Monday, August 27, 2012

Reward for Learning the Qur'an



As Salaamu Alaikum!

Memorizing the Holy Qur’an is one of the most important ways to preserve Allah’s message. The others are to publish and distribute the book, or the text on the Internet and to recite the parts that one knows to other people. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said:

‘The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it.’ (Narrated by Al-Bukhari). 


Actually, most important of all is to live by the message it contains, so as to be a good example to others. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), when asked to describe the character of Prophet Muhammad  (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam)  described it as ‘the Qur’an’. 

The reward for remembering the message it contains, living by its guidance, and passing it on to others, is great:


"We, when the water (of Noah's Flood) overflowed beyond its limits, carried you, in the floating (Ark), That We might make it a Message unto you, and that ears (that should hear the tale and) retain its memory should bear its (lessons) in remembrance. "


Surah 69 Verses 11 - 12

It is Allah who helps people memorize the Qur’an, as he said to the Prophet Muhammad  (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam)

By degrees shall We teach thee to declare (the Message), so thou shalt not forget,
Except as God wills: For He knoweth what is manifest and what is hidden.
And We will make it easy for thee (to follow) the simple (Path).
Therefore give admonition in case the admonition profits (the hearer).


Surah 87 Verses 6 - 9

Monday, August 20, 2012

Quran

"Alif Laam Raa. A book which we have revealed to you (Muhammad) so that you may lead the people from out of the darknesses into the light by their Lord's leave to the path of the All-Mighty, the Praiseworthy." [Quran 14:1] The Holy Quran.

The Quran is a Message from Allah to humanity. It was transmitted to us in a chain starting from the Almighty Himself (Subhanaho Wataala) to the angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. This message was given to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) in pieces over a period spanning approximately 23 years. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was 40 years old when the Quran began to be revealed to him, and he was 63 when the revelation was completed. The language of the original message was Arabic, but it has been translated into many other languages. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was the final Messenger of Allah to humanity, and therefore the Quran is the last Message which Allah has sent to us. Its predecessors such as the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel have all been superseded. It is an obligation - and blessing - for all who hear of the Quran and Islam to investigate it and evaluate it for them. Allah has guaranteed that He will protect the Quran from human tampering, and today's readers can find exact copies of it all over the world. The Quran of today is the same as the Quran revealed to Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Al Quran’ is unique in its composition and style. ‘Al Quran’ does not conform to the normal conception of a book. It is a book that is not like any book ever written. The chapters of ‘Al Quran’ consist of verses that deal with a mixture of subjects and miscellaneous topics. It is for this reason that the title or name of a chapter would not reveal the total information and contents in that chapter. The information contained in a chapter of the Quran is woven together and laid down in a mosaic form that might give the feeling of lack of continuity and order. Interconnection between the verses and the continuity of the subject might not be apparent or existing. Varied information within the same verse can also be found. It is reasonable to think of a chapter of ‘Al Quran’ as a beautiful flower bouquet, each of its flowers has its unique color and smell.
THus, for one to understand ‘Al Quran’, one should first free the mind from the preconceived notion of a “regular” book, and then concentrate on grasping the meaning of each individual verse in the chapter. Verses that have obvious and clear connection should be studied together. After one reads a chapter more than once, one is able to comprehend all the important lessons in that chapter. It is important that, for deeper and more understanding of ‘Al Quran’, the reader should visit any index, commentary, or notes, if available in the translation.
It is difficult to understand the complete meaning and grasp all the wisdom of ‘Al Quran’ after one reading. As a matter of fact, one needs to read ‘Al Quran’ over and over again with complete concentration and meditation before one can fully discover its hidden treasures. Because you gain new meanings and perception each time you read ‘Al Quran’, you might feel as if you never read such verses before. Amazingly, these realities, about re-reading ‘Al Quran’ often, hold true for all people regardless of their level of education. Fortunately, Allah rewards us generously for reading each and every letter of this great divine book

Tuesday, August 14, 2012



Holy Qur’an

Religion has always been there; even long before we could ever expect. This is not a religious fanatic making such claims, but this is what comes to surface by historians and explorers. They are just amazed to see no matter how old a civilization they might come across while digging and excavating; it has got its religious symbols and manifests of one type or the other.
This is simply because Allah Almighty, the one and only creator of the whole universe did not set to rest after creating the universe and human beings; but He also bestowed His favorite creatures (human beings) the guidance and assistance they needed. That is why Allah (SWT) endowed humanity with more than one hundred and twenty four thousand of His Messengers.

In fact, this very fact is mentioned quite clearly in Qur’an, the final Scripture that Allah Almighty chose to reveal upon the final Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more than 1400 years ago in the following words:
For We assuredly sent amongst every People a messenger, (with the Command) “Serve Allah, and eschew Evil”: of the people were some whom Allah guided, and some on whom Error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth). (16:36)

Monday, August 13, 2012

Selected quotes from the Quran


1.    2:177. Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.
2.    2:197. Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence.
3.    2:219. They ask you about intoxicants and gambling: say, "In them there is a gross sin, and some benefits for the people. But their sinfulness far outweighs their benefit." They also ask you what to give to charity: say, "The excess." GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect.
2:220. upon this life and the Hereafter. And they ask you about the orphans: say, "Bringing them up as righteous persons is the best you can do for them. If you mix their property with yours, you shall treat them as family members." GOD knows the righteous and the wicked. Had GOD willed, He could have imposed harsher rules upon you. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.
4.    3:109. To GOD belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth, and all matters are controlled by GOD.
3:110. You are the best community ever raised among the people: you advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in GOD. If the followers of the scripture believed, it would be better for them. Some of them do believe, but the majority of them are wicked.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

QURANIC DUAS (SUPPLICATIONS)



1.
Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing
[2:127]
Rabbana taqabbal minna innaka antas Sameeaul Aleem
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ العَلِيمُ
[
البقرة :127]
2.
Our Lord! Make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful
[2:128]
Rabbana wa-j'alna Muslimayni laka wa min Dhurriyatina 'Ummatan Muslimatan laka wa 'Arina Manasikana wa tub 'alayna 'innaka 'antat-Tawwabu-Raheem
رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
[
البقرة :128]
3.
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire
[2:201]
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
[
البقرة :201]
4.
Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance, make our foothold sure, and give us help against the disbelieving folk
[2:250]
Rabbana afrigh 'alayna sabran wa thabbit aqdamana wansurna 'alal-qawmil-kafirin
رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْراً وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى القَوْمِ الكَافِرِينَ
[
البقرة :250]

Understand the Importance of Qur'an



As Salaamu Alaikum wa Rehmatullahi wa Barakatahu


The Quran revealed to our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is a miracle. Every Ayat of the Quran is extremely important. One must even know when the verses came down and the situations in which they were revealed. During the recitation and the study of Quran, one must earnestly try to understand the message contained in this book. Each and every message is for us, the Muslim Ummah to take heed. The stories of the earlier Prophets are there for a reason: the traits and character seen in the people those Prophets were sent to are very much apparent in the characters of people living today.

.
فَإِنَّمَا يَسَّرْنَاهُ بِلِسَانِكَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ
Verily, We have made this (Quran) easy, in your tongue, in order that they may give heed. (Quran 44:58)

Allah says in the Holy Quran,
كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُوْلُوا الْأَلْبَابِ
This is a Book full of Blessings that we have revealed unto you so people ponder upon its verses and men of intellect may reflect. (Quran 38:29)


We Muslims must understand and learn Quran, it is our duty to spread the word of Allah. When the Quran is asking its reader to understand it, there is no reason whatsoever why one should not make an effort to do that.

وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلاَّ أُوْلُواْ الأَلْبَابِ
"But none will grasp the message except the men of intellect."(Quran 2:269)

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Q & A on Holy Qur'an ...


 As Salaamu Aliakum

  • Q) What is the meaning of the word "Qur'an"?
    A) That which is Read.
  • Q) Where was the Qur'an revealed first?
    A) In the cave of Hira (Makkah)
  • Q) On which night was the Qur'an first revealed?
    A) Lailatul-Qadr (Night of the Power)
  • Q) Who revealed the Qur'an?
    A) Allah revealed the Qur'an
  • Q) Through whom was the Qur'an revealed?
    A) Through Angel Jibraeel (Alaihis-Salaam)
  • Q) To whom was the Qur'an revealed?
    A) To the last Prophet Muhammed (Sallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
  • Q) Who took the responsibility of keeping the Qur'an safe?
    A) Allah himself
  • Q) What are the conditions for holding or touching the Qur'an?
    A) One has to be clean and to be with wudhu (ablution)
  • Q) Which is the book which is read most?
    A) The Qur'an
  • Q) What is the topic of the Qur'an?
    A) Man
  • Q) What are the other names of the Qur'an according to the Qur'an itself?
    A) Al-Furqaan, Al-Kitaab, Al-Zikr, Al-Noor, Al-Huda

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

The Benefits of Reading the Qur'an


As Salaamu Alaikum

The rewards of reciting the Quran are many. An authentic hadith in At-Tirmithee states:

"Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala), 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.” So increase your recitation of the Qur’an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well."


But what if I am not a good reciter or having trouble or difficulty with it's recitation?

Further,: In another hadeeth, ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:


"Verily the one who recites the Qur’an 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.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]


And Finally:The Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wassallam) 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.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]

Practicle steps for Memorizing the Holy Quran


Assalam o Alaikum All Readers!
Almost every Muslim wishes to memorise the Quran and many have embarked upon the journey of doing so, yet a number among them do this task rather haphazardly, which leads to difficulty in the process of memorisation as well as increasing their chances of forgetting what they have memorised. In view of the great need of ensuring the successful memorisation of the Quran, some practical steps toward efficient memorisation and avoiding setbacks are stated in this article:1. The Same CopyUse the same Mus-haf (copy) when you read the Quran and stick to it so that you may become familiar with it and know the sites of various verses and how to find them quickly when you revise what you have memorised.2. ReaderTry to find a knowledgeable reader, such as a Quran Teacher (especially a scholar Quran Teacher) who is well versed in the rules of Tajweed (correct recitation). Start reading to him what you intend to memorise beforehand so that he may correct any wrong pronunciation.3. GroupRead and memorise the Quran within a group rather than individually. Members of groups help each other in correcting mistakes and thus make the task easier. If you can't find many people 2 members are enough. You encourage each other and get inspiration. Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Whenever a group congregates in one of the houses of Allaah (i.e., Mosques) to recite the Book of Allaah (Quran) and study it, peace and mercy will descend upon them, the angels will surround them and Allaah will mention them to those with Him (i.e., the angels)." [Muslim]4. RepeatRepeat what you have memorised to yourself frequently, and the best way to do this is during the prayers.5. TajweedLearn the basic rules of Tajweed before you start memorising and try to apply these rules while memorising. Allaah Says in the Quran (what means): "… And recite the Quran with measured recitation." [Quran 73:4]6. Supplication(DUA)Supplicate to Allaah to help you in memorising what you have read of the Quran. Many Hadeeths (Prophetic narrations) point to how this is to be done.