The Holy Quran
The Holy Quran is not simply a religious book but its a guide for us humans on leading life, the key to success, and the answer to all our problems. Understanding this is the first step, to making this book a part of our life. It contains all the guidance we need and acts as a complete code of conduct to lead a pious and successful life.
وَأَنْ أَتْلُوَ الْقُرْآنَ ۖ فَمَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِ ۖ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَقُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ – 27:92
And to recite the Quran, so whosoever receives guidance, receives it for the good of his own self, and whosoever goes astray, say (to him): “I am only one of the warners.
As per Islamic history, the Holy Quran was revealed on our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in 610 CE in the cave of Hira by the angel Gabriel. The first revelation was as follows
Recite in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a blood clot. Recite, for your Lord is most magnanimous – who taught by the pen; taught man that which he did not know. (96:1-5)
As Muslims, we really have no excuse not to follow the divine path and the teachings of Allah and Islam. In fact, in Islam, a lot of importance and honor has been placed on those that recite and teach the Quran to the others.
خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 5027
Common Struggles and Solutions
However, we also understand the human struggle of getting caught up in daily life and failing to make the Quran a part of our lives. It’s very common to see Muslims be involved in recitation but they fail to understand it and implement the teachings in their life. A lot us have reservations when it comes to the recitation of the Quran, which commonly revolves around struggling with Arabic (as a non-native speaker) or failing to understand the meaning or context behind a verse.
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ – 12:2
We have sent it down, an Arabic Quran, in order that you understand
كِتَابٌ فُصِّلَتْ آيَاتُهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ – 41:3
A Book whereof the Verses are explained in detail; A Quran in Arabic for people who know.
There are very simple solutions to all of these aspects. As far as reciting the Quran in Arabic is considered, there are now endless resources available on the Arabic language and specifically on the recitation of the Quran. Numerous books and quranic Qaidas have been written for helping readers recite it in Arabic. In fact, we also have certain electronic devices available now to help us with recitation. Some popular books by Darussalam are as follows.
Similarly, we also have Qurans with transliterations and translations available in all languages.
This really leaves no excuse for us not to recite the Quran. We also have to realize that its not just the recitation of the Quran that is important and necessary but the true essence lies in understanding the word of Allah and implementing it in our life. This is where hadiths and tafsirs come in to play. Referring to a tafsir can help as they provide context and explanations for the verses. Once again tafsirs can be bought in multiple languages.
The Sunnah or the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the form of ahadith come second to the Holy book and complete the teachings of Islam. The teachings of the Quran coupled with the Sunnah is all we Muslims need in the form of guidance.
Some notable ahadith books are as follows:
The Habit of Recitation
Now for the question of forming the habit of reciting and understanding the Quran, for starters, we need to form a conscious effort of reading and learning the holy book. Where there is a will there is a way. Here we will also provide some tips that can be adopted to become more proactive in regards to the Quran.
- Schedule a specific time in the day or even per week dedicated to this task. If it makes it easier, feel free to note down the time in a diary or set an alarm. The key is to stick to a schedule to make it an unconscious effort.
- Keep your own copy of the Quran and keep it close to make it easier to recite whenever free time is available for a quick recitation. We have resorted to storing this noble book on shelves in elaborate covers as a sign of respect but fail to achieve the purpose behind this divine revelation which is following the Quran.
- Keep good and authentic translations and tafsir books for cross reference when reciting. Reciting and understanding the verses simultaneously is one of the best ways to go about covering the teaching of the Quran. Take notes if it helps, jot down any verses that you are having trouble with and cross-check it with your tafsir or a scholar.
- Concentrate while reciting the Quran and free your mind of worldly distractions. Recitation or study of this holy book is not a chore but instead brings spiritual, and mental peace to an individual. So clear your mind and recite with the spirit of faith in your heart and the intention to understanding the meaning behind the teachings.
We hope these tips will help you mould your life in the light of Islam. We hope you share these tips and advice with your friends and family.
May Allah accept our efforts.