The Tilawatil Qur'an
Tajuddin Shu’aib.
Imam An-Nawawi (rahimahullah) said: "The speed must depend on the condition and situation of the person and what he or she does for a living." The recitation of Al-Qur'an should not be the reason to become slacked in your other responsibilities. The speed of your recitation must be regulated by the ability to understand, because Al-Qur'an encourages the reciter to ponder about what he or she reads.
Allah states: "Here is a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may meditate on its signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition." (Al-Qur'an, 38:29)
This verse indicates that Al-Qur'an was revealed for the maximum encyclopedic benefit, mercy, and guidance to the human race. That is why He (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) described it as blessed, (Mubarak). These blessings can be realized to the fullest only if the reader meditates and thinks through its divine words, containing layers of insights and wisdom and life-long experiences of the human race - of how to live a better life both spiritually and materially -which can never be found in any other book.
In a Hadith by 'Aishah (radiallāhu`anha) reported by Al-Baihaqi, she said: "The house in which Al-Qur'an is recited is seen by the heavenly world as the stars are seen by the earthly world." This hadith indicates some of the meritorious aspects of this most authenticated book of Allah. The home in which its residents recite this book is illuminated as brightly as a star on the face of the earth, and is visible in outer space.
As a preparation for reading, it is recommended to have cleanliness, (taharah), by making wudu before settling down to recite Al-Qur'an. For the recitation of Al-Qur'an is worship, 'ibadah, namely the best form of remembrance of Allah (dzikir). The Messenger of Allah ((Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam ) disliked making dzikir without cleanliness. Allah states in Al-Qur'an: "And that is indeed a mighty adjuration, if you but knew. That this is indeed a Qur'an most honorable, in a book well-guarded, which none shall touch but those who are clean." (Al-Qur'an 56:76-79).
It is not a sin, however, to read without wudu if you are unclean from minor impurities that entail wudu before prayer. If you feel like using the restroom for urination, passing wind, etc., stop and go relieve yourself completely, and make Wudu then return to resume your reading. If you are defiled from major impurities, that is, the ones which entail complete bath, (ghusl), it is prohibited to read Al-Qur'an during the state of defilement, the agents of which include discharge of semen, sexual intercourse, post natal bleeding , and menstruation. However, it is allowed for these people to look in Al-Qur'an while not holding it, and they may read it with their eyes and their hearts, but not recite it. [Note: one shouldn't encourage reading Qur'an in a state of defilement, but rather encourage Ghusal first.]
The place you choose to sit to recite Al-Qur'an should be clean from any filth or bad odor. This is why it is prohibited to read it the restroom. While reading the Qur'an, it is recommended to face the direction of Al-Qiblat.
The recitors are commanded to say, I seek refuge, "Ta'awudh", that is, putting a distance between themselves and Satan (Syaitan) by seeking refuge in Allah (Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) from the rejected enemy, the reason being Satan dislikes to see a servant in communication with Allah. If you do not seek refuge, he may come to distract, confuse, and induce you to doubt. Allah (Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) says: "When you do read Al-Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from Satan, the rejected." (Al-Qur'an 16:98) In the event that you are interrupted during reading, it is advisable to repeat ta'awwudh before you resume. As for the phrase of ta'awwudh, the following is reported:
A`uwudzu billah (As-Sa mee'u, Al-'Aleem) iminash Shaitan ir Rajeem. [I seek refuge with Allah (The All Hearing, The All-Knowing) from Satan, the rejected].
The majority of scholars recommend that it be said aloud, especially if there is an audience.
In Islam we are commanded to start every act, spiritual or non-spiritual, big or small, with Basmalah, that is:
"Bis mil llahir-Rahmanir-Raheem" (In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.)
The reason is to seek Allah's blessings for the action you are about to embark on. Undoubtedly, no deed is more deserving or worthy of Basmalah than the 'ebadah of reading Al-Qur'an. With the revelation of Bismillahir-Rahmanir Raheem, Allah has educated His Messenger (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) to make it an unceasing habit of saying Bismillah before reading and before every act.
Basmalah is one of the unique aspects of Al-Qur'an as every chapter (surah), except Surah Nine (Tawbah) commences with this most profound statement. It is prearranged as an incomplete statement to be completed, or filled in, if you will, by the servant. For instance, if you want to read, it becomes: I read in the Name of Allah... if you want to eat, it becomes: I eat in the Name of Allah... That is what we mean by an incomplete statement to be completed by the doer.
If one read Al-Qur'an in the Arabic language, it is preferred to recite with the basic rules of tajweed, including rules of chanting (al-ghunnah), prolongations (al-madd), assimilation (al-idghaam), etc. In a report by Bukhari, Anas bin Malik (radiallāhu`anha) was asked to describe the way of the Messenger of Allah (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) in reciting Al-Qur'an. Anas (radiallāhu`anha)said the Messenger of Allah (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to recite with tarteel, pronouncing, prolonging his long vowels. Anas (radiallāhu`anha) gave a demonstration by reciting 'Bismillah' to show how the Messenger (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) recited it, prolonging the sublime word, Allah, Ar-Rahman, and Ar-Raheem.'"
It is, however, undesirable to read with excessive speed. Reading a part of Al-Qur'an, (juzhu), slowly, so as to think through what you read, is preferred to reading double the ordinary speed without pondering. The former way is more respectful, and is in accord with the aims of the Lawgiver, than hastily reading through the Book absent-mindedly.
It is recommended to beautify your recital with a pleasant voice. In a Hadith by Ibn Hibban the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) has been reported as saying: "Beautify the recitation of your Qur'an with your voices." But you should not exaggerate to the point that the phonics, morphology, or syntax are distorted or altered. Reciting Al-Qur'an with mistakes, (lahn) is not synonymous with chanting or a pleasing voice. Also, one's recitation should not sound like singing.
It is Sunnah to seek to comprehend what you read. The following are some of the ways one should go about tadabur, or pondering through what he reads. The simplest thing is to think out the meaning of the words so as to get a better insight to their meaning and massage.
If the verse contains commands and prohibitions you should immediately decide to accept or restrain from them. But if it is something you have failed in the past to do, you should seek forgiveness and intend to do it in the future. In the event that the verse contains mercy, you should feel happy and request it, or if it contains wrath, you should seek refuge in Allah. If the verse glorifies Allah, you should glorify Him.
In the Sahih Muslim, Huzaifah bin Yaman (radiallāhu`anha) is reported as saying: "I prayed behind the Messenger of Allah (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam), one night. He opened his recitation after Al-Fatihah with chapter Al-Baqarah, the Cow. Coming to the end of it, he followed it with the chapter An-Nisa, the Women. Coming to its end, he followed it with Chapter Al-'Emran, the Family of Emran). He read them consecutively and when he came to a verse that contained glorification of Allah, he glorified, or a question, he asked, or seeking refuge he sought refuge."
It is sunnah to say takbeer from Chapter Ad-Duha, 93 to the end An-Nas, Chapter 114. The sunnah is to pause at the end of Chapter 93 then say Takbeer. If you are completing Al-Qur'an, you do likewise at the end of each surah, chapter, until An-Nas. The sunnah was started after the first revelation was received and after the period of Fatrah, during which revelation was cut off form the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam), and the Makkans were saying Allah had forsaken Muhammad. When Ad-Duha was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest).
As to what one should say: You may say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), or La Illaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, (There is no deity but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest).
The sunnah recommends prostrating at the end of every sajadah (prostration verse). There are 15 such verses in Al-Qur'an. They are in chapters: Al-A`araaf, (7:206); Ar-Ra'ad, (13:15); An-Nahl, (16:49); Al-Isra, (17:107); Maryam, (19:58); Al-Hajj, (22:18 and 22:77); Al-Furqan, (25:60); An-Naml, (27:77); As-Sajdah, (32:15); Sad, (38:24); Fussilat, (41:37); An-Najm, (53:62); Al-Insiqaq, (84:21); and Al-'Alaq, (96:19).
Now there is the question about what is the best time to read or recite Al-Qur'an. The best time by far is reciting during Solat, then night-time reading, especially the latter part of it. The best time of day is after Subuh (Morning Prayer). The best or preferred days are the days of 'Arafah, Fridays, Mondays, and Thursdays. The best ten days are the last ten of Ramadhan and first ten days of the month, Zul-Hijjah. Of the months, Ramadhan is the best.
The preferred day to start Al-Qur'an is Friday, and the best day to complete it is Thursday. The best hour to complete it is the first part of the day or night. For, according to Sa'ad bin Abi Waqqaas (radiallahu`anhu), if the completion is in the first part of the night, the angels will pray for you until morning, and if it is early in the morning they will pray for you until evening. Fasting is recommended on the day of completion.
It is recommended to start again after each completion of Al-Qur'an. In a sahih hadith recorded by at-Tirmidzi, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam ) has been reported as saying:
"The best deeds in the sight of Allah are the deeds of the one who completes Qur'an and resumes again, the one who reads Al-Qur'an from the beginning to the end, and whenever he finishes he resumes again." [Tirmidzi]
It is undesirable to stop reading to converse or talk to someone, laugh or play or look at something that takes away your attention, unless there is a valid reason, as has been reported by Al-Bukhari, by the way of Ibn 'Umar (radiallahu`anhu).
Wallahu'alam.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful ;
All the praise and thanks are due to Allah; May Peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Messenger.
It is highly recommended to recite or read Al-Qur'an, the final word of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala , at all times, at a minimum completing it twice in a year. The Sahabah (companions) completed Al-Qur'an in five days, some in four while others in three days.
Imam An-Nawawi (rahimahullah) said: "The speed must depend on the condition and situation of the person and what he or she does for a living." The recitation of Al-Qur'an should not be the reason to become slacked in your other responsibilities. The speed of your recitation must be regulated by the ability to understand, because Al-Qur'an encourages the reciter to ponder about what he or she reads.
Allah states: "Here is a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may meditate on its signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition." (Al-Qur'an, 38:29)
This verse indicates that Al-Qur'an was revealed for the maximum encyclopedic benefit, mercy, and guidance to the human race. That is why He (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) described it as blessed, (Mubarak). These blessings can be realized to the fullest only if the reader meditates and thinks through its divine words, containing layers of insights and wisdom and life-long experiences of the human race - of how to live a better life both spiritually and materially -which can never be found in any other book.
In a Hadith by 'Aishah (radiallāhu`anha) reported by Al-Baihaqi, she said: "The house in which Al-Qur'an is recited is seen by the heavenly world as the stars are seen by the earthly world." This hadith indicates some of the meritorious aspects of this most authenticated book of Allah. The home in which its residents recite this book is illuminated as brightly as a star on the face of the earth, and is visible in outer space.
As a preparation for reading, it is recommended to have cleanliness, (taharah), by making wudu before settling down to recite Al-Qur'an. For the recitation of Al-Qur'an is worship, 'ibadah, namely the best form of remembrance of Allah (dzikir). The Messenger of Allah ((Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam ) disliked making dzikir without cleanliness. Allah states in Al-Qur'an: "And that is indeed a mighty adjuration, if you but knew. That this is indeed a Qur'an most honorable, in a book well-guarded, which none shall touch but those who are clean." (Al-Qur'an 56:76-79).
It is not a sin, however, to read without wudu if you are unclean from minor impurities that entail wudu before prayer. If you feel like using the restroom for urination, passing wind, etc., stop and go relieve yourself completely, and make Wudu then return to resume your reading. If you are defiled from major impurities, that is, the ones which entail complete bath, (ghusl), it is prohibited to read Al-Qur'an during the state of defilement, the agents of which include discharge of semen, sexual intercourse, post natal bleeding , and menstruation. However, it is allowed for these people to look in Al-Qur'an while not holding it, and they may read it with their eyes and their hearts, but not recite it. [Note: one shouldn't encourage reading Qur'an in a state of defilement, but rather encourage Ghusal first.]
The place you choose to sit to recite Al-Qur'an should be clean from any filth or bad odor. This is why it is prohibited to read it the restroom. While reading the Qur'an, it is recommended to face the direction of Al-Qiblat.
The recitors are commanded to say, I seek refuge, "Ta'awudh", that is, putting a distance between themselves and Satan (Syaitan) by seeking refuge in Allah (Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) from the rejected enemy, the reason being Satan dislikes to see a servant in communication with Allah. If you do not seek refuge, he may come to distract, confuse, and induce you to doubt. Allah (Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) says: "When you do read Al-Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from Satan, the rejected." (Al-Qur'an 16:98) In the event that you are interrupted during reading, it is advisable to repeat ta'awwudh before you resume. As for the phrase of ta'awwudh, the following is reported:
A`uwudzu billah (As-Sa mee'u, Al-'Aleem) iminash Shaitan ir Rajeem. [I seek refuge with Allah (The All Hearing, The All-Knowing) from Satan, the rejected].
The majority of scholars recommend that it be said aloud, especially if there is an audience.
In Islam we are commanded to start every act, spiritual or non-spiritual, big or small, with Basmalah, that is:
"Bis mil llahir-Rahmanir-Raheem" (In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.)
The reason is to seek Allah's blessings for the action you are about to embark on. Undoubtedly, no deed is more deserving or worthy of Basmalah than the 'ebadah of reading Al-Qur'an. With the revelation of Bismillahir-Rahmanir Raheem, Allah has educated His Messenger (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) to make it an unceasing habit of saying Bismillah before reading and before every act.
Basmalah is one of the unique aspects of Al-Qur'an as every chapter (surah), except Surah Nine (Tawbah) commences with this most profound statement. It is prearranged as an incomplete statement to be completed, or filled in, if you will, by the servant. For instance, if you want to read, it becomes: I read in the Name of Allah... if you want to eat, it becomes: I eat in the Name of Allah... That is what we mean by an incomplete statement to be completed by the doer.
If one read Al-Qur'an in the Arabic language, it is preferred to recite with the basic rules of tajweed, including rules of chanting (al-ghunnah), prolongations (al-madd), assimilation (al-idghaam), etc. In a report by Bukhari, Anas bin Malik (radiallāhu`anha) was asked to describe the way of the Messenger of Allah (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) in reciting Al-Qur'an. Anas (radiallāhu`anha)said the Messenger of Allah (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to recite with tarteel, pronouncing, prolonging his long vowels. Anas (radiallāhu`anha) gave a demonstration by reciting 'Bismillah' to show how the Messenger (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) recited it, prolonging the sublime word, Allah, Ar-Rahman, and Ar-Raheem.'"
It is, however, undesirable to read with excessive speed. Reading a part of Al-Qur'an, (juzhu), slowly, so as to think through what you read, is preferred to reading double the ordinary speed without pondering. The former way is more respectful, and is in accord with the aims of the Lawgiver, than hastily reading through the Book absent-mindedly.
It is recommended to beautify your recital with a pleasant voice. In a Hadith by Ibn Hibban the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) has been reported as saying: "Beautify the recitation of your Qur'an with your voices." But you should not exaggerate to the point that the phonics, morphology, or syntax are distorted or altered. Reciting Al-Qur'an with mistakes, (lahn) is not synonymous with chanting or a pleasing voice. Also, one's recitation should not sound like singing.
It is Sunnah to seek to comprehend what you read. The following are some of the ways one should go about tadabur, or pondering through what he reads. The simplest thing is to think out the meaning of the words so as to get a better insight to their meaning and massage.
If the verse contains commands and prohibitions you should immediately decide to accept or restrain from them. But if it is something you have failed in the past to do, you should seek forgiveness and intend to do it in the future. In the event that the verse contains mercy, you should feel happy and request it, or if it contains wrath, you should seek refuge in Allah. If the verse glorifies Allah, you should glorify Him.
In the Sahih Muslim, Huzaifah bin Yaman (radiallāhu`anha) is reported as saying: "I prayed behind the Messenger of Allah (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam), one night. He opened his recitation after Al-Fatihah with chapter Al-Baqarah, the Cow. Coming to the end of it, he followed it with the chapter An-Nisa, the Women. Coming to its end, he followed it with Chapter Al-'Emran, the Family of Emran). He read them consecutively and when he came to a verse that contained glorification of Allah, he glorified, or a question, he asked, or seeking refuge he sought refuge."
It is sunnah to say takbeer from Chapter Ad-Duha, 93 to the end An-Nas, Chapter 114. The sunnah is to pause at the end of Chapter 93 then say Takbeer. If you are completing Al-Qur'an, you do likewise at the end of each surah, chapter, until An-Nas. The sunnah was started after the first revelation was received and after the period of Fatrah, during which revelation was cut off form the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam), and the Makkans were saying Allah had forsaken Muhammad. When Ad-Duha was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest).
As to what one should say: You may say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), or La Illaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, (There is no deity but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest).
The sunnah recommends prostrating at the end of every sajadah (prostration verse). There are 15 such verses in Al-Qur'an. They are in chapters: Al-A`araaf, (7:206); Ar-Ra'ad, (13:15); An-Nahl, (16:49); Al-Isra, (17:107); Maryam, (19:58); Al-Hajj, (22:18 and 22:77); Al-Furqan, (25:60); An-Naml, (27:77); As-Sajdah, (32:15); Sad, (38:24); Fussilat, (41:37); An-Najm, (53:62); Al-Insiqaq, (84:21); and Al-'Alaq, (96:19).
Now there is the question about what is the best time to read or recite Al-Qur'an. The best time by far is reciting during Solat, then night-time reading, especially the latter part of it. The best time of day is after Subuh (Morning Prayer). The best or preferred days are the days of 'Arafah, Fridays, Mondays, and Thursdays. The best ten days are the last ten of Ramadhan and first ten days of the month, Zul-Hijjah. Of the months, Ramadhan is the best.
The preferred day to start Al-Qur'an is Friday, and the best day to complete it is Thursday. The best hour to complete it is the first part of the day or night. For, according to Sa'ad bin Abi Waqqaas (radiallahu`anhu), if the completion is in the first part of the night, the angels will pray for you until morning, and if it is early in the morning they will pray for you until evening. Fasting is recommended on the day of completion.
It is recommended to start again after each completion of Al-Qur'an. In a sahih hadith recorded by at-Tirmidzi, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam ) has been reported as saying:
"The best deeds in the sight of Allah are the deeds of the one who completes Qur'an and resumes again, the one who reads Al-Qur'an from the beginning to the end, and whenever he finishes he resumes again." [Tirmidzi]
It is undesirable to stop reading to converse or talk to someone, laugh or play or look at something that takes away your attention, unless there is a valid reason, as has been reported by Al-Bukhari, by the way of Ibn 'Umar (radiallahu`anhu).
Wallahu'alam.
End.
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