeds of righteousness ¾
We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, ¾
to dwell therein forever. Allah 's promise is the truth, and whose word can be
truer than Allah's?” (4:122)
“Except those who repent and believe and work righteousness, for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least ¾ Gardens of Eternity, those which (Allah) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the Unseen, for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass. They will not there hear any vain discourse, but only salutations of Peace. And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening. Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our Servants who guard against evil.” (19:60-63)
“Verily, the Companions of the Garden shall that Day have joy in all that they do; they and their associates will be in pleasant shade, reclining on raised couches; (every) fruit will be there for them. They shall have whatever they call for Peace ¾ a Word (of salutation) from the Rabb (Sustainer) Most Merciful.” (36:55-58)
Part of Allah’s guidance is His warning to the non-Muslims about the Hell-fire. He tells us about Hell as His terrible punishment that awaits those who deny His Book. Allah I warns:
Praise be to Allah, Who has sent to His Servant the Book, and has allowed therein no Crookedness: (He has made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the Godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him... You would only, perchance, fret yourself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message. (18:1-6)
Allah I warns the Unbelievers of the Hell as their final and eternal abode for denying the Truth. He says:
“Those who reject Our Signs, We shall soon cast them into the Fire; as often as their skins are roasted through. We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the Chastisement, for Allah is Exalted in Power, All-Wise.” (4:56)
“In
front of such a one is Hell, and he is given for drink, boiling fetid water. In
gulps will he sip it, but never will he be near swallowing it down his throat.
Death will come to him from every quarter, yet will he not die, and in front of
him will be a chastisement unrelenting.” (14:16-17)
“This is the Hell of which you were promised! Embrace you the (Fire) this Day, for that you (persistently) rejected (the Truth).” (36:63-64)
“Who, then, does more wrong
than one who utters a lie concerning Allah and rejects the Truth when it comes
to him! Is there not in Hell an
abode for the unbelievers?” (39:32)
If you are among those who deny the Book of Allah I, time has come that you must seek divine guidance. Know that true guidance comes from Allah I Alone. For your eternal salvation and success, you must firmly believe that the Almighty has sent down the Qur’ân as the Book of Guidance for us to follow (6:155; 39:18). One very important guidance that we can get by reading and following the Qur’ân is to protect ourselves from falsehood. Allah guides us to ask for proofs for those who want to lead us astray. He I says:
“And
they say: ‘None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.’
Those are their (vain) desires. Say:
‘Produce your proof if you are truthful.’”
(2:111)
“...Say: `Bring you the Torah
and study it, if you be men of truth.’ If
any, after this invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust
wrong-doers.” (3:93-94)
“Or
have they taken for worship (other) gods besides Him?
Say, ‘Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those before
me.’ But most of them know not
the Truth, and so turn away.” (21:24)
Aside from asking for proofs, Allah guides us to understand, to ponder and to contemplate on His Divine Book. He I says:
“Do they not ponder on the
Qur’ân? Had it been from other
than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.” (4: 82)
“We have revealed for you (O
mankind!) a book, which will give
you eminence. Will you not then understand?”
(21:10)
“Do they not then earnestly
seek to understand the Qur’ân or are their hearts locked up by them?” (47:24)
“Do they not ponder over the Word come to them that did not come to their fathers of old?” (23:68)
“(Here is) a Book which We
have sent down unto you full of blessings that they may contemplate on its Signs
and that men of understanding may receive admonition.”
(38:29)
It is obligatory that we believe and follow the whole of the Qur’ân. If we reject any part of it, we will suffer grievous punishment in the Hereafter. Allah I warns:
. . . 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 chastisement
for Allah is not unmindful of what you do.
These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the
Hereafter: their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped. (2:85-86)
Indeed, the Qur’ân is Allah’s Divine Book so full of wisdom, truth, and guidance to all humanity. Therefore, for our guidance and eternal success, we have to read, study and follow it.
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