Al Quran: The answer to all your queries, confusions and problems!
Background and Introduction to Al Quran
When God sent humans to earth, He sent them with a purpose. Ever wondered what this purpose is? Ever wondered what was the purpose behind the creation of Heaven and Hell? What is it that motivates us to strive to reach Jannah and to put in our efforts to be safe from Dozakh (Hellfire)? Was this purpose worship alone? The purpose behind the creation of human beings was not merely to worship him, because God had already created angels for that.All other creations of Allah Almighty are engaged in the worship of Almighty all the time, because that is what they have been created for. However, the reason why human beings have been given the highest rank among all other creations is their ability to differentiate between right and wrong. This means that the purpose of creation was not just worship of Allah, but to be able to manage the worldly affairs in a manner dictated by Him. It is Islam that dictates this manner. Islam is not just a religion like any other religion, rather the complete code of life. It teaches us the purpose of sending human beings to earth, the purpose of creating all creations, be it humans, animals, birds, planets, plants or anything and everything. It tells us the right from wrong.
When Allah Almighty sent human beings to earth, he gave them the code of conduct, the rules to spend lives, through Islam. The two basic sources through which we get to know the entire code of conduct in Islam are Al-Quran and Sunnah. Sunnah is everything taught by our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) through his actions, words and formal teachings. Al-Quran, on the other hand, is the Holy Book that was sent to Hazrat Muhammad SAW, section by section and Ayat by Ayat, to be communicated to the Ummah. Four Holy Books were sent and Al-Quran happens to be the last and final one among them. It was revealed upon the last of the prophets Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Peace be upon him).
Four Holy Books were sent (Turait, Zuboor, Injeel and Al-Quran) and Al-Quran happens to be the last and final one among them. It was revealed upon the last of the Prophets Harzt Muhammad Mustafa SAW. In Al-Quran, Allah has completed His teachings and has sent the complete code of spending lives right from birth till death. Al-Quran has been given several different names, one of them being Furqan, which translates into “the Book that differentiates the right from wrong, the good from bad.” It is because of this distinction from other creations that human beings have been ranked highest among all. They have been sent to the world with this ability to understand this book called Al-Quran and spend their lives according to its teachings.
Al-Quran is the complete book that covers each and every aspect from human life and sheds light on it to teach us. Whether it is about your prayers, your relations, your social or economic affairs or anything that a man may need in the course of his life, Quran guides you on it. Those who are the proponents of Al-Quran and Sunnah and believe in the oneness of Almighty Allah are called Muslims. Muslims have been instructed to read and understand Al-Quran and spend their lives according to its teachings and messages. Al-Quran is such a Book that is nothing but goodness and unlimited benefits for its readers and followers. Just the recitation of Al-Quran gets you 10 good deeds against each letter recited.
General Information about Al-Quran
Al-Quran comprises of total 30 different sections called Parah, or 114 Soorah. There are 14 Sujood in the complete book. Sajda is the place where the one reciting Al-Quran and the one listening to him or her has to do a Sajda, because it becomes Waajib (compulsory). The training of reciting Al-Quran in the right way, with all pronunciations and articulations in the right way, is formally termed as Tajweed and it has been made essential for Muslims to get the knowledge of Tajweeb and recite Al-Quran in the right way. Since the meanings of every word of Al-Quran is so detailed, and varies minutely with even the pronunciation, it is therefore crucial to keep notice of these differences and take care of them during recitation.
Eras of Compilation of Al-Quran
The compilation of Al-Quran in the earliest of times, after it was completely revealed upon the Holy Prophet (SAW), when Islam was sent, can be divided into three eras (time periods). The first era was that of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW). In that time period, a couple of Aayats used to be revealed upon the Holy Prophet and were sent through Hazrat Jibraeel. Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) used to dictate those Aayats to Sahaba Karaam and Sahaba would note them on leaves or whatever was available to them. This is how all the revelations of Al-Quran were recorded. Later, in the second era of compilation of Al-Quran, which was that of Hazrat Abubakar Siddique (R.A.), all the recorded drafts were collected and were compiled into the full copy of the Holy Book called Al-Quran that is present until today. It was the time when the Soorahs and Parahs of A-Quran were put together and arranged. In the third era, which was that of Hazrat Usman Ghani (R.A.), the copies that had the Airaab, in order to teach the correct pronunciation to the non-Arabs, were compiled and sent out. Al-Quran is the only Holy Book that exists in exactly the same form in which it was sent to Holy Prophet SAW, otherwise changes have been made into all of the other Holy Books. Al-Quran is to remain safe and the same until the end of the times as Allah Almighty has himself taken the responsibility of its safety and sanctity. Till date, a number of Kuffar tried to make amendments into the drafts of Al-Quran and were faced with the worst of the results instead of succeeding in their evil plans. It is Him, the Almighty, who sent them to where they belonged before they could cause any harm to the authenticity and originality of Al-Quran. Several laws of Blasphemy have also been made now to protect the sanctity of Quran and to keep the non-believers from doing anything against the respect of it.
Al-Quran and Science
The scientific facts had already been verified thousands of years ago by Al-Quran. What scientists around the world are finding and realizing now has been revealed thousands of years ago in Al-Quran. Numerous instances on reproduction, astronomy, human senses and other factors have already been revealed in Al-Quran.
“Then HE made (man’s) offspring out of the essence of a humble fluid.” (Al-Quran 32:8)
“He makes you in the wombs of your mothers in stages one after another in three veils of darkness.” (Al-Quran 39:6)
At this particular point, the evidence of embroyology is found which explains how an offspring is created out of a single blood clot.
“We built the sky above with OUR special ability and We are expanding it.” (Al-Quran 51:47)
In the reference stated above, the power of Almighty behind the creation of universe has been highlighted. This means that before anything in the science of Astronomy, the universe and the stars and the galaxies had been created. It is nothing but the power of Almighty that has created these things and later, scientists keep researching into the facts and science behind such creations.
Several health benefits of reciting Holy Quran have also been revealed by the doctors and scientists as a result of the years of their researches.
Virtues and Benefits of recitation of Al-Quran
As it has been already mentioned that the recitation of a single letter from Al-Quran will add 10 virtues as a reward in one’s record, it has several other benefits and significance as well.
“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied 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.”.( At-Tirmithee)
Reciting Al-Quran has been regarded as one of the most pious deeds. Being a Muslim, it is upon us to find out what the message of Almighty has been sent to us. Therefore, we must recite Al-Quran and try to understand it as well. Those who recite Al-Quran on daily basis, the Quran will support them on the Day of Judgment. This means that it will beg forgiveness for us from Allah Almighty on the Day of Judgment. It will speak up in your favor and will make your sins dissipate. It is also said that the recitation of Al-Quran must be done in a loud voice because doing so will make the walls speak up in your favor.
Aboo Umaamah relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Read the Qur’an, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” [Muslim]
It is also a matter of our belief system as well as daily observation that the rank of those who recite Al-Quran in routine is increased in this world as well. They enjoy more luxuries in the world than the ones who are oblivious of the teachings of Al-Quran. The ones who recite Al-Quran daily are more contended with their lives than the ones who do not recite it. It decreases a lot of hardships from your life. The Barakah and Fazeelat of reciting it is so vast, so endless that we can literally go on and on talking about it.
Moreover, it is also said that the readers of Holy Quran will have the privilege of being with Ambiya and Sahaba on the Day of Judgment. These people will be raised with them and it will increase their ranks thousands of times. Those who recite it also remain protected from the attacks of evil spirits. Angels protect the reciters on the command of Allah Almighty and no power can harm them.
The rank of those who memorize Quran or those who teach it is also several times more than the other Muslims.The doors of the Paradise will remain open for these people and they will swiftly pass through the Pul Siraat (The Bridge to the Paradise).
“Such a person as recites the Quran and masters it by heart will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Divine Book by heart, and recite it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.” (Sahih Bukhari, 459)
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 the Hellfire.”
Importance of Listening to Al-Quran
Rewards have also been promised for those who listen to the recitation. Therefore. The famous reciters of Al-Quran like Abdul Rehman Al-Sudais, Saad El Ghamidi, Saud Shuraim, Huzaifi and others are known to be best reciters across the globe. The downloadable versions of the recitations of these people are available all over internet. This is how Allah Almighty verifies the reward for the listeners. Here, the people who understand the meaning and context of Quranic Ayaat are referred. Those who know and get the message sent through it are fearful of what might be brought to their way in the life hereafter, yet are also hopeful from the Mercy of Allah Almighty.
“And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they have recognised of the truth. They say” Or lord we have believed so register us among the witnesses.’” [Al-Quran]
When you listen to the recitation of Al-Quran you literally feel the influence of it in the form of sudden strange tranquility. It is also now recommended as a therapy by several Muslim and Non-Muslim psychologists as well for it is known to bring peace to one’s heart, mind and soul. The patients of depression, frustration and other mental illnesses are made to listen to Quran Recitation and miraculous effects of it are experienced all over the world. Recitation of Quran has this powerful spiritual impact that it draws you closer to your religion, your Creator and to where you basically belong. If you notice listening to Quran in your routine, you will be keener to follow the teachings of Quran and Sunnah and will automatically be drifted away from the worldly attractions. It makes one reflect about life, the truth and reality of it, the purpose of it and draws us nearer to our origin and our ultimate purpose of being sent to the world.
Importance and Benefits attached to Different Surahs (chapters) of Al-Quran
Different Surah or sections of Al-Quran are recited for different purpose as well. Soorah Fatiha, which is the first Surah of Al-Quran is recited for the purpose of Shifa (treating the illness). It is said that reciting Surah Fatiha 7 times can give Shifa against any kind of illness. Surah Al-Baqarah, which is the second and longest Surah of Al-Quran is recited for the purpose of remaining safe from all kinds of evil spirits. Similarly, Surah Al-Waaqia, which is in 27th Paarah of Al-Quran, is advised to be recited for Rozee (earning/job). It is also said that those who recite Surah Mulk before every night before going to sleep will not face darkness in their graves. Surah Rehman is to be recited for the peace of heart. Surah Yaseen has numerous benefits and advantages over other Surahs of Al-Quran. It is said that the sins of those who recite Surah Yaseen before going to sleep will all be omitted. The recitation of Surah Ikhlaas three times equals the reward of the recitation of complete Al-Quran, therefore Muslim families teach their kids to recite Surah Ikhlas every night before going to bed. This means that each chapter in Quran (i.e. Surah) has its own context and meaning, and specific rewards and blessings have been reported for the recitation of each of these Surahs.
Reciting Al-Quran in routine
Since there are numerous benefits and unlimited supply of virtues added with the recitation of Al-Quran, one must make it a routine to recite it daily. The best is to recite it through manzil. One Manzil can be completed every day if you recite One Parah after every Prayer. Those who recite Al-Quran in routine are of the opinion that it takes maximum 30 to 40 minutes to recite one Paraah, so that much of time can be easily taken out after every prayer if we find out the actual rewards that are promised for the reciters, and then we will easily manage to take ample time out for it.
If it is not feasible to recite this much, we must make ourselves to recite whatever we can easily manage to, but make sure to do so on daily basis. No day should pass without reciting it. If you still have to make sure routine, that is not a thing to be worried about.
You can even start with just one page a day. It is at the end of the day the purity of your intention and your consistency that will be rewarded on the day of Judgment. Moreover, trying to understand the meaning and context is also mandatory. It must also be made a part of daily practice and routine to read the translation of Al-Quran in your native language to be able to understand the message that has been sent and the teachings of it.
