The holy month of Ramadan is not restricted to fasting and praying only. It is also the perfect occasion to cleanse the soul and take care of the mental and spiritual health. There is no other perfect way to do so other than reading Islam’s holy book, the Quran. Nevertheless, some Muslims seem to struggle finish reading it during Ramadan. With the hunger, thirst, and fatigue comes a lack of energy and motivation to do anything let alone reading the Quran with its divine wisdom and complexity. For this reason, we prepared for you some easy tips to make is easier.
General etiquette for reading the Quran:
First and foremost, it is essential to learn the etiquette to recite the Quran. Same as Islam establishes etiquette for simple daily life aspects such as a dress code, Islam also establishes etiquette for reciting its holy book. It is easy yet important:
- First of all, perform Wudu (ablution). We must be in a state of purity and cleanness.
- Start with Al-Isti’adha (A‘othu billahi min al-shaytani al-rajeem) and Al-Basmalah (Bismillahi Al-rahmani Al-raheem).
- Read it in an appropriate calm place so that you will not be distracted.
- Take your time pronouncing it correctly and look for help when needed. It is not a shame to struggle with some words. Rather, the shame is to skip them and never learn. Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said: “Such a person as recites the Quran and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Quran by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
- Pay attention to the words and their meaning. The Quran is a miracle. Read it carefully and thoroughly. It is a sacred book sent by Allah (SWT) so give it its due care and attention. Do not rush and look for Tafsir (explanation). It is not a race. It is your opportunity to learn and gain knowledge.
Tips to help you finish reading the Quran in Ramadan:
Before we get to the tips, the most important part to know is that the Quran contains 60 hizb which make 30 juz’. It is approximately 600 pages long. This is essential information as this is what helps you decide the strategy that works best for you. Now, what are the tips we recommend?
- Make your intention (Niyyah). We have always emphasized the importance of making intention because it is the basis of reward. Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said: “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
This is not the only reason nonetheless. As you make your intention to read the Quran and complete it in Ramadan, you will get more motivated to stick to it and make it happen. Words are like magic. If you believe you can do it, you will.
- Make your plan: As aforementioned, you can either read 1 juz’ per day meaning 2 ahzab (2 hizbs); or you can read 20 pages a day as the Quran is 600 pages. It is simple math: either 60/30= 2 or 600/30=20.
- Read while praying: The perfect formula we recommend is reading 4 pages with each prayer. We have 5 obligatory prayers a day; you can read 4 pages with each. Even better yet, you can read 2 pages before the prayer and 2 after the prayer. It is all about adapting the math that works best for you.
- Read while performing Tarawih: You can read with each rak’ah as many pages as you can.
- Select a particular time devoted to such acts of worship: You can make some time in the evening or Suhour time for reading more the Quran, praying and tasbih.
- Make a checklist: This way, you would stay motivated as you feel proud of yourself each time you make a tick.
- Have a reading partner: This way you would exchange the details of your experiences and encourage each other’s improvement.
Benefits of reading the Quran in Ramadan:
Ramadan is a blessing in many senses. One blessing in particular is that rewards for good deeds are multiplied. Now, imagine the rewards you gain from reading Allah’s holy book in this sacred month. Indeed, the reward is greater than one can imagine. Yet, there is a Hadith that gives us a glimpse of Allah (SWT) mercy. It was reported that Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said:
“Recite the Quran, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqara and Surah Al ‘Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah al-Baqara, for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.” (Sahih Muslim).
Another Hadith that further confirms this is what follows: Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said:
“Fasting and the Quran intercede for a man. Fasting says, ‘O my Lord, I have kept him away from his food and his passions by day, so accept my intercession for him.’ The Quran says, ‘I have kept him away from sleep by night, so accept my intercession for him.’ Then their intercession is accepted.” (Al- Albani).
This Hadith shows the astounding importance of fasting as well. How great would it be to do both in this sacred month! Another Hadith that also demonstrates the grace God Almighty gifts us is the following: Prophet of Allah (SWT) said:
“[Whoever recites a letter] from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.” (At-Tirmidhi).
Allah (SWT) is indeed most merciful and this Hadith only proves it. With each letter we read, we get rewards, let alone finishing the whole Quran. This encourages us to make efforts and dedicate some time to try to understand the miracle of Quran.
Conclusion
As previously explained in our other article (The holy month of Ramadan), Ramadan marks the anniversary of the first revelation of the Quran. This is enough reason to read it during this sacred month. Reading the words of God in such a holy time is an exhilarating experience that should not be missed by any Muslim. Hopefully, this article reaches out to you and these tips benefit you.
May Allah accept our good deeds.
