As Salaamu Alaikum!
The first lesson to be learned by all students is about the importance of the Holy Qur’aan. The Qur’aan is the Book of Allah subhaanahu wa ta‘aalaa. Every word in the Qur’aan has come from Allah. That is why we say that it is a Holy Book. The words in the Qur’aan were sent by Allah to Prophet Muhammad sallal-laahu ‘alayhi wa-aalihi wa sallam. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) received the words of Allah through angel Jibra’eel. This Qur’aan is a Holy Book that was not written by anyone but sent by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) through Jibra’eel (AS)
- It is the most truthful speech: Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) regularly read the words of Allah to Muslims around him. These Muslims were very pleased and excited to receive the words of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: The most truthful speech, the most eloquent advice, and the greatest stories are in the Book of Allah. The Muslims listened carefully to what the Prophet read, memorized the sentences and passages of the Qur’aan, recited them regularly and followed the teachings of the Qur’aan. In order to preserve the words of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, the Prophet appointed special people known as “Scribes of the Qur’aan” to write down the words of Allah.
- It is in original language: Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) was an Arab and the majority of people in Mecca and Medina spoke Arabic. Therefore the Qur’aan was sent in Arabic. Arabic is written from right to left. It is better to learn to read the Qur’aan in its original language. Therefore, we will put efforts to learn Qur’aan written in Arabic instead of simply reading its translation in other languages.
- The Holy Qur’aan contains Allah’s message to all people. It tells people how to act correctly. It guides us to a correct way of life in this world. The Book of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala also talks about life after death. It tells us that Allah has prepared Paradise for good people and Hell for bad people. The Qur’aan encourages the worship of only one God Who creates and provides for them. The Book forbids people from evil and condemns those who do wrong. It contains stories of the past Prophets and the examples of bad and good people. People are advised in the Qur’aan to be good to others and respect them. It teaches people to live in peace and harmony.
- Qur’aan brings happiness in this world and the Hereafter. Following the Qur’aan brings happiness in this world and the world after death. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: If you desire the life of the fortunate, the death of a martyr, the salvation on the Day of Regret and the shade on the Day of Extreme Heat, then you should study the Qur’aan because it is the word of the Merciful, a sanctuary from Shaytaan and a causes the tilting of the Balance. In another Hadith we read that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) has said: The recitor of the Qur’an will be spared from the calamities of the Hereafter.
- It is the only Divine book that has remained unchanged. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala sent the Qur’aan to His Prophet. A book sent by Allah to people is known as a Divine Book or a Heavenly Book. Other Divine Books were also sent to previous prophets. These are: Suhoof to Prophet Ibraheem ‘alayhis salaam; Zaboor to Prophet Dawood ‘alayhis salaam; Tawraah to Prophet Moosaa ‘alayhis salaam; and Injeel to Prophet ‘Eisaa‘alayhis salaam. The difference between the Qur’aan and past revealed books is that the Qur’aan is the only Divine Book that has remained unaltered. The Qur’aan we have with us contains exactly the same message that was sent to Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) by Allah through Jibra’eel.
- Our supplications get answered if we were to pray after reading the Holy Qur’aan, In sha Allah. It also helps in strengthening our faith. Imam Ali (a) said: Reciting the Qur’an plants the seed of faith.
- The Qur’aan is the best companion. It can be of great help when a child or adult is feeling lonely. Imam Ali Zaynul ‘Aabideen (a) said: If all who live between the East and West perish, I will have no fear as long as I have the Qur’an with me.
- Students get wise when they start reading the Qur’aan in their childhood. The Holy Book is the best intellectual treasure a student can have. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: The Qur’an is a wealth with which there is no poverty, and without which there is no wealth. On the other hand not caring to read and study the Qur’aan is a great loss. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: Surely the person in whose heart lacks the trace of the Qur’an is like a ruined house.
- Muslims read the Qur’aan to understand the true teachings of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) left the Holy Book as the most important legacy for Muslims after him.
- All Muslims recite some Soorahs in their prayers. However, it is good to memorize more Soorahs and read them in Salaat. Imam Muhammad Al-Baaqir (a) said: Whoever recites the Qur’aan while standing in his prayer, Allah will bestow on him a hundred blessings for every letter; and whoever recites it while sitting in his prayer, Allah will reward him fifty blessings for every letter; and whoever recites it outside of his prayer, Allah will grant him ten blessings for every letter.
- The Qur’aan is a cure to mental and spiritual diseases: The Qur’aan is the beneficial cure, the blessed medicine, the protection (‘Isma) for he who holds fast to it, and the salvation for he who follows it. Neither does it cause crookedness so that it departs (from the truth) nor does it deviate so that it causes trouble. Its marvels do not come to end and the vastness of refutations does not wear it.
With Best Wishes
