The Quran is a source of guidance and a means of intercession for those who recite and act upon it. Abu Umaamah al-Baahili (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Read the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection and intercede for its companions.”
(Narrated by Muslim, 804)
This hadith highlights the immense virtue of reciting the Quran and the great reward it brings. On the Day of Judgment, the Quran will intercede for those who were devoted to it, pleading for their entry into Paradise.
Al-Nawaas ibn Sam’aan (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The Quran will be brought on the Day of Resurrection, along with its people—those who used to act upon it—preceded by Surah al-Baqarah and Aal ‘Imraan. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) likened them to three things, which I did not forget: two clouds or two black canopies with light between them, or two flocks of birds in ranks pleading for one who recited them.”
(Narrated by Muslim, 805)
Similarly, ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Fasting and the Quran will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, ‘O Lord, I deprived him of food and desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ And the Quran will say, ‘I deprived him of sleep during the night, so let me intercede for him.’ So they will both be allowed to intercede.”
(Narrated by Ahmad, 6589)
The Importance of Reciting the Quran in Ramadan
The blessed month of Ramadan is an especially virtuous time for reciting the Quran. It was in this month that the Quran was revealed, making it a time of increased devotion and reflection. The nights of Ramadan provide an ideal environment for recitation, as they are free from distractions, allowing for greater concentration and understanding.
It is well known that Jibreel (peace be upon him) would meet with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) every night during Ramadan to review the Quran. This practice demonstrates the importance of studying and reciting the Quran during this sacred time.
The early generations (salaf) were known for their dedication to the Quran, particularly during Ramadan. They would devote themselves to its recitation, ensuring they made the most of this blessed month:
•‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan (may Allah be pleased with him) would complete the entire Quran once a day.
•Some of the salaf would complete it every three nights in qiyaam (night prayer).
•Others completed it every seven or ten nights.
•Imam al-Shaafa’i completed it sixty times during Ramadan, outside of prayer.
•Al-Aswad completed the Quran every two nights.
•Qutaadah completed the Quran every seven days throughout the year, but in Ramadan, he completed it every three days, and in the last ten nights, every night.
These examples illustrate their dedication and the immense spiritual benefit of increasing one’s recitation of the Quran, especially in Ramadan.
Proper Etiquette of Reciting the Quran
To truly benefit from the Quran, one must observe proper etiquette while reciting it:
1.Sincerity – One should recite with a pure intention, seeking only Allah’s pleasure.
2.Purification – It is recommended to perform wudoo’ before reciting.
3.Using the Miswaak – Cleaning one’s mouth before reciting is encouraged.
4.Pondering Over the Meanings – The Quran should not be recited hastily; rather, it should be read at a measured pace with reflection. Allah says:
“(This is) a Book (the Quran) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its verses, and that men of understanding may remember.”
(Surah Saad 38:29)
5.Avoiding Unnecessary Distractions – While reciting, one should avoid interrupting to engage in unnecessary conversations.
6.Implementing its Teachings – The Quran is not just for recitation; one must act upon its guidance, accepting what it permits and refraining from what it forbids.
Al-Haafiz Ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned that while it is generally discouraged to complete the Quran in less than three days as a regular practice, exceptions are made during Ramadan and in virtuous places like Makkah. Scholars such as Imam Ahmad and Ishaaq affirmed that increasing Quranic recitation during these times is highly recommended.
The Quran as a Witness on the Day of Judgment
The Quran will serve as either a witness for or against a person on the Day of Resurrection. Those who dedicated themselves to its recitation and implementation will find it as their intercessor, leading them to Paradise.
May Allah make us among those who honor the Quran, recite it frequently, and act upon its teachings. And Allah knows best.
