The Holy Qur’an, Understanding It and The Benefits of Reading It.

By Khadijat Aroyehun

The Holy Qur’an is simply known as the Holy Book of Muslims. Muslims are a group of people who practice the Islamic Religion/ Faith. According to statistics, Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, with millions of devotees all over the world. The Qur’an is a scripture filled with wisdom and guidance for Muslims all around the world.

Origin Of The Holy Qur’an

The word “Qur’an” means what is meant to be recited in Arabic. It is the sacred scripture of Islam. The Holy Qur’an, according to conventional Islamic beliefs, was revealed by Almighty Allah to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) over the course of twenty-three (23) years, starting with the initial revelation at Mount Hira. The revelations were conveyed to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) in small segments by the angel Gabriel, who made the Prophet recite the revealed verses in His presence. The Qur’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) in the West Arabian towns of Mecca and Medina, beginning in 610 CE and ending with the Prophet Muhammad’s death in 632 CE. After the Holy Prophet’s (S.A.W.) death, his successors compiled these divine revelations in a manuscript.
The Qur’an is made of 114 chapter-like units called “Surahs,” with Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) being the longest with 286 verses and the shortest being Surah Al-Kawthar with only 3 verses. It also contains approximately 6,666 verses and has 604 pages for a standard Qur’an, but this can vary based on the size and writing format. The chapters and surahs are of unequal length. The Holy Qur’an has been translated into various languages to enable easier understanding by non-Arabic speakers.

The Qur’an forms the bedrock of Islamic law (Sharia). The teachings and knowledge derived from the study of it, help shape the structure of Islamic law. It is filled with wisdom and guidance for Muslims all around the world.

Understanding The Qur’an
The Holy Qur’an is believed to be the easiest book to understand. It may look daunting at first, but with consistency, one will find out it is not hard. Studying the Qur’an is very interesting and engaging; one does not have to be an Arabic speaker to study and understand the Qur’an. The importance of the Holy Qur’an cannot be overstated.
There are various ways to study the Qur’an that help make it easier to understand. Such ways include:
1. Read in Arabic
Arabic is the original language of the Qur’an, and reading it in this form is considered highly valuable within Islamic tradition. The linguistic beauty and intricate meanings within the text can best be appreciated when read in its original Arabic form. To read the Qur’an in Arabic, invest your time in learning basic Arabic grammar and pronunciation. You can use resources like language-learning apps or find a local Arabic-speaking tutor to teach you. Once you have grasped basic Arabic understanding and phonetics, you can begin to read and appreciate the Qur’an’s profound teachings.
2. Read translations in your native language
While Arabic is essential for understanding the core message of the Qur’an, many non-Arabic speakers rely on translated versions to grasp its meaning. If you are unable to read or understand Arabic, don’t let that deter you from connecting with the messages it holds. Utilizing translated versions of the Qur’an allows people from all linguistic backgrounds to benefit from its teachings. When selecting a translated version, you must choose one that preserves the original message’s authenticity without distorting or losing nuances within the text.
3. Listen to audio recordings or join a study group
Another effective way to delve into the Qur’an’s messages is by listening to audio recordings or joining a study group led by a knowledgeable scholar or religious leader. There are countless audio recordings available for download online, with beautiful recitations by renowned Qaris (reciters), some even including translation. Listening to the melodious recitations while following along with the text can be an enriching experience. Additionally, joining a study group where the text is discussed and explained in greater detail provides an opportunity for community learning and exploration.

Benefits of Reading the Qur’an
1. Quran Increases your faith in Allah
You’ll become closer to Allah when you read his words and messages. Also, you’ll feel the powerful and exceptional impact of the verses, especially when you understand the meanings behind each verse and read the Quran from the bottom of your heart. So your faith in Allah will boost.
Allah mentioned this benefit in Surah Al-Anfaal:

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel fear in their hearts and when His Verses are recited unto them, they increase their faith, and they put their trust in their Lord alone.” Al-Anfaal (8-2)

2. Reciting the Quran brings Tranquility
There is an outstanding impact on the heart and soul you’ll find in the Quran, as you’ll feel peace and comfort. The Quran nurtures hearts and souls, eliminates anxiety and doubts, guides you to the right path, and enlightens your heart.
Allah confirms that the Quran is the source of peace and tranquility in Surah Ar-Ra’ad
“{those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort}”
Ar-Ra’ad (28:13).
Moreover, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“No people gather together in one of the Houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that Sakeenah (Tranquility) descends upon them, and Mercy envelops them, and the angels surround them, and Allah mentions them amongst those who are with him.”.
3. Reciting the Quran brings Deeds
When you read each letter in the Quran, you earn a reward. So, you’ll gain more rewards that will increase your scale in the hereafter. That means the Quran is helpful for you not only in life but in the hereafter.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said:
“Whoever recites a letter of the book of Allah will be credited with a good deed and a good deed is multiplied by ten. I do not say that the word Alif Laam Meem is counted as a word letter. Rather, Alif is one letter, Laam is one letter and Meem is one letter.”. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2910)
4. The Quran is the Best Protector for the Reciters:
One of the most important benefits you get from reciting the Quran is that it saves you from the devil (Satan) once you read it, such as Surah Al-Baqarah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Verily, everything has a summit and the summit of the Quran is Surat Al-Baqarah. Whoever recites it in his house at night, Satan will not enter his house for three nights. Whoever recites it during the day, Satan will not enter his house for three days.”. (Sahīh Ibn Ḥibbān 78) 2)

Furthermore, the Quran will protect you from the false messiah (Dajjal) before Judgement Day if you retain the first ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said, “Whoever memorizes the first ten verses from Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjal.”.
Also, the Quran will protect you from the grave’s punishment after death if you recite Surah Al-Mulk.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said,
“Read Surah Al-Mulk to protect yourselves from the punishment of the grave.”.
Additionally, when you keep reciting the Quran with sincerity until death, it will be a reason for the protection of Hellfire.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said,
“If the Quran were to be gathered inside a vessel (the heart), Allah would never punish it with hellfire.”.
5. The Quran is an Intercessor for the Reciters:
The biggest wish for any Muslim on Judgement Day is to enter paradise and get protection from the horrors of this day. So, when you recite Allah’s book, you’ll find it an intercessor for you on judgment day.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said,
“Recite the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.”.
6. Quran Reciters Win the highest Rank in Paradise
One of the most important benefits of reciting the Holy Quran daily in the hereafter is that they will have the highest rank in Paradise.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said, “The one who was devoted to the Quran will be told to recite, ascend, and recite carefully as he recited carefully when he was in the world, for he will reach his abode when he comes to the last verse he recites.”.
7. Quran reciter Gains Allah’s Forgiveness
When you keep reciting the Quran, you’ll get Allah’s mercy, as you will forgive your sins.
“Surely those who recite the Book of Allah, establish prayer, and donate from what We have provided for them secretly and openly can hope for an exchange that will never fail so that He will reward them in full and increase them out of His grace. He is truly all-forgiving and most appreciative. (35:28) Fatir

8. Double Rewards by Reciting
Many non-Arabic Muslims find difficulty reading the Quran because they are not fluent in the Arabic language. But Allah will reward them for their tremendous efforts in reading the Quran without mistakes.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said,
“The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur’an will be with the honorable and obedient scribes (angels), and he who recites the Qur’an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have two rewards.”.

9. The Quran is a Guide to The Straight Path
Besides the impact of the Quran on strengthening your relationship with Allah, it also guides you to the straight path. It teaches you the ethical values you should follow and what good deeds you should do for Allah’s satisfaction.
Allah described the holy Quran as a book that leads the people out of darkness into light.
“This is a Book that We have revealed to you, O Prophet so that you may lead people out of darkness and into light, by the Will of their Lord, to the Path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy}(14:1) Ibrahim

10. Health  Benefits Of Reciting The Holy Quran Daily
There are many health benefits to reciting the Holy Quran daily:
The Quran is a Cure for Hearts
As the Quran boosts your belief in Allah, it brings mercy and healing to your heart. It removes the illnesses from your heart and purifies it from hypocrisy, jealousy, and vanity.
The Quran makes you more humanitarian, so you’ll find peace and comfort in your life. Allah says in Surah Al-Isra

“We send the Quran as healing and mercy for those who believe.”.
(17:82).
The Quran helps you overcome sadness.
Many verses in the Quran induce believers to put their trust in Allah and rely on him to overcome sadness, as Allah tells us every hardship won’t last forever and ease comes after it:
“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship, there will be ease.
(94:5-6} Ash-Ashrar

11. The Quran will be proof for or against us on the day of judgment.
This is due to the statement of the Messenger: “And the Quran is a proof for you or against you.” [Muslim] With this proof from the Book of Allah, one of two things will consequently happen.
The Quran will either work in one’s favor, serving as evidence for us on the day when we will need every good action possible, or it will work against us. Even the words of our Creator are used as evidence against us! If Allah’s speech is against Him, how could anybody be protected from the horrors of that day?

12. On the Day of Judgment, the Quran will intercede for us:
Abu Umamah (PBUH) related that The Prophet (S.A.W) said,
“Read the Quran, for indeed it will come on the Day of Standing (Judgement) as an intercessor for its companions.” [Muslim]

13. There are Ten Rewards for Every Letter Recited from the Quran:
As a hadeeth (prophetic statement) in At-Tirmidhi proves:
“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that ‘Alif, Lam, and Meem’ (a combination of letters frequently mentioned in the Holy Quran) is a letter; rather, I am saying that ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Lam’ is a letter, and ‘Meem’ is a letter.”

To improve your Quranic recitation to acquire these benefits as well as the ones that follow.

14. The Reciters of the Quran Will Be in the Company of the Noble and Obedient Angels:
‘Aa’ishah related that the Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Indeed the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. 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).

15. The Quran Leads to Paradise:
The Quran states (what means):
“Indeed the Quran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.”
[Quran: 17:9]
The Prophet said,The Quran is an intercessor—something permitted 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 hell.”
[At-Tabarani]

Whether you are an Arab or not, commit yourself to Allah’s Book! You can embrace the Book of Allah without hesitation or justifications now that the justifications have been removed from the situation. When you learn about the last and maybe most important advantages of reading and reflecting on the Quran, you won’t doubt that you will not hesitate to find a teacher or a Quran study group. You can start your Quranic journey and become one of the proficient Quran reciters.

In conclusion, reading and understanding the Qur’an can be done in multiple ways, catering to one’s linguistic abilities and learning preferences. Engaging with this holy scripture forms a pivotal part of the Muslim faith and spiritual development. By regularly investing your time in one or more of these methods, you can gain a deeper appreciation of the Qur’an’s wisdom and guidance.

SPONSORED

SPONSORED

SPONSORED