The Holy Qur’an
The Holy Qur’an is the most revered book ever revealed to humanity, containing the most excellent and complete set of laws bestowed upon the best of mankind, the Ummah of Islam. Allah, the Almighty, has made it a proof for humanity and an intercessor for its followers on the Day of Judgment. However, when Muslims turn away from it, opting for distractions such as entertainment, newspapers, and magazines, they diminish its immense value. There is no doubt that neglecting the Holy Qur’an leads to great losses, unless one returns to it and to the righteous path of Allah. If we reflect on the life of the esteemed companion, Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him), we see his unwavering commitment to its recitation and contemplation, prioritizing it above all else, despite his role as the caliph and his important responsibilities. Therefore, a Muslim must hold fast to this sacred light through its recitation, understanding, and implementation of its commandments and prohibitions, ensuring that the Qur’an serves as a proof for them before Allah.
Hadiths Highlighting the Virtue of the Qur’an
Numerous authentic hadiths underscore the significance of the Holy Qur’an and encourage its recitation. Below are some of these hadiths:
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The one who reads the Qur’an proficiently is with the noble and righteous scribes; and the one who finds it difficult to read will have two rewards.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “There is no envy except in two cases: A man whom Allah has taught the Qur’an, and he recites it day and night, and a neighbor hears him and says, ‘I wish I had been given like what so-and-so has been given, so that I could do as he does.’”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) declared: “Recite the Qur’an, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) noted: “The example of the believer who recites the Qur’an is like that of a fragrant fruit; its smell is pleasant and its taste is sweet. And the example of the believer who does not recite the Qur’an is like that of a date; it has no smell but is sweet in taste.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) narrated: “No group of people gather in one of the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that tranquility descends upon them, mercy envelops them, angels surround them, and Allah mentions them among those who are with Him.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) remarked: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a good deed, and a good deed is multiplied tenfold. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is a letter, but rather Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, Allah has households among people.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, who are they?” He replied: “They are the people of the Qur’an, the people of Allah and His special ones.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mentioned: “On the Day of Resurrection, the Qur’an will be brought along with its companions who acted upon it. Surah Al-Baqarah and Al-Imran will precede it, and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) compared them to two clouds or two shades, with a clear distinction between them, or like two flocks of birds in flight, advocating for their companion.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) expressed: “The one who has nothing from the Qur’an inside him is like a ruined house.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “It will be said to the possessor of the Qur’an: ‘Recite and ascend in status, and recite as you used to recite in the worldly life, for your position will be at the last verse you recite.’”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mentioned: “When the son of Adam recites a verse of prostration and prostrates, the devil withdraws weeping, saying: ‘Woe to me! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate and he prostrated, so Paradise is for him. I was commanded to prostrate and I refused, so Hellfire is for me.’”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The possessor of the Qur’an will come on the Day of Resurrection and will say: ‘O Lord, let him wear the crown of honor.’ He will be crowned, then he will say: ‘O Lord, increase him,’ and he will be clothed in garments of dignity. Then he will say: ‘O Lord, be pleased with him,’ and it will be said: ‘Recite and ascend,’ and he will be given a good deed for every verse.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) advised: “Enhance the recitation of the Qur’an with your voices, for a good voice makes the Qur’an more beautiful.”
The Virtue of the People of the Qur’an and the Rewards of Recitation
Reciting the Holy Qur’an is a significant act of worship that earns Muslims great rewards and draws them closer to Allah. Through contemplation of the Qur’an, reflection on its meanings, and the implementation of its teachings, one finds tranquility and peace in their heart, alongside joy in recitation. Allah states: “Indeed, those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” Allah has guaranteed the preservation of the Qur’an from any alterations or distortions. It is worth noting that angels descend among those who study and recite the Qur’an. The Qur’an serves as an intercessor for its followers on the Day of Judgment, and those who diligently observe its teachings will be honored with the crown of dignity as a mark of respect.