Etiquettes for Students of Knowledge with the Quran
Allah -the Almighty- commends those who diligently recite the Holy Quran, as stated in the verse: (Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, can expect a trade that will never perish. He will fulfill their rewards and increase for them from His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving and Appreciative). This noble verse highlights the esteemed status of Quran reciters before Allah -the Almighty- both in this world and the Hereafter. Thus, it is imperative for a student of knowledge to embody the morals and etiquettes of the Quran, including the following:
Sincerity to Allah in Recitation
The Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- warned against hypocrisy in reciting the Quran, indicating that such individuals will be the first to be judged on the Day of Resurrection. He stated: (The first of people to be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who learned knowledge, taught it, and recited the Quran. He will be brought forth and Allah will remind him of His blessings, and he will recognize them. Allah will ask him: What did you do with those blessings? He will reply: I learned knowledge, taught it, and recited the Quran. Allah will say: You have lied. You learned knowledge so that it would be said that you were knowledgeable, and you recited the Quran so it would be said that you are a reciter. It has been said, and he will be commanded to drag him on his face until he is thrown into Hell.)
Mastery of Recitation
Allah -the Almighty- stated: (Or add to it and recite the Quran with measured recitation). The Prophet -peace be upon him- further elaborated: (The example of one who reads the Quran while having memorized it is like that of a virtuous, honorable companion. The example of one who reads it while struggling is like two rewards for him.)
Reading and Implementing the Quran
This is supported by the words of the Prophet -peace be upon him-: (Whoever recites the Quran and acts upon its teachings will have his parents crowned on the Day of Resurrection with a crown whose light is better than that of the sun in your homes, if it existed among you. What do you think about the one who acts upon it?)
Completing the Quran in Seven Days
The student should strive not to exceed this timeframe if capable, as the Prophet -peace be upon him- advised Abdullah ibn Umar -may Allah be pleased with him-: (Recite the Quran in a month). I said: I find strength. He then said: Recite it in seven days and do not exceed this.)
Enhancing and Beautifying One’s Voice
It is recommended to enhance and beautify the voice when reciting the Holy Quran, as mentioned by the Prophet -peace be upon him-: (Allah has not permitted anything as He has permitted for a Prophet with a beautiful voice who recites the Quran aloud.) He also said: (Beautify the Quran with your voices.)
Additional Etiquettes for Students of Knowledge with the Quran
Below are some other etiquettes for students of knowledge when engaging with the Quran:
- Ensuring physical purity by being in a state of wudu, maintaining a clean environment such as a mosque, and using a miswak.
- It is preferable to face the Qibla during recitation.
- Beginning with seeking refuge by saying: (So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil).
- Reciting the Quran during the night, as the Prophet -peace be upon him- said: (If one of the people of the Quran stands and recites it at night, he will remember it, but if he does not stand with it, he will forget it.)
- Listening attentively to the recitation of the Quran, as Allah -the Almighty- commands: (And when the Quran is recited, listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.)
- Sticking to the recitation style commonly known among people and not mixing different styles during prayer.
- It is recommended to say “Allahu Akbar” at the end of the Quran, particularly between the chapters from Surah Ad-Duha to the conclusion of the Quran, following the tradition of the Meccans.