Recitation of Al-Qur'an (Tilawatul Qur'an) (1/2)

It is highly recommended to recite or read Al-Qur'an, the final word of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), at all times, at least completing it twice in a year. The reports from the companions show how some of them completed Al-Qur'an in five days, some in four while others in three days. Imam An-Nawawi said:

"The speed must depend on the condition and situation of the person and what he or she does for a living."

The recitation of Al-Qur'an should not be the reason to become slacked in your other responsibilities. The speed of your recitation must be regulated by the ability to understand, because Al-Qur'an encourages the reciter to ponder about what he or she reads. Allah states:

 "Here is a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may meditate on its signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition!" (Al-Qur'an, Surah Saad, 38:29)

This verse indicates that Al-Qur'an was revealed for the maximum encyclopedic benefit, mercy, and guidance to the human race. That is why He (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) described it as blessed, (mubarak).

These blessings can be realized to the fullest only if the reader meditates and thinks through its divine words, containing layers of insights and wisdom and life-long experiences of the human race - of how to live a better life both spiritually and materially - which can never be found in any other book.

In a hadith by Aishah (radhyAllahu ‘anha), reported by Al-Bayhaqi, she said:

"The house in which Al-Qur'an is recited is seen by the heavenly world as the stars are seen by the earthly world."

This hadith indicates some of the meritorious aspects of this most authenticated book of Allah. The home in which its residents recite this book is illuminated as brightly as a star on the face of the earth, and is visible in outer space.

As a preparation for reading, it is recommended to have cleanliness, (taharah), by making wudu before settling down to recite Al-Qur'an, for the recitation of Al-Qur'an is worship, 'ebadah, namely the best form of remembrance of Allah (dhikir). The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) disliked making dhikir without cleanliness. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) states in Al-Qur'an:

 "And that is indeed a mighty adjuration, if you but knew. That this is indeed a Qur'an most honorable, in a book well-guarded, which none shall touch but those who are clean." (Al-Qur'an, Surah, Al- Waqi'ah, 56:76-79)

It is not a sin, however, to read without wudu if you are unclean from minor impurities that entail wudu before prayer. If you feel like using the restroom for urination, passing wind, etc., stop and go relieve yourself completely, and make Wudu then return to resume your reading. If you are defiled from major impurities, that is, the ones which entail complete bath, (ghusl), it is prohibited to read Al-Qur'an during the state of defilement, the agents of which include discharge of semen, sexual intercourse, bleeding as a result of childbirth, and menstruation. However, it is allowed for these people to look in Al-Qur'an while not holding it, and they may read it with their eyes and their hearts, but not recite it. [Note: one shouldn't encourage reading Qur'an in a state of defilement, but rather encourage Ghusl first.]

The place you choose to sit to recite Al-Qur'an should be clean from any filth or bad odor. This is why it is prohibited to read it the restroom. While reading the Qur'an, it is recommended to face the direction of Al-Qiblah.

The reciters are commanded to say, I seek refuge, "Ta'awudh", that is, putting a distance between themselves and Satan (Shaytan) by seeking refuge in Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) from the rejected enemy, the reason being Satan dislikes to see a servant in communication with Allah. If you do not seek refuge, he may come to distract, confuse, and induce you to doubt. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) says:

"When you do read Al-Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from Satan, the rejected." (Al Qur'an, Surah An-Nahl, 16:98)

In the event that you are interrupted during reading, it is advisable to repeat ta'awwudh before you resume. As for the phrase of ta'awwudh, the following is reported:

"A’uwudhu billahi (As-Sa mee'u, Al-Aleem) minash Shaitan ir Rajeem."

"I seek refuge with Allah (The All Hearing, The All-Knowing) from Satan, the rejected."

The majority of scholars recommend that it be said aloud, especially if there is an audience.

In Islam we are commanded to start every act, spiritual or nonspiritual, big or small, with Basmalah, that is: "Bismil llahir-Rahmanir Raheem" (In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.) The reason is to seek Allah's blessings for the action you are about to embark on. Undoubtedly, no deed is more deserving or worthy of Basmalah than the 'ebadah of reading Al-Qur'an. With the revelation of Bismillahir-Rahmanir Raheem, Allah has educated His Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) to make it an unceasing habit of saying Bismillah before reading and before every act.

Basmalah is one of the unique aspects of Al-Qur'an as every chapter (surah), except Surah Nine (Tawbah) commences with this most profound statement. It is prearranged as an incomplete statement to be completed, or filled in, if you will, by the servant. For instance, if you want to read, it becomes: I read in the Name of Allah... if you want to eat, it becomes: I eat in the Name of Allah... That is what we mean by an incomplete statement to be completed by the doer.

(Continued)