The Qur'an as a Role Model-ramadan

8/4/2019 The Qur'an as a Role Model-ramadan

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NABEEL BALA ZAKARIA

08032219626, [email protected]

August, 2011 - Ramadan 1432

Eleven Steps To Memorizing The Holy Quran

Nine Great Benefits Of Reciting The Holy Quran

Eight Tips For Improving Your Relationship With The Holy Quran
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE

MOST BENEFICIENT THE MOST MERCIFUL

I dedicate this work to my junior brother, Usman, and my youngest sister, Hafsat.


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INTRODUCTION

Praise is to Allah the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon his Noble

Messenger Muhammad, his family members, his companions and those who followed

their path till the Day of Judgment.

Allah (SWT) who guarantees the preservation of His Book the Holy Quran has made

it so easy for the Muslim nation to memorize the Quran and ordered His servants toread its verses, understand its meanings, and act upon it. Indeed, there so many

Quran verses and Prophetic Hadiths that urge to read and memorize the Noble

Quran, and show the great status enjoyed by those who have memorized the Quran

and acted accordingly to its rules. And for that reason, the Prophets companions (RA)

and the righteous people who followed, generation after generation, used to compete

in memorizing the Quran. They were also keen to raise their children accordingly, to

recite the Holy Quran (with tajweed) and memorize it to perfection, and to fully

understand its promise and intimidation.

In fact, this small textbook includes helpful and valuable recommendations and

benefits for reciting and memorizing the Holy Quran as it is ought to be recited (in

slow rhythmic tones). I have also singled out in this booklet what I believe to be the

needs of many students for some recommendations, to serve as a guide and easy

reference for them. I pray to Allah (SWT) to help us in serving his Noble Book to

inspire young Muslims and students to adhere strictly to the guidance of the Quran.

Lastly, although every care has been taken to check mistakes and misprints, yet it is

difficult to claim perfection. Any error, omission and suggestion for the improvement

of this small textbook, brought to my notice, will be thankfully acknowledged and

incorporated in the next and oncoming articles InshaAllah(SWT).

NABEEL BALA ZAKARIADepartment of Electrical Engineering,

Bayero University, Kano


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1. ELEVENSTEPS TO MEMORIZING THE HOLY QURAN

Memorizing the Quran is a great virtuous deed. It will intercede for the one who

memorizes it and will also act as prevention for one to enter Hell-Fire. According to

Ahadith, it is also narrated that Allah will never put a person in Hell-Fire who has

any part of the Quran in his heart.The Golden Age, as described by the classical

scholars, is between the ages five (5) to twenty three (23) years. Definitely, the golden

age is the best time to memorize the Quran, as it is the peak of a persons memory.

This age factor is a great bonus and aid for those wishing to memorize the Quran

and should be utilized by the person immediately. Below are eleven (11) simple steps

a person needs to practice in order to memorize the Quran fast and effectively:

1. Staying away from sins and ungodliness

Any heart which is occupied by disobedience and fighting for all kinds of desires in

this world would definitely have no place for the light of the Holy Quran to come

through. In fact, sins act like a barrier and make the memorization and

understanding ofthe Quran verses unachievable. Indeed, Satansdelusions take you

away from the remembrance of Allah (SWT), as mentioned in the Quran: Satanhas

got the better of them: so he has made them forgot the remembrance of Allah.

[Quran\ Al-Mujadala: 19]

Abdullah Bin Mubarak narrated that Al-Dahhak Bin Muzahim said: No one has

learnt the Quran and then forgot it, but due to sins he committed, because Allah

(SWT) says in the Quran: Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because of thethings your hands have wrought [Quran\ Ash-Shura: 30]

{See Fadail Al-Quran, by Ibn Katheer. p. 147}

Imam Ash-ShafiI (RA) said in his poem:

I complained to Wakee (his master) about my ill memorization,

So he asked me to avoid the sins,

And he told me that knowledge is a light,

And that light of Allah (SWA) is not granted to the disobedient

So therefore brothers and sisters in Islam, there are reasons for good memorization

among them avoiding the sins. So that if a person snubs himself and turned to the

approval of Allah (SWT) his ears will be receptive and his mind becomes clear of anymist covering the heart due to sins.

In conclusion, if a person strives to distance himself from the sins then Allah (SWT)

opens his heart and guides him to reflect on the verses of His Book, and facilitates to

him the learning and memorization of the Noble Quran. In this matter, Allah (SWT)

Says: And those who strives in Our (Cause), -We will certainly guide them to Our

paths: for verily Allah is with those who do right[Quran\ Al-Ankabut: 69]


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2. Al-Ikhlas - Sincerity

The first step to ease the memorization of the Quran is sincerity. The person must

memorize the Quran for the sake of reward and to please Allah. Not to show off, aim

to impress others or in order to get a Job (e.g. as Imaamof the Mosque).

3. Correct the pronunciation and recitationAnother factor that will help a person memorize the Quran is to correct the

pronunciation and recitation of the Quran. This can be achieved by listening to a

Qari(Quran reciter) whose style of recitation you like and make you feel connected

to the Quran.

4. Specify how many verses you want to memorize on a daily basis

For example, commit yourself to memorize 3, 5, 10, 20 verses per day. If you give

yourself a target to memorize three (3) verses per day, read the three verses you have

memorized along with the new three verses you are trying to memorize for example, Ifyou memorize three (3) verses on day one, the next day you should memorize another

3 verses and repeat the verses you memorized the day before. Another tactic to

memorize the Quran is to keep repeating the verses at any opportunity with tajweed

(tune). The tajweed will cause the person to enjoy the tune of recitation, thus

allowing the person to memorize that verse.

5. Do not exceed the limit of your day

If you have committed yourself to memorizing for example 5 or 10 verses per day,

then do not exceed it. Commit yourself to a regular number of verses you wish tomemorize everyday and do not change this pattern

6. Memorize from only one copy of theQuran

This is because in every Quran, the layout of the verses is different. If you memorize

from one copy you will have a mental picture of the verse in your mind. Whereas if

you attempt to memorize from many different copies of the Quran, it could lead to

confusion and difficulty in memorizing the Quran.

7. Understanding is a mechanism of memorizingUnderstanding the verses will definitely increase memorization and also khushoo

(ritual fear and focus) during Salaah.

8. Do not go to another chapter until you finish the chapter you are on

Memorizing the Quran in chapters is the best way to memorize the Quran, as it will

be easier to remember where you stopped last.


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2. NINE GREATBENEFITS OF RECITING THE HOLY QURAN

9. Do not listen to yourself all the time

It is advisable to recite in front of someone who is Hafizul Quran (one who has

memorized the Quran), as this will not only benefit the hafiz, but he will correct him

on any mistakes he makes.

10. Continuity - Always recite to yourself, where ever you are

It has been reported that the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said that the Quran willrun away from the tongue of a person faster than an untied camel. Make sure you

constantly recite the Quran wherever you are, for example on the bus, whilst

travelling, relaxing at home, etc.

11.

Identify the patterns of the versesThe Quran is Mutashaabihaat, which means that it has a pattern. Verses often look

and sound like each other, which is a great way to memorize the Quran. Difficulties

abound in memorizing the Quran for those who have passed the golden age, have a

disability or any hardship. It is advisable to have plenty of honey and black seed,

which are natural remedies that aid memorization as well as cure sicknesses.

Indeed to reflect on Allah's verses is a form of worship that will draw one close to

Allah the Most High. This reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather it

includes a study of the classical tafseerof the verses being pondered over. This will

fulfill Ibnul-Qayyim's great advice, "Such as reflecting over a book, which a person

has memorized, and he expounds it so that he may understand what its author

intends by it." So dear brother and sister Muslims! Know that reciting and pondering

over the Book of Allah, devoting your time regularly to its study and implementation

has tremendous benefits in this life and the Next, so let us now look at just a few ofthem to attach ourselves more firmly to Allah's Majestic Words. Each benefit stands

as enough of an encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves

to the Qur'an. Below are simple points that are benefits of reading the glorious

Quran.

1 - Reading and reflecting over the Qur'an fulfils an Islamic duty.

Indeed the Prophet (PBUH) summarized this Religion with his statement: "The

Religion is naseehah(sincerity)!" Tameem ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him,


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then said, "We asked, 'To whom?'" He said: "To Allah, HIS BOOK, His Messenger, the

leaders of the people, and their common folk." [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to

the Book of Allah includes its regular recitation; learning the rules oftajweedand

reciting it beautifully; learning about its tafseerand the reasons for its revelation;

affirming that it is the Truth; the perfect Speech of Allah and not part of the creation;

honoring it and defending it; abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it;

teaching it and calling to it. [See Jaami'ul-'Uloom wal-HikamofIbn Rajab Al-

Hambalee] Thus, by reading and reflecting on the Qur'an, one fulfills an obligation

and is rewarded for that. Upon fulfilling this obligation, the Qur'an then becomes aproof for him on the Day of Judgment! And that is our second benefit we take by

embracing this Noble Book...

2 - The Qur'an will be a proof for us on the Day of Judgment.

This is due to the statement of the Messenger (PBUH): "And the Qur'an is a proof for

you or against you." [Muslim] One of two things will occur with this proof, the Book

of Allah. It will either be in your favor, a proof for you on the Day when you will need

every single good deed, or it will be something standing against you, the very Speech

of your Creator, a proof against you! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day

if Allah's own Speech is against him? Think carefully, dear Muslim brother or sister,

about your position with the Qur'an! Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, being

heedless of its orders and prohibitions? Are you thinking deeply over it? Will it be on

your side on the Day of Judgment.? O Allah! We ask you, by Your Glorious Speech

and the rest of your beautiful Names and Attributes, to make the Qur'an a proof for

us! O Allah! Don't make the Qur'an a proof against us on that Day, and save us from

hellfire! For if Allah makes the Qur'an a proof in our favor on that Day, then it will

also be an intercessor for us, when NO intercession will take place except by His

Permission.

3 - The Qur'an will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment.

The proof: Aboo Umaamahrelates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Read the Qur'an, for

verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions."

[Muslim]

4 - Your status in this life will be raised.

In Saheeh Muslim, we find a lovely story about how a man from the people ofJannah,

'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab (RA), understood this principle. Some men came to questionhim during his khilaafahabout the leadership of Makkah. They asked, "Who do you

use to govern Makkah?" He said, "Ibn Abzaa." They asked, "And who is Ibn Abzaa?"

Umar replied, "A freed slave from those we freed." They remarked, "You left a freed

slave in charge of the people of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)?" He

answered them, "Verily he is a reader of the Book of Allah and is knowledgeable

about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven't you heard the statement of your

Messenger: "Verily Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it?"


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5 - You will be from the best of the people.

'Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "The

best of you are the ones who learn the Qur'an and teach it to others" [Al-Bukhari]

6 - There are ten rewards for each letter you recite from the Qur'an.

As an Authentic Hadithin At-Tirmitheeproves it, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever

reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will bemultiplied by ten. I am not saying that "Alif, Laam, Meem"is a letter, rather I am

saying that "Alif"is a letter, "laam"is a letter and "meem"is a letter." So increase your

recitation of the Qur'an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well.


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7 - The Reciters of the Qur'an will be in the company of the noble and obedient

angels.

'Aa'ishah, May Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Verily

the one who recites the Qur'an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the

company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with

difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that

reward." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]So dear brother or sister Muslims, do not let the Shaytaangive you false excuses,

such as "I am not an 'Arab," or "It s not my language." This hadithis a firm proof

against these whisperings. Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allah, whether you are an

'Arabor not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared for

you to embrace the Book of Allah without holding back or offering excuses! And

surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Qur'an once you

hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the

Qur'an...

8 - Your position in Paradise is determined by the amount of Qur'an you memorize in

this life!

'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr ibn Al-'Aasheard the Prophet (PBUH) saying: "It will be said to

the companion of the Qur'an: Read and elevate (through the levels of the Paradise)

and beautify your voice as you used to do when you were in the dunyaa (the world)!

For verily, your position in the Paradise will be at the last verse you recite! [Aboo

Daawood, At-Tirmitheeand Saheeh]

9 - The Qur'an will lead you to Paradise!

The Prophet said: "The Qur'an is an intercessor, something given permission to

intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead

him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to Hellfire." [An

authentic hadithfound in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of'Abdullaah ibn Mas'ood]

Know, dear brother or sister, that these nine benefits from the many benefits

available can only be attained by a sincere commitment to the Book of Allah, not by a

person's mere statement, "I love the Qur'an; it's beautiful." Rather the heart must be

sincerely attached to Allah's Book, and the limbs and tongue will follow in this

attachment. You must know that I only mentioned a few of the numerous benefits of

reading and reflecting over the Qur'an. There are many benefits that await your

reading of the Qur'an and books ofhadith, like the chapter of the Qur'an that will

argue on your behalf in the grave, and that it is a physical healing, a source of rest

and relaxation for your heart, among many other things. And Allah knows best.


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3. EIGHTTIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOLY QURAN

Are you one of those people who rarely touch the Quran? Or do you read daily, but

do not find it having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be,

these are some simple tips that can help you connect and improve your relationship

with the Quran.

1. Before you touch it, check your heart.

The key to really benefiting from the Quran is to check your heart first. Before you

even touch Allah's book, ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just

get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was described by his wife as

a "walking Quran": in other words, he didn't just read and recite the Quran. He lived

it.

2. Do yourWudu(ablution).

Doing your wudu is good physical and mental preparation to remind you you're not

reading just another book. You are about to interact with God, so being clean should

be a priority when communicating with Him.

3. Read/Recite at least fifteen (15) minutes everyday.

Too often, we think we should read the Quran for at least one whole hour. If you

aren't in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just fifteen

minutes daily. If you took care of step one, InshaAllah(God willing), you will notice

that those fifteen minutes will become half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even

more!

4. Make sure you understand what you have read.

Fifteen minutes of reading the Quran in Arabic is good, but you need to understand

what you are reading. Make sure you have a good translation of the Qur an in the

language you understand best. Always try to read the translation (Tafseer) of what

you have read that day.

5. Remember, the Quran is more interactive than a CD.

In an age of "interactive" CD-Rom and computer programs, a number of people think


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books are passive and boring. But the Quran is not like that. Remember that when

you read Quran, you are interacting with Allah. He is talking to you, so pay

attention.


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6. Don't just read, but listen, too.

There are now many audio cassettes CDs and MP3s of the Quran, a number of them

with translations as well. This is great to put on your Walkman or your car's CD or

stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Qur an

reading, not as a replacement for it.

7. Self-motivation and determinationSelf-motivation can be increased by continuous encouragement, and highlighting the

reward and the status of the memorizers of the Glorious Quran. This can also be

achieved by encouraging the spirit of competition in study circles in the mosques, at

homes and schools as well. By sincere resolve all whispers of the devil (Satan)will

vanish. Here, I must emphasize on the importance of being patient, bearing the

difficulties and not giving into laziness and apathy, and calling for high vigor as well.

8. MakeDua(supplication).

Ask Allah to guide you when you read the Qur an. Your aim is to sincerely, for the

love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed

words. Making duasupplication to Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool

for doing this.

All praise is due to Allah (SWT), the Lord of the Worlds and Hereafter

Documents

The Qur'an as a Role Model-ramadan