Give the Quran the priority it deserves

Category: Religion
Written by: Guest (on April 11, 2008 - 10:49 AM)

E-Mail Article to a Friend

We would like to take this opportunity to convey the importance of studying, reciting, memorising and acting upon al-Qur’an al-Kareem.

Many of us forget to reflect upon the fact that the Qur’an is the Word of Allah. We thus also end up denying the Qur’an the  priority that it deserves in our lives.

During the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), the Qur’an was recited regularly and frequently throughout the day. The Prophet and his Companions would sacrifice their sleep just so that they could spend hours of the night reciting the Qur’an in the qiyaam al-layl (late night prayer). Their recitations would often be so long that their feet would ache with sores. The remembrance of Allah was always moist on their lips, mashaa’ Allah.

Now we find that not only are most of us not sacrificing  our sleep to recite the Qur’an in prayer, but we are barely making enough time to be able to recite it during the day or even during the whole week!

What has made us so busy that we don’t even have enough time for the Qur’an, Allah’s Word? We live such luxurious lives compared to that of Prophet and his Companions. Our food is slaughtered, cleaned, and easy to prepare. Our vehicles are fast. Our friends are only a phone call or e-mail away. Our children have the latest gadgets and items to make things quick.

Maybe with all these luxuries, we still find that our lives are very busy. That is the nature of our lives. But from the example of the Prophet we should learn to give the Qur’an a high priority in our lives and inshaa’ Allah we will reap the rewards from this in this world and in the Hereafter.

“And We send down in the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe, and it increases the wrong-doers nothing but loss.” (Al-Israa’ 17:82)

The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) spoke highly of the benefits of the Qur’an. The Messenger of Allah said:
‘Recite the Qur’an for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite it.’ (Muslim)

He also said: ‘The best of you is one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.’ (Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet also informed us that: ‘The one who is proficient in the Qur’an, will be [placed with the honourable messenger-angels]. And he who reads with hesitation, as it is difficult for him, will be rewarded twice.’ (Al-Bukhari)

He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) had also mentioned that: ‘It will be said to the reciter of the Qur’an (on the Day of Resurrection), Recite and ascend; recite slowly and rhythmically as you used to do in the previous world; your place will be at the last aayah you recite.’ (Abu Dawood and at-Tirmithi)

The Messenger of Allah related that Allah ordered Yahyaa bin Zakariyaa with five commandments; to act upon them and convey them to the Children of Israa’eel... (the fifth one being):
‘...and I order you to make mention of Allah often, as this is like a man being pursued at speed by the enemy until he reaches a protected fortress and so protects himself inside it, likewise is the servant, he can only protect himself from the shaytaan through remembrance of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic.’ (Ahmad, al-Bukhari in at-Taareekh, at-Tirmithi, an-Nasaa’ee and others)

Please dear brothers and sisters, benefit from this reminder as we ourselves, are aspiring to benefit from it. Let us strive to recite the Qur’an often and try our best to act upon it as well.

We pray that Allah helps us in this endeavour, Aameen.

NOTE: Giving the Qur’an priority may also include all means that will help one understand the Qur’an better (ie learning Arabic, reading books and listening to tapes that help one understand the Qur’an).

(By Umm Idris and Umm Abdillaah, THE VIRTUES OF LEARNING THE QUR’AN, Gulf-Times)

Share your thoughts by posting a Talk-Back: