I am confident that every Muslim reading this article would actually own at least a copy of al-Qur’an at his or her home. We are always reminded that al-Qur’an serves as guidance from Allah for us. This fact is time and again repeated particularly in this blessed month of Ramadhan, in which al-Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong) from Allah.
However, to ensure that we could practice the teachings of al-Qur’an in the best manner, we must diligently strive to comprehend its teachings.
We must understand the stories and signs (Ayat) mentioned in al-Qur’an. For Muslims that truly internalise the Divine book of al-Qur’an, Kalaamullaah (the Word of Allah) is not just mere legacy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The greatest miracle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that was revealed in stages for 23 years was entrusted upon mankind to actually learn, internalise, and then practice upon all of its contents.
Such is the best guidance, guiding humans to the true lifestyle and providing guidance to a life that is everlasting with excellence.
Al-Qur’an was revealed with the purpose of driving mankind towards the path of Truth, providing guidance, mercy, giving glad tidings, as healing, reminder, and guiding light in our lives.
Allah mentions in al-Qur’an (interpretation of the meaning): “O mankind, there has come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers,” (Yoonus 10:57).
This verse explains to us the reason that al-Qur’an was revealed, which is to provide advice, healing, and hidaayah (guidance) for the entire mankind. Hence, we must always evaluate our relationship with al-Qur’an.
In these recent times, are we actually referring to al-Qur’an in seeking guidance and counseling from Allah while we wade through our lives?
Have we pondered upon the stories and signs (ayat) mentioned in al-Qur’an and derive lessons from them?
We do not want any one of us toutilize al-Qur’an only as a home decoration item, or purely as a symbolic gift, or only “heard” when death occurs.
What is certain is that today, al-Qur’an is becoming more isolated by our society, whether the young or old. While its recitation has become seasonal, it is no longer a daily practice.
Even if recited, it is merely lip service.
We would only learn then, some would recite al-Qur’an without knowing the tajweed rulings. Not knowing the maad rulings and the proper elongation of the recitation.
Some recitation alone would suffice, whereas reciting al-Qur’an with proper tajweed and its discipline is fard ‘ayn (individual obligation) upon every Muslim. Even a mistake in the pronunciation of a letter can change the meaning of that particular verse.
Besides this do we consult al-Qur’an for our family and societal issues, like marriage, business, property disputes etc or we have kept its jurisdiction between the walls of Masjid?
In fact, with deep sorrow, I am ashamed to say that we Muslims (except a few) are not practizing its ruling properly.
The home is the early educational (tarbiyyah) institution in developing personality and nurturing a generation that recites al-Qur’an. Therefore, earnest efforts must be undertaken in realising the instilment of al-Qur’an at home.
Among them, first: It is the obligation of the parents to become exemplary for the family members. The parents should always recite al-Qur’an at home and ensure that al-Qur’an is often recited by the family members.
How is it that we would have time to read the newspaper, magazines, watching television, browsing the internet, socializing on WhatsApp and Instagram, and many others? Why cannot we allocate a little bit of time to recite al-Qur’an?
Abu Umaamah al-Baahili (RA) reported: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite it…,” (Muslim).
We as Muslims should take al-Qur’an as our main reading material at all times. Those that recites al-Qur’an, even listening or looking at al-Qur’an, will be rewarded by Allah.
Ibn Mas‘ood (RA) reported: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter” (at-Tirmidhi: hasan)
Second: Parents should instill the appreciation for al-Qur’an at home systematically by allocating suitable time for its recitation, learning, tadabbur (reflection), and teaching the recitation of al-Qur’an to family members.
Why is it that many of us as parents would grieve, become upset, disappointed, and sorrow if our children failed in their academic studies? And why is it that parents would not feel sad or disappointed if their children do not know or fail to recite al-Qur’an?
Al-Qur’an is Kalaamullaah that is noble, where it is rendered as ‘ibaadah for the one who recites it and practice upon its teachings.
Imagine! By only reciting it, we are promised with great rewards and benefits. So, what more if it is enhanced with its comprehension, internalization, and application of its teachings.
With today’s technological advancement, al-Qur’an is easily accessible. If back then it would be cumbersome to carry a physical copy of al-Qur’an, today we have mobile phones that can store various applications for al-Qur’an.
Therefore, let us include the recitation and learning of al-Qur’an as part and parcel of our lives. Let us allocate our precious time for al-Qur’an on a daily basis.
Let us begin our day with the sound of al-Qur’an and also end our day with the sound of al-Qur’an.
Similar goes with our family members. When al-Qur’an becomes part of our family lives when resting or on a vacation, then it becomes a habit and permanently remains as an interest.
Let us ponder upon a hadith narrated by Mu‘aadh al-Juhani (RA) where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “If anyone recites the Qur’an and acts according to its content, on the Day of Judgment his parents will be given to wear a crown whose light is better than the light of the sun in the dwellings of this world if it were among you. So what do you think of him who acts according to this?” (Abu Dawood: da‘eef).
Therefore, our efforts in implementing the teachings of al-Qur’an provide a second way for us to attain goodness and blessings from it.
However, to ensure that we can practice upon al-Qur’an properly, we must understand how to comprehend its teachings.
We must comprehend the stories within it, its lessons and the major themes within al-Qur’an that are related with the daily lives of our families and ours.