Virtues of reading the Qur'an

As Ramadan is upon us, most Muslims will race to complete reading the Qur'an, yet it is important to learn about the virtues of reading this Noble Book, which will bring more motivation. The Qur'an is full of gems, igniting your lifestyle to success and having many effects on your character and your after-life. The Qur'an being revealed in the month of Ramadan makes this month extra special. So let's appreciate this gift from Allah (swt) and take it as our companion to reach greater, spiritual heights this Ramadan. Some of the virtues of the Qur’an are listed below.

“This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon [the pious]” (Quran, 2:2)

1. There is plenty of reward for the one who recites

“Verily the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he 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.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

The above hadith shows how much value there is to reciting the Qur'an, that even the one who finds it difficult to recite is rewarded for his efforts.

In Ramadan, since the reward is multiplied by 70 or more, you'll find many Muslims utilising this benefit, immersing themselves into completing the Qur'an. It's beautiful to acknowledge that not only does the Qur'an positively affect our daily lives, which is a blessing in itself, but it allows us to benefit in the next life too.

2. The Qur'an will be an intercessor for us

“Read the Quran, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” (Muslim)

Imagine the day we are enveloped with fear, shock and anxiety with our canopy being the sun, exposing scorching heat. Imagine feeling restless, awaiting our book of deeds, nervous as to which hand it will be placed upon. Yet, imagine, the Noble Book who we took as a companion in the dunya, intercedes, adamant we attain Jannah. Mood uplifted and hope risen, this is the effect the Qur'an will have to those who read and utilised it during their lifetime.

The more we recite the Qur'an, the more it will become a natural hobby carried out with ease. Becoming passionate with reading this Book, and striving to attain the good that it releases, will bring us satisfaction and stability in both worlds.

3. Hearts become softer

Reciting the Qur'an in itself allows one's heart to go softer being attentive to Allah (swt)'s words. It humbles us, as we read the orders from the All-Powerful, which distinguishes His lofty status.

The Prophet (s) once said to ibn Mas’ud, "Recite to me some Qur’ān” He replied, “O messenger of Allāh! How can I recite it to you whilst it was revealed to you?” He said, “I love to hear it from other than me.” He said, “So I started to read from Sūrat An-Nisā until I reached the āyah that reads, ‘So how will it be when We bring from every nation a witness, and we bring you, O Muḥammad, against these people as a witness?’” The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam), at this point, said to Ibn Masʿūd, “This is enough”. Ibn Masʿūd said, “I looked at him and he was shedding tears.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

The above hadith shows that the Qur'an has an impact on even our Prophet (s) heart. Being the best of mankind, Prophet (s) possessed the most softest of hearts, so much that these verses brought him to tears.

4. Your status will be raised

“The best of you are the ones who learn the Quran and teach it to others” (Bukhari)

How beautiful is it that our Prophet (s) related the rank of status by one's closeness to the Qur'an. This shows how prestige the Qur'an is. In fact, even in the next life, the more Qur'an one had memorised in this life, the higher the place in Jannah they will be given.

“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! For verily, your position in the Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!” (Abu Dawood)

5. A Guide showing what's lawful and what is not

The Qur’an is a guide, displaying what is permissible and what is forbidden in Islam. This Noble Book also teaches us many lessons by narrating stories from the past. Through these many examples, a Muslim can use the Qur’an to help shape and live their life. The Qur’an teaches us to be optimistic through the trials great people before us had faced. It teaches us to have patience, forbearance, and most of all, it gives us firm realisation that Allah is the Almighty, the Greatest, and deserves all praise. Consisting of the direct and divine words of Allah, the Qur’an being a guide is a great virtue for Muslims from all walks of life.

May Allah (swt) make us all people of the Qur’an, who find love in reciting and learning from this Book, so much that it becomes an intercessor for us on the Day of Reckoning.