Almighty Allah, in His infinite wisdom and unlimited mercy, has sent down the Holy Qur’an for whole mankind. Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation from God (Allah) to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). It contains knowledge about the events like the creation of the universe, creation of human beings, belief, moral values differentiation of good and bad.
The Holy Quran is meant to be a guide for all of humanity, regardless of creed, identity, cultural background, age and gender. Quran is full of information that transforms the lives of millions of Muslims around the world. Whenever a person reads a book, he wants to understand to get knowledge and apply it in daily life, where as the noble Quran is the timeless guide for life, death and the hereafter. Therefore, it deserves a far more careful study than any other books for better understanding to practice the Commands of Allah. The Almighty Allah says:
“This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, O Muhammad, that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.”, 38: 29
The Holy Quran is in Arabic that is considered to be the language most scientific linguistically. Muslims recite the Quran in their prayers, on other occasions, and also as regular practice in their daily lives. As for the pretext that “we do not understand its meaning”, it is our duty to understand the Quran whether from its original form or from its translation. Also, one can think to learn Arabic in order to understand the Quran to live in accordance with its decrees. Allah says It is easy not only to understand, being in the Arabic language; but also mellifluous, whose rhythm carries off our spirits to a higher spiritual plane.
“Verily, We have made this (Qur´an) easy, in thy tongue, in order that they may give heed.” 44:58
“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an
that you might understand”. 12:2
Reading the Glorious Qur`an means interacting with Allah. Its reading is recommended for this reason, and also the fact that it transmits guidance and wisdom of God. In any case, a Muslim can approach Quran through various modes, including listening to it. He should recite the Qur`an at times and listens to it attentively at others. He should also do what his heart, believes to be closer to humble submission, reflection and understanding of the verses of the Qur`an; and God knows best.
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said
“The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur’an will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angels) and he who recites the Qur’an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have two rewards.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
So, one should try to memorize as many Surahs as one can. Quran memorization might be viewed as a testimony of faith by the Muslims, and the higher the memorization, the greater the psychological boost it produces to their belief, which includes a sense of happiness, contentment, and positive attitude.
Allah also says in the Holy Qur’an, to recite Qur’an in a slow measured tone so that it could soothe and strengthen the mind and soul of the reciter”.
“Recite the Qur’an with measured recitation”. 73:4
Hazrat Ayesha, too, relates that the Prophet once said:
“One who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly and precisely will be in the company of noble angels. As for the one who recites it with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, (s)he will have twice that reward.”
“There are countless good deeds that the Muslim gets by reciting the Quran daily”.
(Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported)
One of the benefits of reciting the Holy Quran is to heal body and soul. It is a Book of divine light with an energy that heals. The mind of a person might not understand the meaning of the Quran but soul benefits from its impact even if his mind does not understand.
“And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.” 17: 82
Allah is Most Merciful. He ordered to keep connected with the Quran to benefit from interacting with Allah, as one of the best acts of worship. Reciting the Quran is part of remembrance (zikr). Even a very small deed done in the way of Allah will not be left without a reward. To read the Quran, which is one of the greatest things in the universe, will definitely not be left without a reward.
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
”[Whoever recites a letter] from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter” [Tirmidhi]
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) instructed to recite the separate letters (huroof muqata'aat)) also (e.g., Alif Lam Mim), given at the beginning of some Surahs. Different scholars have attempted to interpret these letters differently. But it is preferable to say that Allah knows better about what they mean, as the Prophet (Peace be upon him), did not explain the same.
Reading the Quran, even a few verses, is the most minimum effort, one can do according to his/her capacity and circumstances. So, we should encourage people to read it and better learn Arabic also, as our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) has promised reward (sawab) for it.
One definitely gets more reward when he reads the meaning of the Quran to understand the message of Allah. Quran will act as an intercessor on the Day of Judgment. Great efforts are always rewarded greatly. The position of one in paradise is determined by one’s understanding and practice of the Quran. Thus, understanding of the Quran is very important for the hereafter too.
While it is recommended that we strive to understand the Quran. And when one makes an effort to read and understand the Quran, Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala). will open the gates of knowledge and wisdom to understand His kind words.