Reading or reciting Quran is a good deed, and we all know that. But it is essential to constantly remain in touch with Quran, to keep on reading and re-reading it.

It was narrated by Abdullah bin Amr: 

that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Recite the Quran in forty (days)."[1]

 

This hadith shows that we should attempt to complete reading Quran in forty days, before starting for another time. Why has such emphasis been laid to reading Quran so often? Quran is the word of Allah. Through Quran, we can maintain our connection to Allah. According to one hadith in Sahih Bukhari, the best talk, or speech is Allah's book, that is Quran!

 

There are many benefits of reading Quran:

 

1. Reciting Quran is one way to ensure plenty of good deeds making way to you. You get the reward of each letter of the word that you read. And Quran itself tells us that the reward of good deeds would be multiplied from 10 to 70 times, all according to Allah's Will!

 

2. Reciting Quran leads to sakinah (Contentment or tranquility) In several different ahadith, it has been mentioned that reading Quran leads to the tranquility of your heart and soul; especially when you are trying to read and learn Quran together with a group. That is why it has been recommended to take Quran classes with a group; Classes that help you to improve your reading skills, and also help in understanding the content of Quran. These days, it is much easier to attain this tranquility with the help of online Quran classes, instead of regular classes; especially if you live in areas from where Islamic centres or mosques are too far away.

 

3. According to one hadith, the best amongst the Muslims is the one who learns the Quran, and then teaches it to others. To attain this level, we first need to make sure that we, ourselves, have learnt the Quran well. It is always a good idea to get your knowledge checked by a Quran teacher, before volunteering to teach Quran to others. A good way would be enrolling in a Quran class, or in an Online Quran class. Get yourself assessed, and then start spreading the knowledge yourself.

 

4. It was narrated by Abu Musa: 

The Prophet (SAW) said, "The example of a believer who recites the Quran and acts on it, is like a citron which tastes nice and smells nice. And the example of a believer who does not recite the Quran but acts on it, is like a date which tastes good but has no smell. And the example of a hypocrite who recites the Quran is like a Raihana (sweet basil) which smells good but tastes bitter. And the example of a hypocrite who does not recite the Quran is like a colocynth which tastes bitter and has a bad smell."[2] 

 

This hadith clearly shows the importance of not only reading the Quran, but also acting upon the instructions it conveys. How is that possible? Only when we know the meaning of Quran, and understand its teachings. We should try our level best to constantly remain in touch with Quran, and try to constantly learn its meanings. What better way to keep on learning and understanding Quran by getting in a Quran class, or by trying to learn Arabic online. The better you know Arabic, the better you have the chance of understanding Quran. And the more you understand the Quran, the better chance you have  to act upon it. Reading and acting upon the Quran is the way that leads to Jannah.

 

5. Reading Quran is a habit that will not only assist you in tackling numerous worldly problems, but it will help you when you will need the help the most. On the Day of the Judgement! The stronger the habit of reading Quran you have, the better chance you have to get  intercession by Quran for your safety. The habit of reading Quran will try to save you from the trials of the grave; It will also intercede fro you from the trials of the hell, according to various authentic ahadith.

 

6. Everybody is a hafidh, you know. Hafidh is not just the person who knows entire Quran by heart. He is a person who knows a part of Quran by heart. It does not matter how small or large that part is. That makes everyone of us a hafidh.

 

It was narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As:

 

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: One who was devoted to the Quran will be told to recite, ascend and recite carefully as he recited carefully when he was in the world, for he will reach his abode when he comes to the last verse he recites. [3]

This hadith indicates that the more Quran we have memorised, the higher our status would be in Jannah, in sha Allah. How to make sure that we are learning and memorising new surah's constantly? With the help of a Quran teacher! Alhumdulillah, we can find online Quran teachers easily nowadays. The classes with online Quran teachers are convenient, and you can enjoy privacy, too. Moving at your own pace with online Quran teacher is easy. The journey to learning new surah's by heart becomes very enjoyable, and satisfying, too.

 

References:

 

[1] Narrated by Jamiat-tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Book 43, Hadith 2947

[2] Narrated by Sahih al-Bukhari Book 66, Hadith 84

[3] Narrated by Sunan Abi Dawud 1464

 

Dhul-Hijjah is the last month of Islamic year. It is a month of great importance for Muslims. True, we all know that it is the month of Hajj, the greatest ibadah. But what if we are not going to hajj? Would we miss out all the ajr? Not really!

 

 Dhul-Hijjah was the month of Hajj even before the advent of Islam. The Arabs respected it and avoided fighting in the month of Dhul-Hijjah.

 

Allah SWT gave Dhul-Hijjah immense importance, particularly the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which can be seen as Allah  SWT swore an oath by them in the Quran:

 

“By the dawn; And [by] ten nights.” [1]

 

In his tafseer, Ibn Katheer explained that the “ten nights” in this verse stand for the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

 

Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." [2]

 

If these ten days are so beloved to Allah, what  should we do to make the most of these ten days?

 

1.         Dua at the start of Dul-Hijjah:                                                           
Start by making masnoon dua when you see the moon for Dhul-Hijjah:

 

اللَّهُمَّأَهْلِلْهُعَلَيْنَابِالْيُمْنِوَالإِيمَانِوَالسَّلاَمَةِوَالإِسْلاَمِرَبِّيوَرَبُّكَاللَّهُ 

 

"O Allah make the new moon rise on us with blessing, faith, safety and Islam. My Lord and Your Lord is Allah"

 

2. Look after your Salah well!

Five times salah is obligatory for all adult Muslims. Try to take your salah to  a higher level.

a.          Pray on time.

b.         Pray with congregation (Jamaat) [for men]

c.          Try to offer as many nawafil as you can with each salah.

d.         Try to offer ishraq and tahajjud salah.

e.          Try to recite lengthy surahs in Qiyaam.

 

 

3. Make Quran your best friend!

 

a.          Try to recite as much Quran as you can manage.

b.         Attempt to learn some surahs. You can revise what you have learnt in your salah.

c.          Recite Quran and try to understand its meanings; either through tafseer, or by joining a Quran class. If you cannot manage it, try enrolling in Online Quran Class. Online Quran Class helps to save your time, and can easily fit into your schedule.

 

 

4. Fasts!

 

a.          These ten days are a good time to make up your fasts, or for voluntary fasts.

b.         You can also fast on Monday and Thursday

c.          Fast on 9th of Dhul-Hijjah:

 

Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari (RAA) narrated, ‘The Messenger of Allah SAW was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah ( 9th of Dhul Hijjah). He replied, "Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” [3] 

  

5. Dhikr and Dua!

 

a.        According to one hadith in Masnad Ahmed, we should recite Tehleel, Takbeer, and Tehmeed abundantly in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah; Whereas Tehleel means saying لَاإِلٰهَإِلَّاٱلله 

Takbeer means saying اللهأكبر

Tehmeed means saying الحَمْدلله

 

 

 

b. According to another hadith of Sahih Muslim, reciting

 

سُبْحَانَاللَّهِوَالْحَمْدُلِلَّهِوَلاَاِلهَإِلاَّاللَّهُوَاللَّهُأَكْبَرُ

 

was more beloved to our Prophet SAW then all the things on which the sun rises.

 

c. According to one hadith, reciting

لاَاِلهَإِلاَّاللَّهُ

is the best Dhikr, while reciting

الْحَمْدُلِلَّهِ

is the best dua.

 

c. Reciting Takbeerat loudly:

It is sunnah to recite Takbeerat during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah often, and audibly. It was the custom of sahabah to recite the takbeerat loudly in the market places, so that everyone was reminded and then everyone joined in reciting takbeerat. We should attempt to revive this sunnah. If not possible, then at least try to recite yourself.

 

اَللّهُاَكْبَرُ،اَللّهُاَكْبَرُ،اَللّهُاَكْبَرُ،لاَاِلَهَاِلاَّاللّهُاَللّهُاَكْبَرُ،اَللّهُاَكْبَرُ، وَلِلّهِالْحَمْدُ 

 

d. Making loads of duas everyday, but particularly on 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, or Youm ul Arafah (the Hajj day), because Allah SWT mentions the Hajj day as the day of making duas and remembrance of Allah.

 

6. Charity:

Don't forget to remember you brothers in need during these ten days. Spend on them! Sadaqah, khairaat;s in any way. Any good deed done in these special days, holds special ajr. We should try to gain as much air as possible.

 

7. Be More helpful!

Be on your best behaviour during these ten days. Be more helpful, more caring, more humble,  and understanding than usual, and all with a smile; Because according to one hadith, the best amongst ourselves is the one with the best character (Ikhlaq)

 

8. Sacrifice:

 If you are a sahib e nisaab, then you should be planning to offer sacrifice. You can offer your sacrifice individually, if you sacrifice a small animal, like goat or sheep; or you can participate in sacrifice if you are planning to offer a large animal like cow, or camel.

 

If you are planning to offer sacrifice, here are some points to remember:

a.          Do not cut your nails or hair during these ten days, until you have offered sacrifice.

b.         Try to cover all sunnahs regarding Eid day.

c.          Offer Salat ul Eid.

d.         Divide the meat into three parts according to the sunnah; one for the poor, one for the relatives, and one for yourself.

 

9. Manage your Time!

Last, but not the least, manage your time well. Make the best use of these ten days to gain maximum ajr. Plan ahead, and let go of all events that can be distracting. May Allah Help us to achieve the most out of these blessed days. Ameen.

 

 

References:

[1] Chapter 89, Al Fajr, Verses 1-2

[2] Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 2/457

[3] Narrated by Sahih Muslim, book 5, hadith 700

 

In every religion of the world, one day holds special significance over others. For example, For Jews, it is Saturday. For christians, it is Sunday, and for Muslims, it is Friday.

 

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “We (Muslims) are the last (of the nations) but (we will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection,  although the former nations were given their scriptures before us and we were given our after them. And this (Friday) is the day concerning which they disputed. So Allah guided us (to it), tomorrow (i.e., Saturday) is for the Jews and the day after (i.e., Sunday) is for the Christians.” [1] 

 According to Al-Nawawi, Al-Qadi said that this hadith shows that the Jews and Christians were meant to respect Friday as their special day, but were not given clear instructions, thus, they disputed amongst themselves, and chose other days of the week for themselves. However, for Muslims, there were clear cut instructions, and the Muslims were given Friday as a blessing.

 

What makes Friday so special for us?  

Friday enjoys the status of being the premier day of the week because a number of milestone events took place on Friday, and would take place in future, too.

1.      According to a hadith, it is the best day of the week. According to another hadith, it is the master of all days.

2.      Adam (AS) was created on Friday.

3.      Adam (AS) entered Jannah on Friday.

4.      Adam (AS) was expelled from Jannah and sent down on Earth on Friday, too.

5.      Adam (AS) died on Friday.

6.      Friday will be the day on which the trumpet would be blown to declare the start of the Day of the Judgement.

7.      There is one opportune moment every Friday, in which any dua that a Muslim makes, would be accepted, if it's not anything haram or unlawful.

[According to ahadith narrated by Muslim, Al-Jumu’ah, 1410,  by Abu Dawood, 1047, by Ibn Majah 1084]

 

8. According to a hadith narrated by Tirmidhi, another important characteristic of Friday is that it saves the Muslim from the trials of grave, if the Muslim dies on Friday.

 

9. Friday prayer is a means of expiation of sins, if offered in the right manner.

 

It was narrated by Salman Al-Farsi (RA): 

Allah's Messenger (SAW) said, "Anyone who takes a bath on Friday and cleans himself as much as he can and puts oil (on his hair) or scents himself; and then proceeds for the prayer and does not force his way between two persons (assembled in the mosque for the Friday prayer), and prays as much as is written for him and remains quiet when the Imam delivers the Khutba, all his sins in between the present and the last Friday will be forgiven." [2] 

 

If Friday is so important for us, how should we attempt to spend it?

Here are some Sunnahs that we should be attempting to cover every Friday.

1.       Do Ghusl. According to one hadith, Ghusl is wajib for every adult Muslim, who intends to pray Jumu'ah.[3]

 

2. Wear your best clean clothes, clean your teeth with miswak, and wear perfume.

 

3. Go early for salat ul Jumu'ah, and khutbah

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Whoever does ghusl on Friday like ghusl for janabah, then goes to the prayer (early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.” [4] 

 

4. Offer two rakah tahiyyah tul masjid, before Friday prayer.

5. Take the available spot. Do not force your self between two already sitting persons. Do not attempt to make space in the first rows, if you have arrived a bit late.

6. Remain quiet during the Khutbah. Telling someone to be quiet, would come under talking, too.

4. Read Surah Kahaf, during the day, or Friday night. According to a hadith reading Surah Kahaf on Friday ensures Nur for the reader, from one Friday to another.

5. Recite Darood through out the day, as much as you can.

6. Make dua, because there is an opportune time on Friday when the dua gets accepted.

There are a few conditions of establishing Friday prayer.

1.      Male Muslim. For females, it is not essential to establish Jumu'ah prayer.

2.      Free Muslim. It is not essential for slaves to offer Jumu'ah prayer.

3.      Adult Muslim. Jumu'ah is essential for every adult Muslim. Jumu'ah prayer is not compulsory for underage children.

4.      Healthy Muslim. For sick, and very old, it is not essential to establish Jumu'ah prayer.

5.      Resident Muslim. For a traveller, it is not compulsory to offer Jumu'ah prayer. He can offer his Zuhur Salah.

 

The Messenger of Allah(SAW) several times warned not to miss Friday Prayers, lest our hearts be sealed, and we be taken as heedless, or negligent. [5]

 

We should make an effort not to skip Jumu'ah prayer, while trying to fulfil all the conditions and Sunnahs of Jumu'ah prayer. May Allah accept all our efforts, ibadah, and duas. Ameen.

 

References:

 

[1] Narrated by al-Bukhari, Al-Jumu’ah, 847

[2] Narrated by Sahih al-Bukhari, Al- Jumu'ah, 910

[3] Narrated by Bukhari, Al- Jumu'ah 879

[4] Narrated by Al-Bukhaari (814), Muslim (850) 

[5] Narrated by Sahih Muslim, 865

There could be many reasons on why you decide to learn a new language. The more the reasons, the more convince you are of your decision. You need full conviction before you even attempt to learn a new language. Learning a new language is never easy, if you are not fully convinced. May be you have been posted somewhere, and need to learn a foreign language to get along the locals easily. Or maybe, your company needs you to learn a new language so that you could interact easily with potential clients.

 

Learning Arabic is a choice that not many people take; However, they really should. Here are some of the reasons why you should make time to learn Arabic. 

 

1. Allah SWT Mentions in Quran: 

 

"Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran in order that you may understand" [1]   

 

Arabic is the language of Quran. If you do not know Arabic, chances are that you read a translation to understand what actually Allah SWT Wants to tell you. But, in reading a translation, you have involved a third person, and you actually are being influenced by his words and his thinking, too. So, in order to understand the Word of Allah, as the true word of Allah alone, as a Muslim, it is essential for us to try to learn Arabic. In the above ayah, we can see that Allah Wants us to understand Quran in Arabic, not just through its translation. Please remember, there is nothing wrong in reading, and understanding Quran with the help of a reputable translation. However, it is much more better, much more commendable to understand Quran, by learning Arabic. That way, you may even get a feel that Allah SWT is directly talking to you. Let us learn Arabic to be close to Allah SWT. Interestingly, Arabic would be the language of Jannah.

 

2. Without learning Arabic, you would not get an idea of the Arabic culture. A vibrant, diverse culture which we really need to know to understand why a number of instructions came down in Islam in different times.

 

3. Higher degrees in Islamic education are mostly offered in Arabic. In order to attain that education, you really need to learn Arabic first.

 

4. More than 400 million people speak Arabic. Arabic is included in the top six most widely spoken languages. Arabic is the native language  of Middle East, and is widely spoken in  some countries of Africa. Knowing Arabic will give you an edge, making travelling, receiving education very easy for you.

 

5. The major chunk of Islamic literature is in Arabic. Books of Hadith, explanations of Hadith, Islamic History, Islamic medicine; the list goes on and one. By learning Arabic, you will instantly gain access to a huge sea of knowledge.

 

6. Urdu, Persian, Turkish, Hebrew, English; all have several words, the origin of which is Arabic. By venturing to learn Arabic, you can start understanding quite a part of all these languages.

 

7. These days, knowing Arabic can land you a better job, too, as the markets are expanding, and several companies want expansion in Middle East, and what better choice than to appoint an Arabic speaking manager?

 

8. Arabic is a comprehensive language. For each word, Arabic has several words for different shades of meaning. For example, Arabic has more than 50 words for the word "Camel"! Learning Arabic can give a new perspective to your thinking.

 

 

Even if you put away all other reasons, the reasons associated with understanding Quran, and Islam's commands, are enough for us to start thinking about learning Arabic as soon as possible.

 

It is really difficult to learn Arabic all by yourself, or by reading books alone. You really need to find a good teacher, who can, not only help you in learning Arabic at your own pace, but also inculcate the love of the language in you. These days, many schools and universities offer courses in Arabic. You can try enrolling in them.

 

 You can also learn Arabic from a teacher in your Mosque or Islamic centre.  However, if you are having trouble in finding a good, qualified teacher, or having difficulty in adjusting learning Arabic into your hectic schedule, worry no more. You can now easily avail the facilities of a well qualified, trained Arabic teacher, who can teach you online.

 

Online teaching is a life savior in many ways. You can fit an online class into your hectic schedule easily. You can learn at your own pace, and there would be no need to be intimidated by others' pace, or performance. True, a healthy competition helps you in achieving more, but sometimes it can cause unduly stress, too. So you might find it better to have private classes with an Online Arabic teacher. Online classes save you time that you might have spent in commuting. And another advantage of Online Arabic classes is that you can learn Arabic together as a family. You can assist your children in getting ahead in understanding their deen by making sure that they learn Arabic, too. Either you can enrol them in online Arabic classes for children, or you can take a class as a family to learn with your family. Online classes are quite cheaper than most traditional classes. So, learning Arabic won't cause a blow to your budget, too.

 

There is one essential thing that you need to do, if you are looking to enrol in any online class for Arabic; Choose your institution carefully. Choose an online institution that hires only the qualified, well trained teachers. Native teachers is another plus point.

Learning Arabic would definitely help us in knowing Quran and our deen in a much better way. It might also help us grow close to Allah SWT. May Allah make it easy for us, and make us steadfast on our deen. Ameen.

  

References:

 

[1] Chapter 12: Yusuf, Verse: 2

 

As Muslims, it is part of our Imaan to believe in the Books of Allah; Torah (revealed on Prophet Musa A.S), Zaboor (revealed on Prophet Dawood A.S), Injeel (revealed on Prophet Esa A.S), and Quran (revealed on Prophet Muhammad SAW). Unfortunately, all other Books of Allah, except Quran were subjected to distortion and changes by their followers. Only Quran remains as the true word of Allah. This miracle happened because Allah SWT Himself took the responsibility of protecting Quran.

 

It is mentioned in Quran: 

 Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian. [1] 

Reciting and understanding Quran is very essential for us as Muslims for a number of reasons:

1.           Reciting Quran is a way to earn hasanah, or good deeds.

Abdullah ibn Masood said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Whoever reads one letter from the Book of Allah, will earn one good (hasanah/ good deed) thereby. One good deed is equal to ten good deeds the like of it. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter." [2] 

 

2. Recitation of Quran would help us on the day of the Judgement.

Narrated from Abdullah ibn Amr that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Fasting and the Quran will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, ‘O Lord, I deprived him of his food and his desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ And the Quran will say: ‘I deprived him of his sleep at night so let me intercede for him.’ Then they will intercede.” [3] 

 

3. Understanding Quran is essential because we cannot follow Islam, if we do not know the true teachings of our religion. Quran is what explains how Allah SWT would like us to spend our lives.

 

Imagine, if these are the benefits of only reading and understanding Quran, what would be the rewards for memorising it?

 

Narrated from Ayesha (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The likeness of the one who reads Quran and memorises it is that he is with the righteous honourable scribes. The likeness of the one who reads it and tries hard to memorise it even though it is difficult for him, he will have two rewards.” [4]

 

Memorisation of Quran is not just a way of ensuring good deeds, and Pleasure of Allah, it is a means of getting to a higher level in Jannah.

Narrated from Abdallah ibn Amr that the Prophet (SAW) said: “It will be said to the companion of the Quran: Recite and rise in status, recite as you used to recite in the world, for your status will be at the last verse that you recite.” [5]

 

Being a hafiz ensures respect in this world, too. A hafiz deserves to lead the prayer according to this hadith. He can not only lead the obligatory prayers easily, but also the Qiyam ul layal in Ramadan.

It was narrated that Abu Masood al-Ansari said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The people should be led in prayer by the one who has most knowledge of the Book of Allah; if they are equal in knowledge of the Quran, then by the one who has most knowledge of the Sunnah.” [6]

 

Memorising the whole Quran is a momentous task. This task is made easy for those whom Allah SWT Wills. But it is a task that each and every one of us should try to achieve. We all are hafiz in one sense; we all have memorised a part of Quran, even if only for the sake of our salah. We all should try to increase the amount of Quran that we have memorised for the sake of Allah, and try to gain entry in Jannah in this manner. We should try to convince our children to do hifz at a young age, when there are little or no distractions and worries of life.

While memorising, several problems could be faced.

Difficulty in memorising new surahs, difficulty in retaining the already memorised part, losing interest in memorising, health issues etc.

A point to consider is that Satan is our eternal enemy. He promised Allah SWT that he will try  his best to lead the Muslims astray from their right path.

It is mentioned in Quran:

[Satan] said, "Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path.

Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]." [7]

The foremost reason of losing interest in hifz, be it a child, or an adult, is Satan's doing. He knows what are the rewards of reciting and memorising Quran, so he tries his best to distract us from the way of Allah. He knows that what we are doing is going to help us in attaining the Pleasure of Allah SWT, so he tries his best so we end up getting the Wrath of Allah SWT. We can only encounter this by being steadfast in our commitment, increasing our effort in achieving our goal, and by making lots and lots of duas.

Regarding the issues concerning difficulties in retaining, or memorisation, they can be encountered by regular revisions, memorising at a suitable time; for example, at suhoor. If a child is trying to do hifz, it is essential that he has a good relationship with his teacher. If an adult is trying to memorise Quran, on his own, having a teacher, or a friend to listen his Quran is always helpful.

Allah SWT has blessed us with so much help these days. We can have a Quran teacher to assist us easily. Be it an online Quran teacher, or someone near your home, help is just a few finger tips away.

References:

 

[1] Chapter : 15, Al-Hijr, Verse :9

[2] Narrated by Tirmidhi, 2910

[3] Narrated by Ahmad: 6626

[4] Narrated by Bukhari : 4937

[5] Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi : 2914, and Abu Dawood :1464

[6] Narrated by Muslim : 1530. 

[7] Chapter 7, Al-A'raf, verse: (16, 17)