Mannerisms One Should Uphold Upon Reciting the Qur'an

 Chosen Islamic Manners

 

Mannerisms One Should Uphold Upon  Reciting the Qur'an

  

*One should be sincere when reciting it. Abu Hurairah, () said that he heard the Messenger of Allah () say:  

'The first person to be judged on the Day of Resurrection is one who was martyred. He will be brought forth and the grace of Allah upon him will be made known to him, and it will be said: 'What did you do with the grace of Allah?' He will answer: 'I fought in Your path until I was martyred.' It will be said: 'You have told a lie! You fought so that it would be said that you were brave, and it was said.' He will then be dragged on his face and tossed into the Fire. One who learned knowledge and taught it and read the Qur'an will be brought forth. The grace of Allah upon him will be made known to him and it will be said: 'What did you do with the grace of Allah?' He will answer: 'I learned knowledge and taught it, and recited the Qur'an for Your sake.' It will be said you have told a lie! You indeed learned and recited so that it would be said that you were a scholar and an excellent recitor, and it was said! He will then be dragged on his face and tossed into the Fire.' (Muslim)

*One should apply the commandments of the Qur'an. It is narrated in the Hadeeth, which mentions the dream of the Prophet ():

"…it was said: 'go ahead, go ahead!' so we went ahead and passed by a man who was lying on his back, another was standing by his head with a boulder. He crushed his head with it and after he did this, the boulder rolled away and when he finally got hold of it and retuned, the man's head returned as it was, uncrushed. The man would once more crush his head. I asked what is this! The two angels (who were accompanying me) said: 'go ahead, go ahead!' (afterwards they gave the explanation saying): 'As for the one whom you saw his head being crushed, he is a man whom Allah gave the knowledge of the Qur'an and he did not recite it during the night, nor did he apply its commandments during the day, and this will be his punishment until the establishment of the Final Hour!'          (Bukhari)

  

*One should review the Qur'an and read it constantly. The Messenger of Allah () said: 

'Review (what you have memorized from) the Qur'an, for by the One in Whose hands is my life, one will forget it faster than the time it takes for an untethered camel to stray away from its master!'  (Bukhari)

 

*Do not say: 'I forgot the Qur'an', rather say: 'I was made to forget.' Abdullah b. Masood () said: 

'How disgracing it is for one of you to say: 'I forgot a verse from the Qur'an; rather, he should say I was made to forget.'         (Bukhari & Muslim)

*It is a must that one ponders the beautiful meanings of the Qur'an. Allah says:  

Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from any other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction. (4:82)

*It is lawful for one to recite verses of the Qur'an when they are standing, walking, sitting, lying down or riding. A'ishah, with whom Allah is pleased, said:

'The Prophet () would rest his head in my lap, while I was menstruating, and recite from the Qur'an.'   (Bukhari & Muslim)

 

*It is lawful for one to carry with them a copy of the Qur'an. 

*It is praiseworthy for one to purify their mouth with the Siwak before reciting the Qur'an. Hudhaifah () said:  

'The Prophet () would purify his mouth with the Siwak, when he got up at night (to perform the night prayer).'  (Bukhari & Muslim) 

*It is praiseworthy for one to start their recitation by mentioning the name of Allah and to seek refuge with Allah from Satan.^[1] If one is reciting Surah At-Tobah (chapter# 9) they should not recite 'Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem' before it. 

 *Saying Sadaqal'laawhol adtheem (Indeed Allah has told the truth) repeatedly after each recitation is not appropriate since it has not been authentically narrated. 

*Imam an-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said: 'It is praiseworthy for the one who starts reciting from the middle of a chapter in the Qur'an to recite from the beginning of a related segment.' (Al-Adhkaar pg. 163)

*It is praiseworthy for one to recite the Qur'an in a beautiful voice; on the same hand, it is blameworthy that one recite the Qur'an in a quick manner. Allah says:

And recite the Qur'an with measured recitation. (73:4)

*It is praiseworthy to lengthen the madd’ (vowel sounds) when one is reciting.  

Anas b. Malik () was asked: 'How did the Prophet () recite the Qur'an? He answered: 'He lengthened the vowel sounds during his recitation. He would say Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem while lengthening the vowel sound of 'Rahmaaaaaan' and 'Raheeeeeeem'.'  (Bukhari)

*It is praiseworthy for one to beautifully recite the verses of the Qur'an, but it is unlawful for one to sing the Qur'an like music. The Prophet () said: 

"Beautify your voices while reciting the Qur'an."   (Abu Dawood)

 

*One should weep when reciting the Qur'an, or when listening to it.  

It is mentioned in the Sunnah, on the authority of Abdullah b. Shakheer () that he said: 'I went to the Prophet () while he was praying, and I heard him weeping softly.' (Sharh as-Sunnah)

*It is praiseworthy for one to raise their voice while reciting the Qur'an as long as they do not bother anyone. Abu Saeed () mentioned that the Messenger of Allah () made I'tikaaf in the Masjid and he heard the Companions () raising their voices while they recited the Qur'an and he said: 

'Each of you is beseeching his Rubb, so let not any of you disturb the other. Do not compete with your brother and raise your voice over his when reciting from the Qur'an or during prayers.' (Abu Dawood)

 

*There is no specific du'aa (supplication) that should be said upon completing the recitation of the Qur'an. Marking this occasion with a celebration is inappropriate and is not of the Sunnah of the Prophet (). 

*One should refrain from reciting the Qur'an when he is extremely tired. The Prophet () said: 

'If one of you gets up during the night and wants to recite the Qur'an but finds it difficult to recite clearly and is unaware of what he is saying, let him  lay down and rest.'      (Abu Dawood)

*One should choose a quiet, calm place and a good time to recite the Qur'an, for this will benefit him in a greater manner.

*One should listen carefully and ponder the meanings of the verses of the Qur'an that are being recited. Allah says:   

So when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy. (7:204)

*The one who is reciting the Qur'an should ask Allah to grant him Jannah (Heavenly Gardens) whenever he recites verses that relate to Jannah. One should also seek refuge with Allah from the Hell-Fire when he recites verses that relate to it. Allah says: 

This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded. (38:29)

 

*It is lawful for a woman in her menopause or one who is experiencing prolonged bleeding, to recite the Qur'an without touching it. She may touch it indirectly according to the preponderant opinion, for it has not been affirmed that the Prophet () forbade them from touching it. 

*It is of the Sunnah that one says Subhanallah (far removed is Allah from every imperfection) when they recite a verse of Tasbeeh. One should seek refuge with Allah from Satan when they recite a verse of punishment and ask Allah for goodness and blessings when they recite a verse concerning the mercy of Allah. Hudhaifah () said: 

'If one recites a verse of tasbeeh, he should declare Allah as being far removed from every imperfection (i.e. to say Subhanallah). If one recites a verse mentioning the mercy of Allah one should ask Allah for that. When one recites a verse about Hell, one should seek refuge with Allah from it.'  (Muslim)

 

*The one who wishes to recite the Qur'an should have wuhdu, wear clean clothes, and recite it in a clean place. The ulama (scholars) differed regarding the young child; does he have to have wudhu when touching the Qur'an? To be on the safe side, it is best that he have wuhdu before touching it. 

*It is best that one not interrupt or cut short one’s recitation. 

The great Ta'beiee Na'fi' narrated that Abdullah b. Umar () would not talk to anyone while he was reciting the Qur'an until he completed his recitation. (Bukhari)

*It is of the Sunnah that one prostrates when he recites a verse that requires prostration. (Bukhari)

*It is unpraiseworthy for one to kiss the Qur'an or to put it between their eyes. People tend to do this when they complete whatever they want to recite of the Qur'an or if they find the Qur'an in a dishonorable place. 

*It is unpraiseworthy for one to decorate their walls with beautifully written verses of the Qur'an. One should not talk in their daily life using verses of the Qur'an instead of normal phrases. The least that can be said about this is that it is unpraiseworthy. 

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[1] i.e. one should say 'A'oodthu bil'laah minash-shaitan ar-rajeem, Bismillah arRahman ar-Raheem' before reciting from the Qur'an.  

Source: Chosen Islamic Manner

to be continued . . . . 

 

Necessary Manners for One who is Memorizing the Qur'an

  

Chosen Islamic Manners

 

Necessary Manners for One who is  Memorizing the Qur'an

 

*The one who is memorizing the Qur'an should ask Allah sincerely to help him memorize it. He should aim to please Allah Almighty in all that he says and does.  

*The student should realize that memorizing the Qur'an and putting its commandments into practice will be a source of honor for him in this life and it will raise his rank on the Day of Resurrection. The Prophet (pbuh) said: 

'Indeed Allah honors people on account of this Book (i.e. the Qur'an) and dishonors others on account of it.' (Muslim)

 

*One should abstain from doing things that preoccupy him and keep him away from gaining knowledge.    

*One should memorize the Qur'an by reading to a Sheik.  

*One should be persistent and not become frustrated when memorizing the Qur'an. The Prophet (pbuh) said: 

'Indeed knowledge is attained by learning.' (Dar Qutni)

 

*One should read the exegesis of the verses he wants to memorize.  

*One should organize his time, and assign a certain time wherein he reads and memorizes.  

*One should regularly read the Qur'an, for it is easily forgotten. The Prophet (pbuh) said: 

'Review (what you have memorized from) the Qur'an, for by the One in Whose hands is my life, one will forget it faster than the time it takes for an untethered camel to stray away from its master!'  (Bukhari)

 Therefore, one should complete its recitation at regular intervals. 

 

*One should recite the Qur'an in a beautiful manner. Allah Almighty says: 

And recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.   (73:4) 

*When one recites a verse from the Qur’an which talks about the mercy of Allah Almighty one should ask Allah Almighty of His blessings. If one recites a verse that relates to the punishment of Allah Almighty, they should seek refuge with Allah Almighty from it.  

*When one is reciting the Qur'an they should sit in a humble manner and face the Qiblah (direction of the Ka'bah).  

*It is praiseworthy that one recite the Qur'an in proper order (i.e. to recite from the first chapter till the last). If one recites a verse of prostration they should prostrate. If someone greets them with Salam while they are reciting, it is praiseworthy for them to respond. When one wants to continue with their recitation, they can seek refuge with Allah Almighty and then continue reciting.  

*One should recite what he has memorized during the night prayer. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: 

'When one recites the Qur’an throughout the night and day, he will affirm whatever he has memorized. If he does not, he will forget (what he has memorized)!’ (Silsilah as-Saheehah #597)

 

*One should abstain from sinning, for its most apparent harm is that it weakens one’s memory and causes them to forget the knowledge they have learned.    

*One should behave appropriately when in the presence of a Sheik (or Qur’an teacher); he should not raise his voice, laugh, or talk excessively. 

*One should not recite when the Sheik is preoccupied or tired. The student should be understanding and bear patiently with his Sheik if, at times, he tends to be harsh.  

*One should patiently wait for the Sheik to come to the Qur’an circle. If the Sheik is busy, the students should ask him if they should wait for him.  

*One should always seek permission and not invade the privacy of a Qur'an teacher. If he is sitting in a public place, then it is not required. The student should not bother him by frequently taking permission to leave.  

*One should humble himself when sitting in front of the Sheik, even if he is younger than him.  

*One should learn keenly and try his best to memorize as much as he can; but one should not overburden himself by trying to memorize that which he cannot memorize in the time allotted to him.  

*The one memorizing the Qur'an should be humble and kind to the good, pious, and poor and needy.  

*The one memorizing the Qur'an should be of high character and morale. He should refrain from all that which is prohibited in the Qur'an and Sunnah.  

*Ibn Masood () said: 

'The memorizer of the Qur'an should be recognized for performing night prayers when people are asleep and for fasting during the day (when people are not fasting). He should be recognized for his deep concern over the affairs of the Ummah when people are in a joyous mood. He should be recognized for his silence when people are interacting with each other. He should be recognized for his humbleness when people act in an arrogant, haughty manner. He should shed tears, remain poignant (over the affairs of the Ummah) and be wise, knowledgeable and peaceful. He should not isolate himself, be harsh, ignorant, or scream.'      (Al-Adaab ash-Share'yah 2/103)

*One should honor and revere the people of Qur'an and not harm them. 

 

Source: Chosen Islamic Manner

to be continued . . . . 

 

Necessary Manners for one who Teaches the Qur'an

 

Chosen Islamic Manners

 

Necessary Manners for One who Teaches the Qur'an

 

*The one teaching the Qur'an should do so sincerely for the sake of Allah.

*He should not teach Qur'an for a worldly gain. Allah says: 

Whosoever desires (with his deeds) the reward of the Hereafter, We give him increase in his reward, and whosoever desires the reward of this world (with his deeds), We give him thereof (what is written for him), and he has no portion in the Hereafter.  (42:20)

 

*One should not earn a living solely from teaching the Qur'an. Scholars differed regarding the ruling of taking money for teaching Qur'an; the preponderant opinion is that it is lawful to take money for teaching the Qur'an. The proof of this is in the hadeeth of Abu Sa'eed (). He recited the Qur'an on one who had fallen sick and was given a flock of sheep in return.   

*One should not seek fame or riches by reciting the Qur'an.    

*One should abide by the mannerisms mentioned in the Shari'ah. 

*He should be calm, respectful and humble.   

*He should avoid cracking jokes and laughing excessively.  

*One should do praiseworthy, commendable acts and apply the hadeeth in this regard.   

*One should safeguard themselves from sicknesses which  afflict the heart, such as envy, arrogance and conceit.  

*One should not think himself to be better than his students. 

*One should be kind to those whom he is teaching and should encourage them to learn. 

*One should give those whom he is teaching sincere counseling.  

*One should be generous and kind with the students that are learning from him.   

*One should take care of his students and raise them as he would his own family and seek for what is in their best  interests. 

*One should love for his students what he loves for himself and hate that any harm befalls any of them.  

*One should remind his students of the praiseworthiness of learning the Qur'an so that they become keener in learning it.  

*One should give his students things he receives (as gifts) if he has no need for them. 

*One should assign for each student a suitable segment which they can memorize and review from the Qur'an.  

*The teacher should encourage the students to review all that they have memorized from the Qur'an. 

*One should encourage their students to practice what they have learned. 

*One should praise the student who is exceptionally intelligent. 

*If he has many students, he should teach them one by one. He should not push a student ahead of another unless there is a genuine reason to do so.   

*If one of his students does not attend the Qur'an class, he  should ask about him. 

*One should not preoccupy himself and should maintain eye to eye contact with the student.  

* One should make sure that he has wudhu and faces the Qiblah, and sits in a respectful manner. When he reaches his sitting place, he should perform a two rak'ah prayer. 

*It is narrated that Ibn Masood () would sit on his knees while teaching people.  

*His sitting place should be large enough to entertain all his students.  

Source: Chosen Islamic Manner

to be continued . . . .