 | How can we combine between memorizing the Noble Qur’an and seeking knowledge? | for everyone |
Question: How can we combine between memorizing the Noble Qur’an and seeking knowledge?
Answer: Start with the Qur’an, reading it and perfecting its recitation. If you accomplish this –may Allah aid you in seeking knowledge- this is a great bounty from Allah upon you. The Qur’an will be ease for the one who (sincerely) wants it, for verily, Allah The Most High says:
Answer: Start with the Qur’an, reading it and perfecting its recitation. If you accomplish this –may Allah aid you in seeking knowledge- this is a great bounty from Allah upon you. The Qur’an will be ease for the one who (sincerely) wants it, for verily, Allah The Most High says:
وََلَقدْ يَسَّرْنَا الُقرْآ َ ن للذِّكِْر َفهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكٍِر
“And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?” [Al-Qamar: 17]The Qur’an is the key to every (Islaamic) science. Your perfection of its recitation and memorizing it will open up for you areas of knowledge that only Allah knows (best to what extent will benefit you).
- Author: The Grant Mufti Shaikh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Aalish Shaikh (HafithahuAllah)
- Source: www.Sahab.net
- Translator: Abu ‘Abdis Salaam Siddiq Al Juyaanee
| Concern for Learning the Quran | for everyone |
Concern for Learning the Quran
C
oncern for Learning the Quran
oncern for Learning the Quran
By the great scholar
Shaikh Abdul-Azeez ibn Baz (d. 1420 AH)
(رحمه اللّه)
All praise is for Allah and may peace and blessings be upon His messenger, upon his messenger’s family, companions, and all that follow his guidance.
I thank Allah the Glorified for this meeting with my noble sons regarding learning, memorizing, calling to, and acting according to the Quran. There is no doubt that the Quran is the revealed speech of Allah, which is not created, from Him it came and to Him it shall return. He sent it to His servant and messenger the seal of the prophets Muhammad ibn Abdillah (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) containing an evidence (or argument) over all His servants. The Most High said,
ِكتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ لِتُخْرِجَ النَّاسَ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ إِلَى صِرَاطِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَمِيدِ
“(This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness (of disbelief and polytheism) into light (of belief in the Oneness of Allah and Islamic Monotheism) by their Lord’s Leave to the Path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise.” (Ibrahim 14:1)
إِنَّ هَـذَا الْقُرْآنَ يِهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ وَيُبَشِّرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا كَبِيرًا
“Verily, this Quran guides to that which is most just and right and gives glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad SAW, etc.). who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a great reward (Paradise).” (Al-Isra 17:9)
قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هُدًى وَشِفَاء
“Say: ‘It is for those who believe, a guide and a healing.’” (Fussilat 41:44)
وَإِنَّهُ لَتَنزِيلُ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ. نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوحُ الْأَمِينُ. عَلَى قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ. بِلِسَانٍ عَرَبِيٍّ مُّبِينٍ.
“And truly, this (the Quran) is a revelation from the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists), Which the trustworthy Rûh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] has brought down; Upon your heart (O Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)) that you may be (one) of the warners, In the plain Arabic language.” (Ash-Shu’ara 26:192-195)
كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُوْلُوا الْأَلْبَابِ
“(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.” (Sad 38:29)
وَهَـذَا كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَاتَّقُواْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
“And this is a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. saved from the torment of Hell).” (Al-An’am 6:155) So it is an obligation upon every responsible individual to act in accordance with this book and to follow its directive, what Allah has conveyed therein and refrain from that which is in opposition to it. Likewise it is obligatory upon everyone to act according to the prophetic practice as the Most High said,
قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ فَإِن تَوَلَّوا فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْهِ مَا حُمِّلَ وَعَلَيْكُم مَّا حُمِّلْتُمْ وَإِن تُطِيعُوهُ تَهْتَدُوا وَمَا عَلَى الرَّسُولِ إِلَّا الْبَلَاغُ الْمُبِينُ
“Say: ‘Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allah’s Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger’s duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way).’” (An-Nur 24:54)
وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانتَهُوا
“And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it” (Al-Hashr 59:7) Allah the Glorified has conveyed that He sent him to all of mankind, both man and jinn, Arab and non-Arab and said,
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا الَّذِي لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ لا إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ يُحْيِـي وَيُمِيتُ فَآمِنُواْ بِاللّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ النَّبِيِّ الأُمِّيِّ الَّذِي يُؤْمِنُ بِاللّهِ وَكَلِمَاتِهِ وَاتَّبِعُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ
“Say (O Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)): ’O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah – to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He); It is He Who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)), the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)) who believes in Allah and His Words [(this Quran), the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and also Allah's Word: "Be!" - and he was, i.e. 'Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary),], and follow him so that you may be guided.’” (Al-A’raf 7:158) Thus guidance is found in following him (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) and following what has come in Allah’s book as He the Glorified said,
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا
“And We have not sent you (O Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind”(Saba’ 34:28)
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
“And We have sent you (O Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)) not but as a mercy for the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).” (Al-Anbiya 21:107) And the prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “I was sent to all of mankind” therefore it is a must that every accountable person hold firm (and follow) Allah’s book and practice of His messenger (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam). In another tradition he (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “I have left you with two things, the first is Allah’s book which contains guidance and light so take Allah’s book and adhere to it” and Allah created the creation to worship Him as He said,
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56)
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُواْ رَبَّكُمُ
“O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah( “ (Al-Baqarah 2:21)
وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولاً أَنِ اعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُواْ الطَّاغُوتَ
“And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Tâghût” (An-Nahl 16:3) This worship is obedience to Allah which is monotheism, fear of Allah, piousness, and guidance as the Most High said,
وَلَقَدْ جَاءهُم مِّن رَّبِّهِمُ الْهُدَى
“Whereas there has surely come to them the Guidance from their Lord!” (An-Najm 53:23). Thus it is a must that these types of worship be learned and understood as they are the religion of Islam and you are a creation (made) for worship. It is a must that man and woman learn and know these types of worship well so that they can be performed upon insight. These acts of worship are what you were created for and Allah called this religion worship due to the servant performing them in this world with submissiveness to Allah. The religion of Islam is worship; the prayer is worship, giving the mandatory charity is worship, fasting is worship, the pilgrimage is worship, and struggling in the way of Allah is worship. Similar is all that Allah obligated us to perform in His obedience. This is a great religion, the religion of Islam, a religion of worship which you have been created for, a religion of guidance, piousness, and awareness of Allah. Thus it is a must that everyone, both male and female, fear Allah and worship Him by being obedient, following His command and refraining from His prohibitions being sincere to Him alone not worshipping anyone or thing other than Him, which embodies the testimony “there is no god but Allah” meaning, “there is no god worthy of worship except Allah” as the Most High mentioned in the Quran,
ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَقُّ وَأَنَّ مَا يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ هُوَ الْبَاطِلُ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْكَبِيرُ
“That is because Allah He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and what they (the polytheists) invoke besides Him, it is Bâtil (falsehood) And verily, Allah He is the Most High, the Most Great.” (Al-Hajj 22:62),
وَإِلَـهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ لاَّ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الرَّحْمَنُ الرَّحِيمُ
“And your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God – Allah), Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He), the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.” (Al-Baqarah 2:163), and
فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنبِكَ
“So know (O Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)) that Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin” (Muhammad 47:19) This is the meaning of “there is no god but Allah” and the god is that which the heart deifies and glorifies with many types of worship and none are worthy of that except Allah alone nor is it correct to worship others. Hence it is an obligation upon every responsible male and female on the face of the earth, both Arab and non-Arab, to worship Allah and be aware of Him, obey His commands, stay away from that which he prohibited, and not overstep the bounds which He set out of obedience, truthfulness, desire, and fear as they were created for this, they were created for Islam and Allah commands this,
إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللّهِ الإِسْلاَمُ
“Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.” (Aali Imran 3:19)
وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الإِسْلاَمِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”(Aali Imran 3:85)
الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الإِسْلاَمَ
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Al-Ma’idah 5:3) This is Islam, the way of life which Allah is pleased with. He will not accept another religion. Islam is Allah’s worship, monotheism, and conforming to His legislation in speech, action, and creed. The Most High said,
إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللّهِ الإِسْلاَمُ
“Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.” (Aali Imran 3:19) There is no path to the knowledge and awareness of this worship except by (the grace of) Allah and then by learning, understanding, and studying. Learning, understanding, and having care and concern for the Quran and sunnah is a must in order to learn this mentioned worship which you have been created for so that you may act accordingly sincerely for Allah, loving Him, and glorifying Him in all situations and circumstances. It is a must that you are always righteous and upright upon monotheism, His obedience, following His legislation, and abandoning that which He has prohibited wherever you are until you pass away. Allah the Most High said to His prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam),
وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ
“And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death).” (Al-Hijr 15:99) and He said,
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اتَّقُواْ اللّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلاَ تَمُوتُنَّ إِلاَّ وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ. وَاعْتَصِمُواْ بِحَبْلِ اللّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلاَ تَفَرَّقُواْ
“O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah. And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves…”(Aali Imran 3:102-103)
This is the worship which you have been created for; fearing Allah, holding firm to His rope (i.e. the Quran), and being upright (and righteous) in the religion and from the means of obtaining this are having concern for the Quran (i.e. dedicating yourself to it), studying it and gaining understanding in it and the practice of His messenger (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) according to the statement of the prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam), “whoever Allah wants good for, He grants him understanding in the religion” [agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. For this, I congratulate those who are responsible for the schools which care for the Quran and I thank them for what they are doing, glorifying the book of Allah and teaching it to the generations. This is the way to true happiness for the one who is upright and sincere in doing that.
We ask Allah to aid them in that which He is pleased with, that which contains their happiness and understanding in the religion. I request both teachers and students to have concern for the book of Allah, the teacher, student, and employee and I advise everyone to dedicate themselves to the book of Allah, reciting it, reflecting over it, understanding it, acting according to it, and memorizing it because it contains guidance and light as the Glorified said,
إِنَّ هَـذَا الْقُرْآنَ يِهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ
“Verily, this Quran guides to that which is most just and right” (Al-Isra 17:9),
قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هُدًى وَشِفَاء
“Say: ‘It is for those who believe, a guide and a healing.’” (Fussilat 41:44), and
وَهَـذَا كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَاتَّقُواْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
“And this is a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. saved from the torment of Hell).” (Al-An’am 6:155). This is a great book containing guidance and light, every letter contains reward, and everyone who learns a single letter will be rewarded ten fold.
I advise everyone to take care of Allah’s book being dedicated to reading it, reflecting over it, striving to know its meaning, and acting according to it along with memorizing that which is easy. This is Allah’s book, the greatest and most truthful book which He sent down as a mercy for mankind and a healing for the heart. Likewise He made His messenger a mercy to all of mankind and guidance to all people as he said,
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاء لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Quran, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers.” (Yunus 10:57),
وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَى لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ
“And We have sent down to you the Book (the Quran) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).” (An-Nahl 16:89), and
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
“And We have sent you (O Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)) not but as a mercy for the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).” (Al-Anbiya 21:107)
It is a must that we learn this book and understand it so we may know what we were created for and know what worship we were created for in order that we may be upright (in observing it). Likewise is the practice of the prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam), we must learn it, memorize it, and understand it asking about that which we do not understand because the student always asks about that which he does not understand in the Quran and Sunnah. Allah the Most High said,
فَاسْأَلُواْ أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ
“So ask of those who know the Scripture [learned men of the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], if you know not.” (An-Nahl 16:43) Learning Allah’s book is from the greatest blessings thus we congratulate very student to has concern for the Quran and I advise you to be upright upon this great good and to ask Allah for success and sincerity in this, and in the concern (and effort) in understanding Allah’s book and the practice of His messenger (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam), performing the obligations and refraining from prohibitions, rushing to good deeds, and being aware of every evil along with increasing in reciting His book, studying, gaining understanding in it while referring to the beneficial books for commentary such as Ibn Jarir, Ibn Kathir, Al-Baghawi, and the likes so that you may know the truth and understand that which you do not. It is also a must that the student ask his/her teacher about that which he/she does not understand with a pure intention in order to learn the book of Allah. It is the responsibility of the teacher to take care of the students, having concern for them, advising them and teaching them that which is good and righteous deeds. And I ask Allah that they be righteous youth, learning, teaching, and rushing to good deeds because the most important thing after bearing witness that there is no deity worshiped in truth other than Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger is performing the five obligatory prayers in congregation in the masjid. It is also a must that the people of knowledge, the scholar and the student of knowledge be role models in that, performing the prayers in congregation so that others can follow in their footsteps and take their example. The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets starting with the messengers, may peace and blessings be upon them, and then the scholars as they are their predecessors calling to Allah in speech, action, and behavior. The students of knowledge must learn and act being role models for others and display the effects of knowledge, learning, and understanding in the religion and book of Allah.
We ask Allah by His perfect names and lofty attributes to grant success to everyone in that which pleases Him, to bless us with complete understanding of this religion, to grant us with concern and dedication to His book and practice of His messenger acting according to them, calling and advising with them in speech, action, creed, and understanding, and to protect us from that which drives us astray from trials and the temptations of the Devil…
Translated by John ‘Eesa’ StarlingFound in:
Al-Qawlul Mufeed, November 2009
| Desirability of Assembling for the Recitation of the Noble Qur'an | for everyone |
Chapter 184
Desirability of Assembling for the Recitation of the Noble Qur'an
1023. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Any group of people that assemble in one of the Houses of Allah to study the Qur'an, tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will engulf them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them to those (the angels) in His proximity.''
[Muslim].
Commentary: The meaning of the Hadith is that they teach one another by discussing the Quranic sciences, and knowledge the Qur'an contains. This meaning is correct because both these acts are auspicious and are means of gaining the Pleasure of Allah. This Hadith, however, does not tell us in any way that this group of people recite the Qur'an all at once. This is Bid`ah for this was not the practice of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).
| Inducement towards the Recitation of some Special verses and Surah of the Noble Qur'an | for everyone |
Chapter 183
Inducement towards the Recitation of some Special verses and Surah of the Noble Qur'an
1009. Abu Sa`id Ar-Rafi` bin Al-Mu`alla (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Shall I teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur'an before you leave the mosque?'' Then he (PBUH), took me by the hand, and when we were about to step out, I reminded him of his promise to teach me the greatest Surah in the Qur'an. He (PBUH) said, "It is `Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil `Alamin (i.e., Surat Al-Fatihah) which is As-Sab` Al-Mathani (i.e., the seven oft-repeated Ayat) and the Great Qur'an which is given to me.''
[Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: Allah the Almighty says:
"And indeed, We have bestowed upon you seven of Al-Mathani (the seven repeatedly recited Ayat), (i.e., Surat Al-Fatihah) and the Grand Qur'an.'' (15:87).
This Hadith is an elaboration of the Quranic Ayah quoted above. The Prophet (PBUH) held that As-Sab` Al-Mathani is Surat Al-Fatihah (the Opening Chapter) because these seven Ayat are recited not only in every Salat but in every Rak`ah of every Salat for the reason that no Salat is valid without the recitation of this Surah, as is evident from the saying of the Prophet (PBUH): "The Salat of that person who has not recited Surat Al-Fatihah is void.'' It has also been regarded as the greatest Surah of the Qur'an as it covers all the objects of the Qur'an and is a condensation of all the subjects which have been discussed in detail in its other Surah. It includes the belief in the Tauhid (the belief in the Oneness of Allah)), the worship of Allah, the Day of Resurrection, promise (of Jannah) and warning (against Hell-fire), instances of the pious and impious people of the past communities, and the lessons their conduct has for others. Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi have reported a Hadith in which the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Al-hamdu lillahi Rabbil `Alamin (i.e., Surat Al-Fatihah) is Umm-ul-Qur'an that is its origin, basis and essence".
1010. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported about Surat Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112): The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, it is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an.''
According to another version, he (PBUH) said to his Companions, "Is anyone of you incapable of reciting one-third of the Qur'an in one night?'' They considered it burdensome and said: "O Messenger of Allah, which of us can afford to do that?'' He (PBUH) said, "Surat Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah (the) One] is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an.''
[Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: One reading of Surat Al-Ikhlas has return and reward equal to the recitation of one-third of the Qur'an. This Surah mentions the Oneness of Allah. This is enough to make one realize how much Allah (SWT) likes the recitation and remembrance of His Oneness. This is the reason, He has declared Shirk (polytheism) an absolutely unpardonable sin.
1011. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man heard another reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas repeatedly. The next morning he came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and informed him about it as if he considered it to be of little reward. On that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, this Surah is equal to one-third of the Qur'an.''
[Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: "Yataqalluha'' means he thought that its recitation had no special merits. The Prophet (PBUH) clarified his misunderstanding by elucidating its eminence.
1012. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Surat Ikhlas is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an.''
[Muslim].
1013. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said: "O Messenger of Allah! I love Surat-Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah, (the) One].'' He (PBUH) said, "Your love for it will admit you to Jannah.''
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Some scholars have highlighted the eminence of Surat Al-Ikhlas by saying that it comprises the whole discipline of Tauhid. This Surat deals with Tauhid. Many other reasons have also been given for its great eminence by Muslim scholars.
1014. `Uqbah bin `Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Do you not know that last night certain Ayat were revealed the like of which there is no precedence. They are: `Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Rubb of the daybreak' (Surah 113), and `Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Rubb of mankind' (Surah 114).''
[Muslim].
Commentary: "Alam tara'' means "Have not you seen?'' or "Are you not aware?''
"There is no precedence'' means that there is no other complete Surat in the Qur'an on this subject, except these two. For this reason these two Surat are called (Al-Mu`awwidhatain) which means two Surat which we use to seek Allah's protection.
1015. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to seek protection against the evil of jinn and the evil eyes till Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas were revealed. After they were revealed, he took to them for seeking Allah's protection and left everything besides them.
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Like men, jinns have also good and bad elements among them. Almighty Allah has endowed them with such power that if they want they can, with the Will of Allah, harm human beings. This is the reason mischievous jinns harm people. Similarly, influence of the evil eye is also true. What it means is that if a person looks at someone with greed and envy, the evil effects of his look will reach the person viewed, and because of that he has to suffer some loss or trouble or accident. For this reason, the Prophet (PBUH) would seek the protection of Allah against the jinns and the evil eye and pray in his own words for it, saying: "I seek Your protection against jinns and evil eyes of the people.'' After the revelation of the Surah Al-Falaq and An-Nas (last two Surah of the Quran) he started reciting them because these were revealed for this purpose. These Surah are also called "Al-Mu`awwidhatain'' which mean two Surah which provide protection. It is, therefore, very useful to seek the protection of Allah by reciting them.
1016. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "There is a Surah in the Qur'an which contains thirty Ayat which kept interceding for a man until his sins are forgiven. This Surah is `Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.' (Surat Al-Mulk 67).''
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].
Commentary: This Hadith means that on the Day of Resurrection this Surah will intercede with Allah for the forgiveness of its reciter. This Hadith has been narrated (in Arabic) in the past tense because, like the past indefinite, its occurrence is definite and not open to inquiry. At some places, however, it has also been narrated in the present tense.
1017. Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying, "He who recites the two Ayat at the end of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: "Suffice him'' here means that he will be protected from the evils. Its another meaning is that these two Ayat will take the place of Tahajjud (optional prayer in the late hours of the night). Imam An-Nawawi has cited the latter meaning.
1018. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: "Do not turn your houses into graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surat Al-Baqarah is recited.''
[Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith instructs us not to turn our homes into the like of a graveyard through the negligence of reciting the Qur'an in them. It also points out the excellence of Surat Al-Baqarah, which when recited, will certainly keep the devil away.
1019. Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Abu Mundhir! Do you know which Ayah in Allah's Book is the greatest?'' I replied: "It is `Allah la ilaha illa Huwal-Haiyul-Qayum (Allah! none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living...)'.'' (2:256) Thereupon he (PBUH) patted me in the chest and said, "Rejoice by this knowledge, O Abu Mundhir!''
[Muslim].
Commentary: The words cited in the Hadith occur at the beginning of Ayat-ul-Kursi (No. 256 of Surat Al-Baqarah of the Qur'an). The merits mentioned in the Hadith are for the whole Ayah. Ayat-ul-Kursi mentions the Majestic Attributes and Mighty Powers of Allah and is, therefore, very meritorious.
"Rejoice by this knowledge'' means "May this knowledge be a source of respect, honour and benefit to you.'' And knowledge here stands for the knowledge of the Qur'an and Hadith which is certainly a means of success in this world and the Hereafter.
1020. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) put me in charge of charity of Ramadan (Sadaqat-ul-Fitr). Somebody came to me and began to take away some food-stuff. I caught him and said, "I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).'' He said, "I am a needy man with a large family, and so I have a pressing need.'' I let him go. When I saw the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) next morning, he asked me, "O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?'' I said, "O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing need and a big family. I felt pity for him so I let him go.'' He (PBUH) said, "He told you a lie and he will return.'' I was sure, according to the saying of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that he would return. I waited for him. He sneaked up again and began to steal food-stuff from the Sadaqah. I caught him and said; "I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).'' He said, "Let go of me, I am a needy man. I have to bear the expenses of a big family. I will not come back.'' So I took pity on him and let him go. I went at dawn to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) who asked me, "O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?'' I replied, "O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing want and the burden of a big family. I took pity on him and so I let him go.'' He (PBUH) said, "He told you a lie and he will return.'' (That man) came again to steal the food-stuff. I arrested him and said, "I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), and this is the last of three times. You promised that you would not come again but you did.'' He said, "Let go of me, I shall teach you some words with which Allah may benefit you.'' I asked, "What are those words?'' He replied, "When you go to bed, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi (2:255) for there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah, and Satan will not be able to approach you till morning.'' So I let him go. Next morning the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) asked me, "What did your prisoner do last night.'' I answered, "He promised to teach me some words which he claimed will benefit me before Allah. So I let him go.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) asked, "What are those words that he taught you?'' I said, "He told me: `When you go to bed, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi from the beginning to the end i.e.,[ Allah! none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi encompasses the heavens and the earth, and preserving them does not fatigue Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great].' (2:255). He added: `By reciting it, there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah who will protect you during the night, and Satan will not be able to come near you until morning'.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Verily, he has told you the truth though he is a liar. O Abu Hurairah! Do you know with whom you were speaking for the last three nights?'' I said, "No.'' He (PBUH) said, "He was Shaitan (Satan).''
[Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us the excellence of Ayat-ul-Kursi and the importance of reciting it before going to bed.
1021. Abud-Darda' (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Whoever commits to memory the first ten Ayat of the Surat Al-Kahf, will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist).''
[Muslim].
In another narration, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "(Whoever commits to memory) the last ten Ayat of Surat Al-Kahf, he will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist).''
Commentary: Ad-Dajjal will appear sometime before Yaum-ul-Qiyamah. Allah, the Almighty will give him some supernatural powers the manifestation of which will shake the faith of many people. For this reason, this will be a serious trial. All Prophets warned their people against him. Our Prophet (PBUH) also warned us against him and ordered us to guard ourselves from it and strictly advised us to seek Refuge of Allah against it. This Hadith tells us the way to save ourselves from Ad-Dajjal. The recitation of the first or the last ten Ayat of Surat Al-Kahf, in the morning and evening, is very useful for this purpose. Sheikh Al-Albani has, however, regarded the last ten Ayat probably and the first ten Ayat surely effective against this mischief.
1022. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: While Jibril (Gabriel) was sitting with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), he heard a sound above him. He lifted his head, and said: "This is a gate which has been opened in heaven today. It was never opened before.'' Then an angel descended through it, he said: "This is an angel who has come down to earth. He never came down before.'' He sent greetings and said: "Rejoice with two lights given to you. Such lights were not given to any Prophet before you. These (lights) are: Fatihah-til-Kitab (Surat Al-Fatihah), and the concluding Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. You will never recite a word from them without being given the blessings it contain s.''
[Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells the excellence of the last Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. (That is from Amanar-Rasul to the end of the Surah). Any one who recites these Ayat with a sincere heart will receive guidance, forgiveness and bliss in this life and in the Hereafter.
| The Merit of Recitation of the Noble Qur'an in a Pleasant Voice | for everyone |
Chapter 182
1004. AbU Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of AllAh (PBUH) saying, "Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur'an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice.'' |
| Warning against forgetting the Qur'an | for everyone |
Chapter 181
Warning against forgetting the Qur'an
1002. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Read the Qur'an regularly. By the One in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, it escapes from memory faster than a camel does from its tying ropes.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: To safeguard the Qur'an means to recite it regularly, because if one fails to do so, he tends to forget it quickly. In the absence of regular recitation, one is bound to forget it more quickly than a camel breaks loose bound with. The breaking loose by the camel to liberate itself is a simile for the quick process of forgetting.
1003. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The parable of one who knows the Qur'an by heart is as the parable of an owner of hobbled camel. If he remains vigilant, he will retain it; and if he neglects it, it will go away.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith repeats the subject mentioned above. The person who memorizes the entire Qur'an or a portion of it, if he recites it regularly, he will retain it; otherwise, it will start slipping from his memory.
| The Excellence of Reciting the Qur'an | for everyone |
Chapter 180
The Excellence of Reciting the Qur'an
991. Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "Read the Qur'an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.''[Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells the excellence of reciting the Qur'an and acting upon its injunctions. Intercession (in this Hadath) means that the Qur'an will be endowed with the power of speech by Allah and it will request Allah to forgive the sins of its reciters who acted upon its teachings. Allah will accept the request of the Qur'an, as signified in other Ahadith.
992. An-Nawwas bin Sam`an (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "The Qur'an and its people who applied it, will be brought on the Day of Resurrection preceded with Surat Al-Baqarah and Surat Al-`Imran arguing on behalf of those who applied them.''
[Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith means that on the Day of Requital, the Qur'an, with Surat Al-Baqarah and Al-`Imran in the forefront, will intercede before Allah for those who used to recite and act upon them in the life of the world.
993. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it.''
[Al-Bukhari].
994. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) 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 a double reward.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: Proficient here means one who reads the Qur'an in accordance with the rules of "Ilm At-Tajwid'' (the science of the recitation of the Qur'an) as is evidenced from the words of Imam Bukhari's narration and the title given to the chapter.
This Hadith also highlights the merit of the reader of the Qur'an who does not know `Ilm At-Tajwid, and for that reason cannot read it fluently. But in spite of this, he reads it with great effort. He will be given double reward, one for the difficulty encountered in reciting it, and another for reading it. Safratun translated in the Hadith as scribes (angels) mean the angels that convey the Wahy (Revelation) to the Messenger of Allah. Imam Bukhari has taken it to mean "one who makes reconciliation''. The angels who bring Wahy and chastisement from Allah.
995. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The believer who recites the Qur'an is like a citron whose fragrance is sweet and whose taste is delicious. A believer who does not recite the Qur'an is like a date-fruit which has no fragrance but has a sweet taste. The hypocrite who recites the Qur'an is like a colocynth whose fragrance is so sweet, but its taste is bitter. The hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an is like basil which has no fragrance and its taste is bitter.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that a believer who recites the Qur'an and acts upon it, Allah will grant him a high rank. He is loved by Allah and also enjoys public esteem. The believer who does not recite it but acts upon its teachings is also loved by Allah and people. The hypocrite who recites the Qur'an to have a good show has an evil and dark mind. Last of all comes that hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an and has a dark mind and appearance.
996. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Qur'an and abases others.''
[Muslim].
Commentary: Only such people will be elevated who act upon the teachings of the Qur'an and abstain from what is forbidden by Allah. The Muslims of the early centuries of Islam were blessed with great honour by Allah because they loved and applied the Qur'an. Because of this meaningful attachment with the Qur'an, they made great achievements in religious and worldly spheres. Those who neglected the teachings of Islam will be disgraced and humiliated. May Allah guide and enable us to re-establish our contact with the Qur'an so that we can regain our past glory. Exaltation and humiliation mentioned in the Hadith is bound to happen in both this life and the Hereafter.
997. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Envy is justified in regard to two types of persons only: a man whom Allah has given knowledge of the Qur'an, and so he recites it during the night and during the day; and a man whom Allah has given wealth and so he spends from it during the night and during the day.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith has been quoted before at two places (see Hadith No. 572). It has been repeated here to bring into prominence the merit of reciting the Qur'an. Refer to the Commentary on Hadith No. 544.
998. Al-Bara' bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A man was reciting Surat Al-Kahf, and a horse was tied with two ropes beside him. As he was reciting, a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer, the horse began to trample voilently. The man came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in the morning and mentioned the incident to him. He (PBUH) said, "That was tranquillity which descended as a result of the recitation of the Qur'an.''
Commentary: This Hadith brings out two points. Firstly, the excellence of Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave, No. 18). Secondly, the descending of tranquillity from Allah on the pious persons. The appearance of a cloud for the tranquillity of heart on the recitation of the Qur'an is a supernatural event (miracle) to which a pious man does not make any contribution. It entirely depends on the Will of Allah.
999. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.''
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This Hadith urges us to recite the Qur'an and also mentions the great reward for reciting it.
1000. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who does not memorize any part from the Qur'an he is like the ruined house.''
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This Hadith means that the heart of that Muslim is devoid of grace of spiritualism and Grace of Allah who does not remember by heart any portion of the Qur'an, in the same way as a deserted house is deprived of inhabitants and Blessings of Allah. What we learn from this is that every Muslim must remember some portion of the Qur'an so that he is safe from the admonition mentioned in this Hadith.
1001. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The one who was devoted to the the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: `Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite.'''
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This Hadith mentions the merit of those who commit the Qur'an (whole or part thereof) to memory (Huffaz). The word `ascend' here means to rise in ranks in the Jannah. The more one remembers the Qur'an, the more clear and distinct is his recitation of it, the higher would be the status that he will go on attaining through its blessings. Thus, this Hadith provides inducement for the remembrance of the Qur'an and tells us that its frequent recitation is a means to attain higher ranks in Jannah.
Riyadus Salihin.
| Is it permissible to write notes in the mushaf in order to teach the children? | for everyone |
Q: Is it permissible to write notes in the mushaf in order to teach the children?
A: Shaykh Hani bin Beraik (hafithahullaah) said that there’s no problem with this. However you should make the markings in the margins to show them their mistakes and to teach them the rules of Tajweed. Allaahu Aa’lam.
This q/a came via Live Salafi Duroos Pal Talk – 7/05
http://aweightyword.wordpress.com/2010/08/20/writing-notes-in-the-mushaf/
A: Shaykh Hani bin Beraik (hafithahullaah) said that there’s no problem with this. However you should make the markings in the margins to show them their mistakes and to teach them the rules of Tajweed. Allaahu Aa’lam.
This q/a came via Live Salafi Duroos Pal Talk – 7/05
http://aweightyword.wordpress.com/2010/08/20/writing-notes-in-the-mushaf/
| Is it permissible for a Quran teacher to write or mark in the Quran | for everyone |
Q. #14. Is it permissible for a Quran teacher to write or mark in the Quran of the student to indicate a place that the student needs to review a mistake?
A. No, it is not permissible to write anything in the Quran. The mark or writing should be made outside and not within the pages of the Quran.
Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Aalush Shaykh
A. No, it is not permissible to write anything in the Quran. The mark or writing should be made outside and not within the pages of the Quran.
Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Aalush Shaykh
| A Woman Scholar of the Quran | for everyone |
A Woman Scholar of the Quran
(Verily Knowledge is taken away by the Death of the Scholars)
Umm Al-Sa’ad Al-Iskandraniyyah (Alexandria)(Verily Knowledge is taken away by the Death of the Scholars)
[D. 17th Ramadhan 1427(Around October 10th, 2006)]
After Umm Al-Sa’ad completed her memorization of the Quran at the age of 15 she went to the Shaykha Nufaysa bint Abu Al-Alaa, who was known as “The Shaykha of her time” to request from her to learn the 10 Qira’aat (recitations). Nufaysa agreed on an peculiar condition; that Umm Al-Sa’ad never marry. She used to refuse to teach girls because they would marry, become busy(with husband and kids), and neglect the Quran.
What was even more amazing was that Umm Al-Sa’ad accepted the condition from her Shaykha who was known for her strictness and harshness against those whom she did not feel were proper for this honorable task. But Umm Al-Sa’ad was encouraged by the fact that her Shaykha herself had never married, even though there were many of the great scholars who had sought her hand, and she died in that state while in her eighties, having secluded herself to the Quran!
Umm Al-Sa’ad said, “It is from the blessings of my Lord that anyone who has obtained an ijaaza in the Quran, in any Qiraa’ah, inAlexandria either received it directly from me (munaawala) or from someone whom I had given an ijaaza to.”
And what proved her unique status was that she was the only woman to whom recitors and huffadh of the Quran would travel to receive ijaaza in the ten qira’aat.
Umm Al-Sa’ad Ali Najm,age 77, is considered to be the most well known woman in the world of recitations of the Quran. The only woman to specialize in the ten qira’aat, and has spent over fifty years granting ijaazas in the ten qira’aat.
Waves of people could be seen entering and leaving her humble apartment, students who dreamed of memorizing the Quran, comprised of different age groups and both genders.
Classes for the women and girls would begin from 8 AM until 2 PM after which the classes for men and boys would start until 8 PM. Umm Al-Sa’ad would continue all day with no breaks except for salah and a light meal to sustain her.
Umm Al-Sa’ad was born into a poor family in a town called Bandaariya, one of the towns of the larger city Munofiyya (north of Cairo). She was afflicted by blindness shortly after her first year and, as was the practice of many in rural areas in dealing with blindness, her family sent her to learn the Quran. She completed her memorization in Alexandria at the age of 15. She then completed the memorization of the ten recitations of the Quran from Shaykha Nufaysa when she had reached the age of 23.
Umm Al-Sa’ad mentioned that when she had completed her memorization of the qira’aat the number of huffaadh were few. Families used to request from her, as they had requested from her Shaykha before her, to recite Quran for them at occasions and religious festivals. It was acceptable at that time for a woman to recite the Quran with tajweed in the presence of men who- as she recounted- used to praise her recitation and the beauty of her tajweed. She mentioned however that this practice disappeared after Quranic recitors became widespread, as well as the spread of radios and televisions, and the most that could be done by a female recitor now is to recite at occasions that were females only. She believed that the real reason for this however was the belief that had increased in the recent years that the voice of the woman is awrah.
She had one of the highest Isnaads (chains of narration) in the world. Her isnaad in the recitation of Hafs from Aasim had 27 Shaykhs in between her and the Messenger of Allah Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. This put her on the same level with well known Shuyukh of recitation such as Shaykh Abdul Basit Hashim and Shaykh Muhammad Abd Alhameed Abdullah.
Many different types of people would return to her, seeking the completion of the Quran or ijaazah in a Qiraa’ah, from all ages and levels in society. In a day she would teach old and young students, men and women, engineers, doctors, teachers, university professors, college students, high school students, etc.
She would single out for each student a time, not more than an hour in a day, in which the student would recite what they had memorized and she would correct their mistakes bit by bit, until they memorize the Quran in one of it’s qira’aat.
Umm Al-Sa’ad once commented:
“Sixty years of memorizing the Quran and it’s recitations has made me unable to forget any of it. I can recall every ayah, it’s surah and its juz, I know the ayaat that are similar (mutashabih) and how to recite the same ayah in different qira’aat. I feel like I know the Quran like my name, I cannot imagine forgetting a letter of it or making a mistake in it. I don’t know anything other than the Quran and its recitations. I never learned a science, listened to a lecture, or memorized anything other than the Quran and the mutoon that were related to the Quran and tajweed. I don’t know anything other than that.”
Her students:
When asked about her students Umm Al-Sa’ad said:
“I remember every one of them, there were some who received Ijaaza in one of the recitations, and there were some (and they were very few) who received ijaaza in all ten recitations. They are the ones who receive an ijaaza with a special seal that I have that I always keep with me, I never give it to anyone no matter how much I have trust in them.”
The happiest days for Umm Al-Sa’ad are the days of khatma, when she would grant a student an ijaaza, even though she has experienced this day over 300 times! She keeps a copy of every ijaaza, the most recent one being to a sister in the recitation of Qaloon from Nafi’.
On the day of khatma, a waleema is normally done, or a tea party with sweets. The student who is receiving the ijaaza normally gives a gift to the Shaykha; a jilbab, a ring, golden earrings, all according to what they can afford. As for the most beautiful gift that the Shaykha received was a Hajj and Umrah trip accompanied with being hosted in Saudia for an entire year! The best part of the trip, after the hajj and umrah, was that she reviewed the Quran, and granted ijaazas in all ten recitations to students from all over the world; Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sudan, Palestine, Lebanon, Chad, Afghanistan…
The most beloved of those ijaazas that she granted was to a student from Saudi Arabia who received it when she was seventeen years old!
The wives of her students become jealous…
And from the most interesting things that Umm Al-Sa’ad recounts is that some of the wives of her students became jealous and fearful that she might “snatch” their husbands. Especially since their husbands would continually speak about their Shaykha with pride and endearment. To the extent that some of the wives would accompany their husbands to the class to ensure that their fear had no real cause, for the Shaykha was old and blind!
“And some of the men hesitated to recite to me considering that I’m a woman, and some refused, but Shaykh Muhammad Isma’eel (the most well known shaykh of Qur’an and Sunnah in Alexandria) gave a fatwa that they could when he learned of my age, and he sent his entire family to me to recite to me!”
And what about her marriage?
When she was asked about the closest student to her, she replied “My husband, Shaykh Muhammad Fareed Nu’man.”
Shaykh Muhammad Fareed, who- before his death some years ago-was the most well known recitor on Alexandria radio. He was also the first one to receive an ijaaza from Umm Al-Sa’ad.
She said about the story of her marriage, “I was not able to keep my promise to my Shaykha Nufaysa. He used to recite to me the Quran in all ten recitations, I became comfortable with him, and he was like me in that he was blind and memorized the Quran at an early age. I taught him for five years, and when he finished he asked me for my hand in marriage and I accepted.”
She was married to him for forty years and had no children.
But she had students who were huffadh and recitors of the Quran, so all praise is due to Allah.
She commentated on that saying, “Alhamdullilah, I feel like Allah chooses for me the good always. Maybe if I had children I would have become busy with them and neglected the Quran or forgot it.”
| the Correct Way of Memorising the Qur'aan and Hadeeth | for everyone |
Shaykh Muqbil on the Correct Way of Memorising the Qur'aan and Hadeeth
Question:
What is the correct way of memorising the Qur'aan and the Hadeeths?
Answer:
As for memorising the Qur'aan, then the people differ, from the people there are those that are able to memorise a page, and from them there are those that can memorise both sides of a page; and from them there are those that are not able to memorise except half a page or less (than that), so everyone according to their ability.
From the affairs that which aid in memorising the Qur'aan are repetition, revision and standing in the night prayer with it (i.e. that which you have memorised) if you are able to perform the night prayer. For indeed Allaah, the One free from all imperfections and the Most High says:
Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing (the soul), and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allâh). [Soorah Al-Muzzammil 73:6]
And in some parts of the night (also) offer the Salât (prayer) with it (i.e. recite the Qur'an in the prayer), as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer Nawâfil) for you (O Muhammad sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). [Soorah Al-Isra 17:79]
Likewise taking from the Mashaykh and memorising at their hands. If you do not find them, then I advise you to stick to the cassettes of the proficient reciters, those whom recite with a sound recitation, and not those who exaggerate as 'Abdul Baasit does; rather, the recitation of just balanced sound reciters and not those that (recite in a manner) that was disliked by some of the Salaf.
As for the memorisation of Hadeeth, then they are little easier if it is done without the Asaaneed (chains of narration), so it is possible that you memorise a Hadeeth in a day or two days or three days then act upon this hadeeth, for indeed this aids in making the Hadeeth firmly grounded, then studying with the brothers and lots of repetition.
Taken From Tuhfatul Mujeeb 'Alaa Asilatil-Hadhir wal-Ghareeb, p.157, Dar al-Aathar.
Shaykh Muqbil ibn Haadee al-Waadi'ee
Source: FatwaIslam
Translated By: Abu Maryam Taariq bin 'Ali
Question:
What is the correct way of memorising the Qur'aan and the Hadeeths?
Answer:
As for memorising the Qur'aan, then the people differ, from the people there are those that are able to memorise a page, and from them there are those that can memorise both sides of a page; and from them there are those that are not able to memorise except half a page or less (than that), so everyone according to their ability.
From the affairs that which aid in memorising the Qur'aan are repetition, revision and standing in the night prayer with it (i.e. that which you have memorised) if you are able to perform the night prayer. For indeed Allaah, the One free from all imperfections and the Most High says:
Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing (the soul), and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allâh). [Soorah Al-Muzzammil 73:6]
And in some parts of the night (also) offer the Salât (prayer) with it (i.e. recite the Qur'an in the prayer), as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer Nawâfil) for you (O Muhammad sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). [Soorah Al-Isra 17:79]
Likewise taking from the Mashaykh and memorising at their hands. If you do not find them, then I advise you to stick to the cassettes of the proficient reciters, those whom recite with a sound recitation, and not those who exaggerate as 'Abdul Baasit does; rather, the recitation of just balanced sound reciters and not those that (recite in a manner) that was disliked by some of the Salaf.
As for the memorisation of Hadeeth, then they are little easier if it is done without the Asaaneed (chains of narration), so it is possible that you memorise a Hadeeth in a day or two days or three days then act upon this hadeeth, for indeed this aids in making the Hadeeth firmly grounded, then studying with the brothers and lots of repetition.
Taken From Tuhfatul Mujeeb 'Alaa Asilatil-Hadhir wal-Ghareeb, p.157, Dar al-Aathar.
Shaykh Muqbil ibn Haadee al-Waadi'ee
Source: FatwaIslam
Translated By: Abu Maryam Taariq bin 'Ali
| Common Excuses to not Memorise the Qur’ān – REFUTED! | for everyone |
People make all sorts of excuses to not memories the Qur’ān, and Alḥamdulillāh I have compiled and in shā’ Allāh successfully refuted the top 9 excuses people give in memorization of the Qur’ān
Excuse # 1 Memorization of the Qur’ān is only for Arabs
Response to the Excuse: It is proven fact that the majority of ḥuffāẓ are non-Arabs. Even if one looks at the Muslim population, majority of the Muslims are non-Arabs so the probability (even the aforementioned fact is ignored) of they having more ḥuffāẓ is obviously higher. Even if this was not the case, Allāh سبحانه و تعالى has revealed the Qur’ān as a Guidance and Book for everyone and not only Arabs. So someone who has says the ḥifẓ is only for Arabs, is only deceiving himself.
Excuse # 2 I am too old to memorize the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: It reported in news that an 86-year old Muslim woman memorized the Qur’ān source Do I need to say anything else?
Excuse # 3 I don’t have time to memories the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: The only way you will time to memories the Qur’ān is when you give it priority. If you don’t care about the Qur’ān, you will never be able to memories it. Remove time wasters from your life, manage and plan your time. A person can memories half a page every day, you will be able to finish the Qur’ān in exactly 1 year and 239 days (a day shorter than 8-months). It only takes maximum half an hour to memories a half a page (usually takes 15 minutes). How hard is it to extract half an hour from 24 hours a day?
Excuse # 4 I don’t know how recite the Qur’ān and you are telling me to start memorizing
Response to the Excuse: There are so many online resources available to learn how to recite the Qur’ān. Many youtube videos can be found from which one can learn the recitation of Qur’ān. One has to make an effort to look for these resources and Allāh سبحانه و تعالى will help you.
Excuse # 5 It is so hard to memorize the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: Allāh سبحانه و تعالى says,
And We have indeed made the Qur’ān easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?[1]
Allāh سبحانه و تعالى tells us that He has made the Qur’ān easy to understand and remember which means it is easy to memorize the Qur’ān. One needs to have good niyyaħ, firm determination and he will, in shā’ Allāh, be able to memorize the Qur’ān.
Excuse # 6 I am not motivated enough to memorize the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: If so, then click here. Ask your mum or dad or any of your friends to spend 15 minutes with you daily to listen to your memorized portion of the Qur’ān and make yourself accountable to them so if you do not memorize they reprimand you and remind you about your memorization.
Excuse # 7 If the ḥuffāẓ were to be the pious people, why do I see some of them still indulging in open ḥarām?
Response to the Excuse: It is similar to the saying of the non-Muslims, “If Islam was the true religion, the Muslims wouldn’t be committing sins and crime.” Not all the ḥuffāẓ are righteous nor all the righteous ḥuffāẓ. No one is perfect because perfection only belongs to Allāh سبحانه و تعالى. Everyone commits sins but it less probable for a ḥāfiẓ to commit sins compared to a normal person because he has Words of Allāh سبحانه و تعالى in his heart which he would implement.
Excuse # 8 I don’t feel that the memorization of the Qur’ān is obligatory upon me
Response to the Excuse: No one ever said that memorization of the Qur’ān is obligatory upon anyone. But the rewards of being a ḥāfiẓ are so many that if one does not embark upon this noble journey, he would be left out of many virtues and blessings that ḥāfiẓ gets.
Excuse # 9 I don’t have the resources to memorize the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: Then my dear brother/sister, you have come to the right place. Check out the blog for more details on how to do so in shā’ Allāh.
And, indeed, Allāh سبحانه و تعالى knows best.
[1] Sūrat ul-Qamar:17
Excuse # 1 Memorization of the Qur’ān is only for Arabs
Response to the Excuse: It is proven fact that the majority of ḥuffāẓ are non-Arabs. Even if one looks at the Muslim population, majority of the Muslims are non-Arabs so the probability (even the aforementioned fact is ignored) of they having more ḥuffāẓ is obviously higher. Even if this was not the case, Allāh سبحانه و تعالى has revealed the Qur’ān as a Guidance and Book for everyone and not only Arabs. So someone who has says the ḥifẓ is only for Arabs, is only deceiving himself.
Excuse # 2 I am too old to memorize the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: It reported in news that an 86-year old Muslim woman memorized the Qur’ān source Do I need to say anything else?
Excuse # 3 I don’t have time to memories the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: The only way you will time to memories the Qur’ān is when you give it priority. If you don’t care about the Qur’ān, you will never be able to memories it. Remove time wasters from your life, manage and plan your time. A person can memories half a page every day, you will be able to finish the Qur’ān in exactly 1 year and 239 days (a day shorter than 8-months). It only takes maximum half an hour to memories a half a page (usually takes 15 minutes). How hard is it to extract half an hour from 24 hours a day?
Excuse # 4 I don’t know how recite the Qur’ān and you are telling me to start memorizing
Response to the Excuse: There are so many online resources available to learn how to recite the Qur’ān. Many youtube videos can be found from which one can learn the recitation of Qur’ān. One has to make an effort to look for these resources and Allāh سبحانه و تعالى will help you.
Excuse # 5 It is so hard to memorize the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: Allāh سبحانه و تعالى says,
وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ
And We have indeed made the Qur’ān easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?[1]
Allāh سبحانه و تعالى tells us that He has made the Qur’ān easy to understand and remember which means it is easy to memorize the Qur’ān. One needs to have good niyyaħ, firm determination and he will, in shā’ Allāh, be able to memorize the Qur’ān.
Excuse # 6 I am not motivated enough to memorize the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: If so, then click here. Ask your mum or dad or any of your friends to spend 15 minutes with you daily to listen to your memorized portion of the Qur’ān and make yourself accountable to them so if you do not memorize they reprimand you and remind you about your memorization.
Excuse # 7 If the ḥuffāẓ were to be the pious people, why do I see some of them still indulging in open ḥarām?
Response to the Excuse: It is similar to the saying of the non-Muslims, “If Islam was the true religion, the Muslims wouldn’t be committing sins and crime.” Not all the ḥuffāẓ are righteous nor all the righteous ḥuffāẓ. No one is perfect because perfection only belongs to Allāh سبحانه و تعالى. Everyone commits sins but it less probable for a ḥāfiẓ to commit sins compared to a normal person because he has Words of Allāh سبحانه و تعالى in his heart which he would implement.
Excuse # 8 I don’t feel that the memorization of the Qur’ān is obligatory upon me
Response to the Excuse: No one ever said that memorization of the Qur’ān is obligatory upon anyone. But the rewards of being a ḥāfiẓ are so many that if one does not embark upon this noble journey, he would be left out of many virtues and blessings that ḥāfiẓ gets.
Excuse # 9 I don’t have the resources to memorize the Qur’ān
Response to the Excuse: Then my dear brother/sister, you have come to the right place. Check out the blog for more details on how to do so in shā’ Allāh.
And, indeed, Allāh سبحانه و تعالى knows best.
[1] Sūrat ul-Qamar:17
| Common Mistakes Done by Those Who are Beginners to Ḥifẓ | for everyone |
Common Mistakes Done by Those Who are Beginners to Ḥifẓ
In this post I have mentioned the top 7 mistakes one commits or is in danger of falling into when he begins his ḥifẓ along with their solutions:
Mistake #1: Intention to memorise the Qur’ān is not kept under strict check
Solution: The scholars of Islām have mentioned that a person should check his intention three times with respect to the act of worship he is doing:
1) Before the action
2) During the action
3) After the action
Thus, a potential Ḥāfiẓ should always try to keep his intention under a strict check because if he does not do so, he could end up wasting his years upon years effort and not receiving any reward. May Allāh سبحانه و تعالى protect us and accept our deeds. Āmīn.
Mistake #2: Not making du‘ā’
Solution: Many a times, we Muslims underestimate the power of du‘ā’. Allāh سبحانه و تعالى says,
Ka‘b Ibn al-Aḥbār رحمه الله said, “This Ummaħ has been given three things no other Ummaħ before has been given: … and it was said to a Prophet (of another Ummaħ), ‘Call upon Me, I will answer you (you call upon me on behalf of your Ummaħ),’ and He said to this Ummaħ, ‘Call on me; I will answer’ (i.e. Allāh سبحانه و تعالى Himself told this Ummaħ to call upon Him and He would answer our call)[2]
So one should not leave this great avenue and rather he should ask Allāh سبحانه و تعالى for help in memorization of the Qur’ān.
Mistake #3: Lack of consistency and commitment in memorizing the Qur’ān
Solution: Lack of consistency and commitment results in the person memorizing two pages a day and not memorizing for three days. Then memorizing 3 pages and not memorizing for the rest of the week. This makes memorization burdensome as the person falls behind his schedule due to his procrastination. Memorizing half a page every day is better than larger portions in consistently.
Mistake #4: Hastening to memorise large portions in over zealousness
Solution: The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said, “Patience is from Allāh and hastiness is from Satan.”[3] Hastiness in memorizing Qur’ān leads to inconsistency and reduces ones time to revise his old memorized portions thus he might forget them.
Mistake #5: Not having a teacher
Solution: One of the most neglected and misunderstood issues regarding the topic. People think they can memories Qur’ān and they do not need a teacher. Little do they know how many mistakes can this lead to. If you do not have a teacher, how can you know that you have memorized correctly or not? If you can afford or arrange for a teacher, then at least get your mum/dad or anyone else to sit with for 15 minutes and listen to you. Yet again, online resources are also available for this. But if carried on, this mistake leads to the next one
Mistake #6: Memorising wrong
Solution: This mistake is usually as a result of two reasons:
1) The person does not read the muṣḥaf correctly
2) The person does not have a teacher to correct his subtle, yet meaning changing mistakes.
The way to remove such mistakes (after obviously having someone to correct you) is when you realise your mistake; circle it in the muṣḥaf so you can know where to concentrate more when revising next time. And when the mistake is removed, rub off the mark you made earlier.
Mistake #7: Not learning Tajwīd before memorisation
Solution: This actually is not a mistake but rather weaker way to memorise the Qur’ān. It is true that some schools allow the children to memorise then once they are done, they learn Tajwīd. The benefit of knowing the Tajwīd rules beforehand is that if a person memorises the Qur’ān without them and learns them later on, he might forget and even face difficulty in revising old memorised portions.
[1] Sūrat ul-Ghāfir:60
[2] Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī
[3] Musnad Abū Ya‘la & Sunan al-Bayhaqī
In this post I have mentioned the top 7 mistakes one commits or is in danger of falling into when he begins his ḥifẓ along with their solutions:
Mistake #1: Intention to memorise the Qur’ān is not kept under strict check
Solution: The scholars of Islām have mentioned that a person should check his intention three times with respect to the act of worship he is doing:
1) Before the action
2) During the action
3) After the action
Thus, a potential Ḥāfiẓ should always try to keep his intention under a strict check because if he does not do so, he could end up wasting his years upon years effort and not receiving any reward. May Allāh سبحانه و تعالى protect us and accept our deeds. Āmīn.
Mistake #2: Not making du‘ā’
Solution: Many a times, we Muslims underestimate the power of du‘ā’. Allāh سبحانه و تعالى says,
“And your Lord says: Call on me; I will answer (your prayer). But those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell in humiliation.”[1]
Ka‘b Ibn al-Aḥbār رحمه الله said, “This Ummaħ has been given three things no other Ummaħ before has been given: … and it was said to a Prophet (of another Ummaħ), ‘Call upon Me, I will answer you (you call upon me on behalf of your Ummaħ),’ and He said to this Ummaħ, ‘Call on me; I will answer’ (i.e. Allāh سبحانه و تعالى Himself told this Ummaħ to call upon Him and He would answer our call)[2]
So one should not leave this great avenue and rather he should ask Allāh سبحانه و تعالى for help in memorization of the Qur’ān.
Mistake #3: Lack of consistency and commitment in memorizing the Qur’ān
Solution: Lack of consistency and commitment results in the person memorizing two pages a day and not memorizing for three days. Then memorizing 3 pages and not memorizing for the rest of the week. This makes memorization burdensome as the person falls behind his schedule due to his procrastination. Memorizing half a page every day is better than larger portions in consistently.
Mistake #4: Hastening to memorise large portions in over zealousness
Solution: The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said, “Patience is from Allāh and hastiness is from Satan.”[3] Hastiness in memorizing Qur’ān leads to inconsistency and reduces ones time to revise his old memorized portions thus he might forget them.
Mistake #5: Not having a teacher
Solution: One of the most neglected and misunderstood issues regarding the topic. People think they can memories Qur’ān and they do not need a teacher. Little do they know how many mistakes can this lead to. If you do not have a teacher, how can you know that you have memorized correctly or not? If you can afford or arrange for a teacher, then at least get your mum/dad or anyone else to sit with for 15 minutes and listen to you. Yet again, online resources are also available for this. But if carried on, this mistake leads to the next one
Mistake #6: Memorising wrong
Solution: This mistake is usually as a result of two reasons:
1) The person does not read the muṣḥaf correctly
2) The person does not have a teacher to correct his subtle, yet meaning changing mistakes.
The way to remove such mistakes (after obviously having someone to correct you) is when you realise your mistake; circle it in the muṣḥaf so you can know where to concentrate more when revising next time. And when the mistake is removed, rub off the mark you made earlier.
Mistake #7: Not learning Tajwīd before memorisation
Solution: This actually is not a mistake but rather weaker way to memorise the Qur’ān. It is true that some schools allow the children to memorise then once they are done, they learn Tajwīd. The benefit of knowing the Tajwīd rules beforehand is that if a person memorises the Qur’ān without them and learns them later on, he might forget and even face difficulty in revising old memorised portions.
[1] Sūrat ul-Ghāfir:60
[2] Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī
[3] Musnad Abū Ya‘la & Sunan al-Bayhaqī
| The Significance and Priority Placed on Memorizing | for everyone |
| The Qur’an Comes First | for everyone |
Title: The Qur’an Comes First
Author: The Grant Mufti Shaikh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Aalish Shaikh (HafithahuAllah)
Source: www.Sahab.net Translator: Abu ‘Abdis Salaam Siddiq Al Juyaanee
Q: How can we combine between memorizing the Noble Qur’an and seeking knowledge?
A: Start with the Qur’an, reading it and perfecting its recitation. If you accomplish
this –may Allah aid you in seeking knowledge- this is a great bounty from Allah upon you. The Qur’an will be ease for the one who (sincerely) wants it, for verily, Allah The Most High says,
“And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?” [Al-Qamar: 17]
The Qur’an is the key to every (Islaamic) science. Your perfection of its recitation and memorizing it will open up for you areas of knowledge that only Allah knows (best to what extent will benefit you).
www.SalafyInk.com
Author: The Grant Mufti Shaikh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Aalish Shaikh (HafithahuAllah)
Source: www.Sahab.net Translator: Abu ‘Abdis Salaam Siddiq Al Juyaanee
Q: How can we combine between memorizing the Noble Qur’an and seeking knowledge?
A: Start with the Qur’an, reading it and perfecting its recitation. If you accomplish
this –may Allah aid you in seeking knowledge- this is a great bounty from Allah upon you. The Qur’an will be ease for the one who (sincerely) wants it, for verily, Allah The Most High says,
وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ
“And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?” [Al-Qamar: 17]
The Qur’an is the key to every (Islaamic) science. Your perfection of its recitation and memorizing it will open up for you areas of knowledge that only Allah knows (best to what extent will benefit you).
www.SalafyInk.com
| Reciting the Quran like a Song | for everyone |
Reciting the Quran like a Song
It is reported that a person recited in a melodious [1] way in front of Al-A’mash. He said:A man once recited in front of Anas [ibn Mâlik – Allâh be pleased with him] in this manner and he detested it.
Abû Bakr Al-Khallâl, Al-Amr bil-Ma’rûf wa Al-Nahî ‘an Al-Munkar, p110.
It is reported that Sâlim [b. 'Abdillâh b. 'Umar b. Al-Khattâb] – Allâh have mercy on him – was asked to listen to someone leading the prayer. When he heard the recitation he turned back exclaiming:
Singing! Singing!
Ibn Al-Jawzî, Al-Qussâs wa Al-Mudhakkirîn article 183.
It is reported that there was a man who used to lead the prayer in Al-Madînah. One night, he became euphoric (got carried away by emotion). [2] Al-Qâsim b. Muhammad recited:
Verily it is a mighty and noble Book. Falsehood does not approach it, neither before it nor behind. It is a revelation from the Most Wise, Most Praiseworthy. [Al-Quran, Fussilat: 41, 42]
And he detested [the behavior of the reciter].
Ibid. article 184.
It is reported that Al-Fudayl b. ‘Ayyâd – Allâh have mercy on him – was asked about reciting the Qurân with melodies,
[1] to which he replied:
This is something they took from singing.
Ibid. article 182
Ibn Dâwûd ['Abdullâh b. Dâwûd b. 'Âmir Al-Khuraybî] – Allâh have mercy on him – was once asked by Bishr b. Al-Hârith:
If I pass by a man reciting, should I sit and listen? He asked, “Does he become euphoric [2] (because of emotional recitation)?” Bishr replied, “Yes.” Ibn Dâwûd said, “He has shown his bid’ah, do not sit with him.”
Ibid article 186.
Hanbal reports:
Abû ‘Abdillâh (Imâm Ahmad) used to detest this innovated recitation which is called Al-Alhân (melodious, musical recitation).
Ibid. article 187.
And it is reported that Imâm Ahmad said:
“This innovated recitation which is called Al-Alhân, I detest it.” He was very strict against it. He said, “I believe it resembles singing, and the Qurân is to be preserved from this.”
Ibid. article 188.
There are numerous narrations from Imâm Ahmad about this, amongst them:
When asked about it once he said:
It is something innovated. But [to recite in a beautiful voice is fine] if it is naturally his voice, as was Abû Mûsâ [Al-Ash'arî – Allâh be pleased with him].
When asked about reciting with alhân another time, he replied:
No. [It is allowed] if that is his natural voice, like the voice of Abû Mûsâ. As for learning how to recite like this, then no.
He was asked about recitation with melodies and harmonies, to which he replied:
“It is a bid’ah.” It was said to him, ‘They gather to listen to it.” He said, “Allâhul-musta’ân (‘Allâh is the one whose aid is sought’; a statement of sorrow and disapproval.)”
Also, he said:
It is a bid’ah, not to be listened to.
‘Abdullâh b. Yazîd Al-’Anbarî reports:
A man once asked Ahmad b. Hanbal:
“What do you say about reciting with alhân?” Abu ‘Abdillâh said, “What is your name?” The man replied, “Muhammad.” Imâm Ahmad said, “So would you like to be called Moohammad?”
Al-Khallâl, op. cit., p99+.
Imâm Mâlik – Allâh have mercy on him – said:
I do not like reciting in melodies, neither in Ramadan nor at other times, because it resembles singing, and it causes the Qurân to be laughed at. It is said ‘this person is a better reciter than that person (the Quran becomes the subject of rivalry and entertainment).
It has reached me that the slave-girls are taught to recite like this as they are taught how to sing. Do you think this was the way Allâh’s Messenger – peace and blessings be upon him – used to recite?
Al-Qayrawânî, Kitâb Al-Jâmi’ p166.
[1] Arabic: Alhân. This refers to reciting in a melodious, song-like tone. See notes.
[2] Arabic: Al-tarb. This refers to a state of emotional intensity which may bring about physical expression. See notes.
Notes
After relating some of these traditions, Ibn Al-Jawzî states:
Know that melodious musical recitation (Al-Alhân) is detested for a number of reasons, amongst others: [its reciters] merge letters that are not supposed to be merged, they extend vowels (madd) where there should be no extension, and they omit the hamzah and the doubling of consonants (tashdîd) just in order to preserve the melody. Also, this kind of recitation causes people to get emotionally carried away (al-tarb) and it distracts people from pondering the Quran. [3]
Explaining the type of recitation that is praiseworthy and the type that is detestable, Ibn Kathîr states:
What is sought in the Sharî’ah (teachings of Islam) is the type of beautification of the voice that leads to pondering the Quran and seeking to understand it, to submission, humility and compliance with the obedience [of Allah].
As for using voices with novel melodies, composed on distracting and entertaining rhythms and musical rules, then the Quran is far removed from this and is too respected and esteemed to have this approach taken in its delivery.[4]
[3] Ibn Al-Jawzî, Al-Qussâs wa Al-Mudhakkirîn p335.
[4] Ibn Kathîr, Fadâ`il Al-Qurân p198.
Related posts:
| ما هي أسهل طريقةٍ لحفظ القرآن الكريم؟ | for everyone |
أسهل طريقةٍ لحفظ القرآن الكريم
ما هي أسهل طريقةٍ لحفظ القرآن الكريم؟
أسهل طريقة فيما نعلم أن يتحرى الأوقات المناسبة التي أشغاله فيها قليلة مع الضراعة إلى الله والسؤال أن يعينه, وأن يوفقه, وأن يسهل له حفظ كتابه الكريم، فيتحرى الأوقات المناسبة التي لا شغل فيها وأشغاله فيها قليلة مثل بعد صلاة الفجر، مثل بعد صلاة العشاء، مثل آخر الليل، يتحرى الأوقات المناسبة، ويدرس فيها ما تيسر هذا أفضل أسباب التحصيل المقصود أن يتحرى في حفظ القرآن الأوقات المناسبة الذي كل واحد في نفسه من ليل أو نهار ومع ذلك يسأل ربه العون والتوفيق.
| Is memorizing the Qur'aan put forward on seeking knowledge? | for everyone |
Shaikh Dr. Saalih Aal Ash-Shaykh - Hafidhahullah - was asked: Is memorizing the Qur'aan put forward on seeking knowledge?
The Shaikh said: If it is that one sees that he has the ability to memorize the Qur'aan then he memorizes the whole Qur'aan. This is better for him, and this is what the 'Ulamaa of the past were upon. They didn't accept anyone to read to them until they finished memorizing the Qur'aan. And it has been related to me that one of our scholars may Allah preserve them said I came to Muhammad Ibn Ibraheem (Dr. Saalih's grandfather) {May Allah have mercy on him} and I said to him that I want to read to you. He asked: Did you memorize the Qur'aan? I said: No. He said to me: Go and memorize the Qur'aan then come to me and read. He said: I stayed away from him for six months with this goal and drive and I memorized the Qur'aan within six months. Then I came to him after this and said: Oh Shaikh I memorized the Qur'aan May Allah bring good to you. He said: Read; He (the narrator) said: He examined me on some parts and then said: May Allah bless you. He (Shaikh Ibraheem Aal Ash Shaikh) then said: Read in so and so book and he entered into the circle.
The one who has strength in memorizing memorizes the Qur'aan. And afterwards he goes into the circles of knowledge. Memorizing the Qur'aan is knowledge because what would you use as evidence? The one who has no weapons from evidences and clarity from the Qur'aan what does he use as evidence? He uses the understanding of different people and their opinions. But the evidences are from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger (Sallallaahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam). Therefore in order to have strong evidences, memorizing the Qur'aan is a must. The one who doesn't memorize, how does he bring evidence? The one who doesn't memorize from the Sunnah that which he is able to, what does he use as evidence? This is strange.
Translated by Br. Musa Millington (Salafitalk id MusaMills)
The Shaikh said: If it is that one sees that he has the ability to memorize the Qur'aan then he memorizes the whole Qur'aan. This is better for him, and this is what the 'Ulamaa of the past were upon. They didn't accept anyone to read to them until they finished memorizing the Qur'aan. And it has been related to me that one of our scholars may Allah preserve them said I came to Muhammad Ibn Ibraheem (Dr. Saalih's grandfather) {May Allah have mercy on him} and I said to him that I want to read to you. He asked: Did you memorize the Qur'aan? I said: No. He said to me: Go and memorize the Qur'aan then come to me and read. He said: I stayed away from him for six months with this goal and drive and I memorized the Qur'aan within six months. Then I came to him after this and said: Oh Shaikh I memorized the Qur'aan May Allah bring good to you. He said: Read; He (the narrator) said: He examined me on some parts and then said: May Allah bless you. He (Shaikh Ibraheem Aal Ash Shaikh) then said: Read in so and so book and he entered into the circle.
The one who has strength in memorizing memorizes the Qur'aan. And afterwards he goes into the circles of knowledge. Memorizing the Qur'aan is knowledge because what would you use as evidence? The one who has no weapons from evidences and clarity from the Qur'aan what does he use as evidence? He uses the understanding of different people and their opinions. But the evidences are from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger (Sallallaahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam). Therefore in order to have strong evidences, memorizing the Qur'aan is a must. The one who doesn't memorize, how does he bring evidence? The one who doesn't memorize from the Sunnah that which he is able to, what does he use as evidence? This is strange.
Translated by Br. Musa Millington (Salafitalk id MusaMills)
| So the first knowledge is memorization of the Book of Allaah and seeking to understand it | for everyone |
Knowing One's Priority
Hudhayfah said:The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) related matters to us. I have seen one of them, and I am waiting for the other. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) informed us: "Trustworthiness was sent down in depths of the heart of the people, then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it from the Sunnah" 2
Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar (852H) said: "His (`azza wa jall) saying: 'then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it from the Sunnah' So it occurs in this narration with the repetition of "then", which contains an indication that they would learn the Qur'aan before learning the details of the Sunnah. And what is meant by the details of the sunnah is anything that they would learn from Prophet (saallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) whether it was obligatory or recommended." 3
Al-Maymoonee said:I asked Abu 'Abdullaah Imaam Ahmed which is more beloved to you, that I should I begin teaching my son the Qur'aan or the Hadeeth He said: "No! The Qur'aan." I said: Shall I teach him all of it? He replied: "Unless that is difficult, in which case teach him some of it." Then. he said to me: "If he begins reciting first, then he will learn correct recitation and will persevere in it." 4
Ibn Muflih said: "Upon this are the followers of Imaam Ahmad right up until our time." 5
Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 718H) said: "As for seeking to memorize the Qur'aan then this is to be given preference over many of the things that the people consider to be knowledge, but are -in reality - either totally useless, or having little benefit. It is also to be given precedence in learning especially by those who wish to acquire knowledge of the Deen, its principles and its particulars. Since what is prescribed for such a person at this time is that he should begin by memorizing the Qur'aan, as it is the foundation of the branches of knowledge of the Deen. This is contrary to what is done by many of the people on innovation, in that one of them will preoccupy himself with superfluous parts of knowledge; such as Kalaam (rhetorical speech) and argumentation; or very rare matters of differences; and blind following, which there is no need for; or very strange and rare Ahaadeeth which are not established, nor of benefit; and many discussions do not establish proofs. And he abandons memorizing the Qur'aan which is more important than all of this." 6
Muhammad ibn al-Fadl said: "I heard my grandfather say: I asked my father for permission to study under Qutaybah, so he said: "First learn the Qur'aan and then I will give you permission." So I memorized the Qur'aan by heart. Then he said to me: "Remain until you have led the people in prayer with it (i.e. for Taraweeh prayer)." So I did so, and after the 'Eed prayer he gave me permission, so I left for Marw." 7
Ibn 'Abdul-Barr (d. 463H) said: "Seeking knowledge is of levels and is of different stages which should not be skipped over. Whoever skips over them altogether, then he has overstepped the path of the Companions and those that follow them. Whoever deliberately takes a path other than this has seriously deviated. However, whoever oversteps due to an Ijtihaad (a knowledge-based judgment that a qualified scholar makes, intending to reach the truth), then such a person has erred. So the first knowledge is memorization of the Book of Allaah and seeking to understand it. And it-is obligatory to seek everything which will aid in understanding it. However, I do not say that it is obligatory to memorize all of the Qur'aan but I do say that it is obligatory and essential for anyone who wishes to become a scholar - not that it is something obligatory in itself." 8
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d. 463H) said: "It is fitting for a student that he begins with memorization of the Book of Allaah - since it is the greatest of the branches of knowledge and that which should be placed first and given precedence." 9
Al-Haafidh an-Nawawee (d. 676H) said: "The first thing he should begin with is memorization of the mighty Qur'aan, which is the most important of the branches of knowledge. And the Companions and those that follow them did not use to teach Hadeeth or Fiqh except to one who had memorized the Qur'aan. When he has memorized it, let him beware of preoccupying himself from it with Hadeeth, Fiqh or other things, to the extent that it leads him to forget anything of the Qur'aan, or makes that likely." 10
Seeking knowledge in due proportions 11
Allaah (`azza wa jall) said: "And it is a Qur'aan which We have divided into parts, in order that you may recite it to men at intervals. And We have sent it down in stages." 12
The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said to `Abdullaah ibn `Amr ibn al-`Aas: "Read the Qur'aan in every month." I said: I find that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Recite it in every twenty nights." I said: I find that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Then recite it in every seven days and do not increase upon that." 13
'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'Aas also related from the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) that he said: "He does not understand the Qur'aan who recites it in less than three days " 14
Umar ibn 'Abdul-Waahid, a companion of al-Awzaa'ee said: We read in al-Muwattaa to Maalik (d. 179H) in forty days, so he said: "A book that took me forty years to compile, you take from me in forty days! How little you understand of it." 15
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee said: "It is fitting that he takes care in acquiring knowledge and that he should not take too much in one go. Rather, he should take a little at a time, such that he can bear it., memorize it and be able to understand it. Because Allaah says which means: "And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur’aan not send down to him all at once? Thus (is it sent down in parts) that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages."16" 17
Al-Khateeb also said: "And know that the heart in an organ from the organs. It is able to bear somethings and unable to bear others—just like the rest of the body. Thus, some people are able to carry one-hundred pounds, whereas others are unable to carry even twenty. Some people are able to walk a number of miles in a day without tiring, whereas others are unable to even walk a mile a day before they become tired... So let each person limit himself to what he is able without expending all his energies, because that will better aid him in learning with a good mind, from a firm and proficient teacher.'' 18
Supplicating for an Increase in Knowledge
Allaah (`azza wa jall) said which means: "Say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge." (Soorah TaaHaa 20:114)
Umm Salamah said: Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate in the morning prayer: "O Allaah! I ask you fur beneficial knowledge, righteous action and pure sustenance."20 Anas bin Maalik (be) said: I heard Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) supplicate:"O Allaah! Benefit me with knowledge. Teach me that which will benefit me, and provide me with knowledge from which I can derive benefit."21
Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Ja'far said: I heard Ibn Khuzaymah (d. 311H) being asked: From where did you acquire this knowledge? So he said: "Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Zam-zam water is that for which it is drunk." 22 So when I drunk zam-zam water, I supplicate to Allaah for beneficial knowledge." 23
Shaykhul-lslaarn Ibn Taymiyyah said: 24 "The reality of this matter that the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance, and of what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allaah and turning towards Him, Allaah guides such a person—as He said which means: "O My servants! All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I guide. So seek your guidance from me."25
And as the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to say: "O Allaah! Lord of Jibreel, Meekaa 'eel and Israafeel. The Originator of the heavens and the earth. Knower of the Unseen and the apparent. You judge between Your servant in that which he differs. So guide me in that which I differ from the truth—by Your permission. Indeed, You guide whomsoever You please, to a Path that is straight." 26
Notes: 1. From An-Nubadh fee Aadaabit-Talabil-'ilm (pp.61-66), slightly abridged.2. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 7086)3. Fathul-Baaree (13/39) 4. Related by Ibn Muflih in Al-Aadaabush-Shar'iyyah. 5. Related by Ibn Abee Ya'laa in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (1/41). 6. Fataawaa al-Kubra (2/54-55). 7. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/722). 8. Jaami' Bayaanul-'llm wa fadlihi (pp. 526-528) 9. Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaqir-Raawee wa Aadaabis-Saami'(1/106). 10. From the introduction to Al-Majmoo' Sharhul-Muhadhhab (1/38) 11. From An-Nubadh (pp.67-69) 12. Soorah al-lsraa 17:106. 13. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5052) and Muslim (no. 1159) and the wording is from Muslim). 14. Saheeh: related by Abu Daawood in his Sunan (no. 1394) and it was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood (no. 1294). 15. Related by Ibn 'Abdul-Barr in at-Tawheed (1/77)16. Soorah al-Furqaan 25:32. 17. Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/101). 18. Al-Fapeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/107). 19. An-Nubadh (pp. 97-99).20. Hasan: related by Ahmad (6/305) and atTiyaalasee (p.224). It was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hair in Nataa'ijul Aflkaar (2/313). 21. Related by Haakim (1/510) and he said: "It is authentic upon the condition of Muslim." Adh-Dhahabee also agreed. 22. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/721). 23. Hasan: It has been narrated by many different ways. Refer to al-MaqaasidulHasanah (no. 928) of as-Sakhaawee for its authentication and sources. 24. Majmoo`ul fataawaa (4/39) 25. Related by Muslim (no. 2577) form Abu Dharr. 26. Related by Muslim (no. 770) from `Aaishah.
Written by Shaykh Abu Anas Hamad al-`Uthmaan (hafidhahullaah)
Translator is unknown
Hudhayfah said:The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) related matters to us. I have seen one of them, and I am waiting for the other. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) informed us: "Trustworthiness was sent down in depths of the heart of the people, then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it from the Sunnah" 2
Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar (852H) said: "His (`azza wa jall) saying: 'then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it from the Sunnah' So it occurs in this narration with the repetition of "then", which contains an indication that they would learn the Qur'aan before learning the details of the Sunnah. And what is meant by the details of the sunnah is anything that they would learn from Prophet (saallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) whether it was obligatory or recommended." 3
Al-Maymoonee said:I asked Abu 'Abdullaah Imaam Ahmed which is more beloved to you, that I should I begin teaching my son the Qur'aan or the Hadeeth He said: "No! The Qur'aan." I said: Shall I teach him all of it? He replied: "Unless that is difficult, in which case teach him some of it." Then. he said to me: "If he begins reciting first, then he will learn correct recitation and will persevere in it." 4
Ibn Muflih said: "Upon this are the followers of Imaam Ahmad right up until our time." 5
Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 718H) said: "As for seeking to memorize the Qur'aan then this is to be given preference over many of the things that the people consider to be knowledge, but are -in reality - either totally useless, or having little benefit. It is also to be given precedence in learning especially by those who wish to acquire knowledge of the Deen, its principles and its particulars. Since what is prescribed for such a person at this time is that he should begin by memorizing the Qur'aan, as it is the foundation of the branches of knowledge of the Deen. This is contrary to what is done by many of the people on innovation, in that one of them will preoccupy himself with superfluous parts of knowledge; such as Kalaam (rhetorical speech) and argumentation; or very rare matters of differences; and blind following, which there is no need for; or very strange and rare Ahaadeeth which are not established, nor of benefit; and many discussions do not establish proofs. And he abandons memorizing the Qur'aan which is more important than all of this." 6
Muhammad ibn al-Fadl said: "I heard my grandfather say: I asked my father for permission to study under Qutaybah, so he said: "First learn the Qur'aan and then I will give you permission." So I memorized the Qur'aan by heart. Then he said to me: "Remain until you have led the people in prayer with it (i.e. for Taraweeh prayer)." So I did so, and after the 'Eed prayer he gave me permission, so I left for Marw." 7
Ibn 'Abdul-Barr (d. 463H) said: "Seeking knowledge is of levels and is of different stages which should not be skipped over. Whoever skips over them altogether, then he has overstepped the path of the Companions and those that follow them. Whoever deliberately takes a path other than this has seriously deviated. However, whoever oversteps due to an Ijtihaad (a knowledge-based judgment that a qualified scholar makes, intending to reach the truth), then such a person has erred. So the first knowledge is memorization of the Book of Allaah and seeking to understand it. And it-is obligatory to seek everything which will aid in understanding it. However, I do not say that it is obligatory to memorize all of the Qur'aan but I do say that it is obligatory and essential for anyone who wishes to become a scholar - not that it is something obligatory in itself." 8
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d. 463H) said: "It is fitting for a student that he begins with memorization of the Book of Allaah - since it is the greatest of the branches of knowledge and that which should be placed first and given precedence." 9
Al-Haafidh an-Nawawee (d. 676H) said: "The first thing he should begin with is memorization of the mighty Qur'aan, which is the most important of the branches of knowledge. And the Companions and those that follow them did not use to teach Hadeeth or Fiqh except to one who had memorized the Qur'aan. When he has memorized it, let him beware of preoccupying himself from it with Hadeeth, Fiqh or other things, to the extent that it leads him to forget anything of the Qur'aan, or makes that likely." 10
Seeking knowledge in due proportions 11
Allaah (`azza wa jall) said: "And it is a Qur'aan which We have divided into parts, in order that you may recite it to men at intervals. And We have sent it down in stages." 12
The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said to `Abdullaah ibn `Amr ibn al-`Aas: "Read the Qur'aan in every month." I said: I find that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Recite it in every twenty nights." I said: I find that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Then recite it in every seven days and do not increase upon that." 13
'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'Aas also related from the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) that he said: "He does not understand the Qur'aan who recites it in less than three days " 14
Umar ibn 'Abdul-Waahid, a companion of al-Awzaa'ee said: We read in al-Muwattaa to Maalik (d. 179H) in forty days, so he said: "A book that took me forty years to compile, you take from me in forty days! How little you understand of it." 15
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee said: "It is fitting that he takes care in acquiring knowledge and that he should not take too much in one go. Rather, he should take a little at a time, such that he can bear it., memorize it and be able to understand it. Because Allaah says which means: "And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur’aan not send down to him all at once? Thus (is it sent down in parts) that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages."16" 17
Al-Khateeb also said: "And know that the heart in an organ from the organs. It is able to bear somethings and unable to bear others—just like the rest of the body. Thus, some people are able to carry one-hundred pounds, whereas others are unable to carry even twenty. Some people are able to walk a number of miles in a day without tiring, whereas others are unable to even walk a mile a day before they become tired... So let each person limit himself to what he is able without expending all his energies, because that will better aid him in learning with a good mind, from a firm and proficient teacher.'' 18
Supplicating for an Increase in Knowledge
Allaah (`azza wa jall) said which means: "Say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge." (Soorah TaaHaa 20:114)
Umm Salamah said: Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate in the morning prayer: "O Allaah! I ask you fur beneficial knowledge, righteous action and pure sustenance."20 Anas bin Maalik (be) said: I heard Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) supplicate:"O Allaah! Benefit me with knowledge. Teach me that which will benefit me, and provide me with knowledge from which I can derive benefit."21
Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Ja'far said: I heard Ibn Khuzaymah (d. 311H) being asked: From where did you acquire this knowledge? So he said: "Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Zam-zam water is that for which it is drunk." 22 So when I drunk zam-zam water, I supplicate to Allaah for beneficial knowledge." 23
Shaykhul-lslaarn Ibn Taymiyyah said: 24 "The reality of this matter that the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance, and of what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allaah and turning towards Him, Allaah guides such a person—as He said which means: "O My servants! All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I guide. So seek your guidance from me."25
And as the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to say: "O Allaah! Lord of Jibreel, Meekaa 'eel and Israafeel. The Originator of the heavens and the earth. Knower of the Unseen and the apparent. You judge between Your servant in that which he differs. So guide me in that which I differ from the truth—by Your permission. Indeed, You guide whomsoever You please, to a Path that is straight." 26
Notes: 1. From An-Nubadh fee Aadaabit-Talabil-'ilm (pp.61-66), slightly abridged.2. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 7086)3. Fathul-Baaree (13/39) 4. Related by Ibn Muflih in Al-Aadaabush-Shar'iyyah. 5. Related by Ibn Abee Ya'laa in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (1/41). 6. Fataawaa al-Kubra (2/54-55). 7. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/722). 8. Jaami' Bayaanul-'llm wa fadlihi (pp. 526-528) 9. Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaqir-Raawee wa Aadaabis-Saami'(1/106). 10. From the introduction to Al-Majmoo' Sharhul-Muhadhhab (1/38) 11. From An-Nubadh (pp.67-69) 12. Soorah al-lsraa 17:106. 13. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5052) and Muslim (no. 1159) and the wording is from Muslim). 14. Saheeh: related by Abu Daawood in his Sunan (no. 1394) and it was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood (no. 1294). 15. Related by Ibn 'Abdul-Barr in at-Tawheed (1/77)16. Soorah al-Furqaan 25:32. 17. Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/101). 18. Al-Fapeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/107). 19. An-Nubadh (pp. 97-99).20. Hasan: related by Ahmad (6/305) and atTiyaalasee (p.224). It was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hair in Nataa'ijul Aflkaar (2/313). 21. Related by Haakim (1/510) and he said: "It is authentic upon the condition of Muslim." Adh-Dhahabee also agreed. 22. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/721). 23. Hasan: It has been narrated by many different ways. Refer to al-MaqaasidulHasanah (no. 928) of as-Sakhaawee for its authentication and sources. 24. Majmoo`ul fataawaa (4/39) 25. Related by Muslim (no. 2577) form Abu Dharr. 26. Related by Muslim (no. 770) from `Aaishah.
Written by Shaykh Abu Anas Hamad al-`Uthmaan (hafidhahullaah)
Translator is unknown
| This way is excellent for strengthening memorization and its firmness (in the memory) | for everyone |
All praise is due to Allah and may blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and his family and companions, all together.This way is excellent for strengthening memorization and its firmness (in the memory), quick memorization and completing the Quraan with speed. And this way, with a demonstration with one section (wajh- which is about eight ayaat) from Surah al-Jumu`ah, is what follows:
1-Read the first ayah twenty times
( يُسَبِّحُ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ الْمَلِكِ الْقُدُّوسِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَكِيمِ)
2- Read the second ayah twenty times
( هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آَيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِنْ كَانُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُبِينٍ)
3- Read the third ayah twenty times
( وَآَخَرِينَ مِنْهُمْ لَمَّا يَلْحَقُوا بِهِمْ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ )
4-Read the fourth ayah twenty times
( ذَلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ )
5- Read these four (ayaat), from the first of them to the last of them, to link between them, twenty times.
6-Read the fifth ayah twenty times
( مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ حُمِّلُوا التَّوْرَاةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ الْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ أَسْفَارًا بِئْسَ مَثَلُ الْقَوْمِ الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآَيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ )
7- Read the sixth ayah twenty times
( قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ هَادُوا إِنْ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّكُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ لِلَّهِ مِنْ دُونِ النَّاسِ فَتَمَنَّوُا الْمَوْتَ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ )
8- Read the seventh ayah twenty times
( وَلَا يَتَمَنَّوْنَهُ أَبَدًا بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالظَّالِمِينَ )
9- Read the eighth ayah twenty times
( قُلْ إِنَّ الْمَوْتَ الَّذِي تَفِرُّونَ مِنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ مُلَاقِيكُمْ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَى عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ )
10- Read from ayah the fifth ayah to the eighth ayah twenty times to connect them.
11- Read from the first ayah to the eighth ayah: twenty times to perfect this wajh
And like this, stick to this way in each wajh for the whole Quraan and do not increase in a single day more than eight (ayaat) so that you do not increase over you what you have already memorized, then the memorization changes and leaves your memory
V. If I wanted to memorize a new wajh the next day, how do I do so?
When you want to memorize the next wajh the next day, then before you memorize the new wajh by the way I mentioned to you, read from the first wajh (from the beginning) to the end of it twenty times so that what you have already memorized becomes firm in your memory, then go over to the new wajh on the way that I pointed to.
V. How do I bring together memorization and review?
Do not memorize Al-Quraan without review because if you memorized al-Quraan one wajh at a time until you complete the Quraan and then you want to return to what you memorized, you would find yourself haven forgotten what you memorized. And the ideal way of bringing together memorization and review, and you divide the Quraan into three parts; every ten ajza’ (plural of juz’) is a part. So when you have memorized ten ajza’ then pause (memorization) for a complete month for review and everyday review 8 awjah (pl. of wajh)
After a month of review begin with the memorization, memorizing one or two wajh, according to your ability, and review eight awjah, until you have memorized twenty juz’. When you have memorized twenty juz’, pause the memorization for a period of two months for reviewing the twenty juz’, each day reviewing eight awjah.
When two months have passed on reviewing, begin memorization again every day one or two wajh, according to your ability and review eight awjah, until you end the memorization of al-Quraan completely.
When you have completed the memorization of al-Quraan, review the first ten ajza’ only, over a period of one month, each day half of a juz’, then go ‘ on to the twenty juz’ over a period of one month, each day half a juz’ and read eight awjah from the first ten ajza’, then go to reviewing the last ten ajza’ of al-Quraan over a period of one month, each day half a juz’ with
eight awjah from the first ten ajza’, and eight awjah from the twenty juz’.
V. How do I review the whole Quraan when I have completed this review?
Begin reviewing the whole Quraan, everyday two juz’, repeating it three times each day, and (like this) you will complete the whole Quraan in two weeks. And by this way, you will have, in the course of a year, perfected the Quraan completely. And follow this way for the whole year.
V. What do I do a year after memorizing al-Quraan?
A year after perfecting al-Quraan and reviewing it, let your daily portion of al-Quraan till your death be the portion of Allah’s Messenger Sallallau `alayhi wa Sallam, for he used to portion the Quraan into seven, meaning every seven days he would complete the Quraan. Aws in Hudhaifah rahimahuLlah said: I asked the Companions of the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu `alayhi wa Sallam, “How did you divide the Quraan?” They said” Three suwar (pl. of surah) , five suwar, seven suwar, nine suwar, eleven suwar, and the Mufassil, from surah Qaaf until the end.” Ahmad reported it
This means from the first day he reads from Surah al-Faatihah to the end of Surah an-Nisaa. On the second day he reads from Surah al-Maaidah to the end of Surah at-Tawbah. On the third day he reads from Surah Yunus to the end of Surah an-Nahl. On the fourth day he reads from Surah al-Israa to the end of Surah al-Furqaan. On the fifth day he reads from Surah ash-Shu`araa to the end of Surah Yaaseen. On the sixth day he reads from Surah as-Saaffaat to Surah al-Hujuraat. And on the seventh day, he reads from Surah Qaaf to the end of Surah an-Naas.
And the Ulamaa’ have summarized the portions of Rasulillah Sallallau `alayhi wa Sallam into their words “Famee bi shawq” “فمي بشوق” which can be roughly translated as “My mouth is longing” or “My mouth eagerly”
So each letter in these two words is the beginning of one of the everyday portions Rasulillah Sallallahu `alayhi wa Sallam . The letter ‘Faa’ in the word “Famee” is a symbol for Surah al-Faatihah that shows that it is his hizb (portion) for the day that he begins with Surah al-Faatihah.
The letter ‘Meem’ in their word “Famee” is for the beginning of his hizb on the second day, beginning with Surah al-Maaidah.
The letter ‘Yaa’ in their word “Famee” is for the beginning of his hizb for the third day, beginning with Surah Yunus.
The letter ‘Baa’ in their word “Bi shawq” is for the beginning of his hizb on the fourth day, beginning with Surah Banee Israa-eel, which is also called Surah al-Israa.
The letter ‘Sheen’ in their word “bi shawq” is for the beginning of his hizb on the fifth day, which will begin with Surah ash-Shu`araa.
The letter ‘Waa’ in their word “bi shawq” is for the beginning of his hizb on the sixth day, which begins with Surah was-Saaffaat (as-Saaffaat) .
The letter ‘Qaaf’ in their word “bi shawq” is for the beginning of his hizb for the seventh day, which begins with Surah Qaaf to the end of Surah an-Naas.
As for the current way that the Quraan was divided into ahzaab (pl. of hizb), then this is from al-Hajjaaj bin Yusuf.
V. How do I distinguish between similar ayaat in al-Quraan?
It is best to, when you come across two similar ayat, to open the mushaf to these two ayaat, see the difference between then, and contemplate it, and put yourself to a test, and during your review the part that difference repeatedly until you master the similarity between them.
V. Rules and regulations in memorization
1- Your memorization must be with a shaykh for correction recitation
2-Memorize everyday two wajh, a wajh after Fajr and a wajh after `Asr or Maghrib, and with this way, you will memorize the complete Quraan perfectly (bi idhniLlah) in one year and you memorization will be perfect, unless you increase in the memorization, for if you did, what you memorized will weaken
3-Your memorization should be from Suran an-Naas to Surah Al-Baqarah because it is easier. And after you memorize al-Quraan your review will be
from Surah al-Baqarah to Surah an-Naas
4-The memorization should be from a mushaf with the one print to be certain about the strength of the memorization and quicker studying the places of the ayaat and the ends and beginnings of the pages.
5- Everyone who memorizes (the Quraan) in the first two years loses some of what he memorized. This is called the “Marhalatut- Tajmee`”, roughly translated as the “Gathering Stage”. So do not worry about the Quraan leaving you or making many mistakes. This is a difficult stage of affliction which shaytaan has a portion of to make you stop memorizing al-Quraan. So do not pay attention to his whispers and continue memorizing it, for it is a treasure that is not given to just anyone…
1-Read the first ayah twenty times
( يُسَبِّحُ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ الْمَلِكِ الْقُدُّوسِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَكِيمِ)
2- Read the second ayah twenty times
( هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آَيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِنْ كَانُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُبِينٍ)
3- Read the third ayah twenty times
( وَآَخَرِينَ مِنْهُمْ لَمَّا يَلْحَقُوا بِهِمْ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ )
4-Read the fourth ayah twenty times
( ذَلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ )
5- Read these four (ayaat), from the first of them to the last of them, to link between them, twenty times.
6-Read the fifth ayah twenty times
( مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ حُمِّلُوا التَّوْرَاةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ الْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ أَسْفَارًا بِئْسَ مَثَلُ الْقَوْمِ الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآَيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ )
7- Read the sixth ayah twenty times
( قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ هَادُوا إِنْ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّكُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ لِلَّهِ مِنْ دُونِ النَّاسِ فَتَمَنَّوُا الْمَوْتَ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ )
8- Read the seventh ayah twenty times
( وَلَا يَتَمَنَّوْنَهُ أَبَدًا بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالظَّالِمِينَ )
9- Read the eighth ayah twenty times
( قُلْ إِنَّ الْمَوْتَ الَّذِي تَفِرُّونَ مِنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ مُلَاقِيكُمْ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَى عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ )
10- Read from ayah the fifth ayah to the eighth ayah twenty times to connect them.
11- Read from the first ayah to the eighth ayah: twenty times to perfect this wajh
And like this, stick to this way in each wajh for the whole Quraan and do not increase in a single day more than eight (ayaat) so that you do not increase over you what you have already memorized, then the memorization changes and leaves your memory
V. If I wanted to memorize a new wajh the next day, how do I do so?
When you want to memorize the next wajh the next day, then before you memorize the new wajh by the way I mentioned to you, read from the first wajh (from the beginning) to the end of it twenty times so that what you have already memorized becomes firm in your memory, then go over to the new wajh on the way that I pointed to.
V. How do I bring together memorization and review?
Do not memorize Al-Quraan without review because if you memorized al-Quraan one wajh at a time until you complete the Quraan and then you want to return to what you memorized, you would find yourself haven forgotten what you memorized. And the ideal way of bringing together memorization and review, and you divide the Quraan into three parts; every ten ajza’ (plural of juz’) is a part. So when you have memorized ten ajza’ then pause (memorization) for a complete month for review and everyday review 8 awjah (pl. of wajh)
After a month of review begin with the memorization, memorizing one or two wajh, according to your ability, and review eight awjah, until you have memorized twenty juz’. When you have memorized twenty juz’, pause the memorization for a period of two months for reviewing the twenty juz’, each day reviewing eight awjah.
When two months have passed on reviewing, begin memorization again every day one or two wajh, according to your ability and review eight awjah, until you end the memorization of al-Quraan completely.
When you have completed the memorization of al-Quraan, review the first ten ajza’ only, over a period of one month, each day half of a juz’, then go ‘ on to the twenty juz’ over a period of one month, each day half a juz’ and read eight awjah from the first ten ajza’, then go to reviewing the last ten ajza’ of al-Quraan over a period of one month, each day half a juz’ with
eight awjah from the first ten ajza’, and eight awjah from the twenty juz’.
V. How do I review the whole Quraan when I have completed this review?
Begin reviewing the whole Quraan, everyday two juz’, repeating it three times each day, and (like this) you will complete the whole Quraan in two weeks. And by this way, you will have, in the course of a year, perfected the Quraan completely. And follow this way for the whole year.
V. What do I do a year after memorizing al-Quraan?
A year after perfecting al-Quraan and reviewing it, let your daily portion of al-Quraan till your death be the portion of Allah’s Messenger Sallallau `alayhi wa Sallam, for he used to portion the Quraan into seven, meaning every seven days he would complete the Quraan. Aws in Hudhaifah rahimahuLlah said: I asked the Companions of the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu `alayhi wa Sallam, “How did you divide the Quraan?” They said” Three suwar (pl. of surah) , five suwar, seven suwar, nine suwar, eleven suwar, and the Mufassil, from surah Qaaf until the end.” Ahmad reported it
This means from the first day he reads from Surah al-Faatihah to the end of Surah an-Nisaa. On the second day he reads from Surah al-Maaidah to the end of Surah at-Tawbah. On the third day he reads from Surah Yunus to the end of Surah an-Nahl. On the fourth day he reads from Surah al-Israa to the end of Surah al-Furqaan. On the fifth day he reads from Surah ash-Shu`araa to the end of Surah Yaaseen. On the sixth day he reads from Surah as-Saaffaat to Surah al-Hujuraat. And on the seventh day, he reads from Surah Qaaf to the end of Surah an-Naas.
And the Ulamaa’ have summarized the portions of Rasulillah Sallallau `alayhi wa Sallam into their words “Famee bi shawq” “فمي بشوق” which can be roughly translated as “My mouth is longing” or “My mouth eagerly”
So each letter in these two words is the beginning of one of the everyday portions Rasulillah Sallallahu `alayhi wa Sallam . The letter ‘Faa’ in the word “Famee” is a symbol for Surah al-Faatihah that shows that it is his hizb (portion) for the day that he begins with Surah al-Faatihah.
The letter ‘Meem’ in their word “Famee” is for the beginning of his hizb on the second day, beginning with Surah al-Maaidah.
The letter ‘Yaa’ in their word “Famee” is for the beginning of his hizb for the third day, beginning with Surah Yunus.
The letter ‘Baa’ in their word “Bi shawq” is for the beginning of his hizb on the fourth day, beginning with Surah Banee Israa-eel, which is also called Surah al-Israa.
The letter ‘Sheen’ in their word “bi shawq” is for the beginning of his hizb on the fifth day, which will begin with Surah ash-Shu`araa.
The letter ‘Waa’ in their word “bi shawq” is for the beginning of his hizb on the sixth day, which begins with Surah was-Saaffaat (as-Saaffaat) .
The letter ‘Qaaf’ in their word “bi shawq” is for the beginning of his hizb for the seventh day, which begins with Surah Qaaf to the end of Surah an-Naas.
As for the current way that the Quraan was divided into ahzaab (pl. of hizb), then this is from al-Hajjaaj bin Yusuf.
V. How do I distinguish between similar ayaat in al-Quraan?
It is best to, when you come across two similar ayat, to open the mushaf to these two ayaat, see the difference between then, and contemplate it, and put yourself to a test, and during your review the part that difference repeatedly until you master the similarity between them.
V. Rules and regulations in memorization
1- Your memorization must be with a shaykh for correction recitation
2-Memorize everyday two wajh, a wajh after Fajr and a wajh after `Asr or Maghrib, and with this way, you will memorize the complete Quraan perfectly (bi idhniLlah) in one year and you memorization will be perfect, unless you increase in the memorization, for if you did, what you memorized will weaken
3-Your memorization should be from Suran an-Naas to Surah Al-Baqarah because it is easier. And after you memorize al-Quraan your review will be
from Surah al-Baqarah to Surah an-Naas
4-The memorization should be from a mushaf with the one print to be certain about the strength of the memorization and quicker studying the places of the ayaat and the ends and beginnings of the pages.
5- Everyone who memorizes (the Quraan) in the first two years loses some of what he memorized. This is called the “Marhalatut- Tajmee`”, roughly translated as the “Gathering Stage”. So do not worry about the Quraan leaving you or making many mistakes. This is a difficult stage of affliction which shaytaan has a portion of to make you stop memorizing al-Quraan. So do not pay attention to his whispers and continue memorizing it, for it is a treasure that is not given to just anyone…
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