8 Tips To Prepare For Ramadan in Rajab

Let's prepare for Ramadan in Rajab, one of the four sacred months in Islam.

What to do in Rajab

I want to do better this year and reap all the rewards that I can!” are some of the thoughts we often try to achieve as we look into the remaining days before Ramadan. The challenge is to stay motivated and retain consistency. Some of us tend to feel unmotivated as early as the first week of Ramadan.

Have you ever gone through that cycle every year and wondered why is it difficult to stay motivated along the way, just to find yourself regretting it in the end?

It is nevertheless a good move to want to do something great during Ramadan. However, like any other battle, we have to plan and strategise to enter it fully prepared. There is a saying that goes; “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” and Rajab is one of the best times to start preparing for Ramadan.

Rajab is one of the four sacred months, other than Zulkaedah, Zulhijjah and Muharram. Allah s.w.t. mentions in Surah At-Tawbah:

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثنا عَشَرَ شَهرًا في كِتابِ اللَّهِ يَومَ خَلَقَ السَّماواتِ وَالأَرضَ مِنها أَربَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ

“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s record since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred.”

(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)

Read: 4 Sacred Months in Islam

The classical Muslim scholar Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali quoted another scholar, Abu Bakr Al-Warraq, in his book Lataif al-Ma’arif: 

“Rajab is a month of cultivation, Syaaban is the month of irrigating the fields, and Ramadan is the month of reaping and harvesting.”

This means that with the proper preparation and effort particularly in the month of Rajab, achieving the best Ramadan experience yet can be a possibility by Allah's Will.

Read: Rajab: The Forgotten Sacred Month

Thus, in order to achieve the goals you set, preparation has to start now. So here are 8 simple steps that you can follow to prepare for Ramadan:

1. Prepare a Checklist

Yes, you read it correctly. You have to write down your goals instead of relying solely on a mental checklist. Pen down your checklist of what you would like to achieve in Ramadan.

By doing so, you are subconsciously recording it in your mind as well. Then, hang the checklist where you can see it each and every day.

This is to remind you of your goals constantly.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Set the goals you would like to achieve, but make sure that they are practical. It’s okay to set a goal as simple as donating or reading a page of the Quran every day. Instead of focusing on the number of pages, why not focus on the consistency of the 'Ibadah (worship)? 

The ultimate goal is to ensure the goals we set do not end here but continue beyond until we meet the next Ramadan, insyaAllah (God willing). There is a reason Islam encourages us to practise moderation in every aspect of our lives so that it will be easier for us to sustain and practise istiqomah(consistency). The Prophet s.a.w said:

أَحَبُّ الأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ تَعَالَى أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ

“The most beloved deeds to Allah s.w.t are those which are done consistently, even if they are little,”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari)

3. Do Revision to Internalise the Meaning Of Ramadan

Start by reading about the virtues of Ramadan to internalise the meaning of fasting. For example, you could read about the multiple grades of fasting in Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship, a book that consists of selections from Imam Ghazali's Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din (The Revival of Islamic Sciences).

Read: Frequently Asked Questions During Ramadan

Besides that, revise the supplications and other types of remembrance that we can recite during Ramadan. It will be helpful to know when and how to do these acts of worship. Finally, on Lailatul Qadar (Night of Power), it is encouraged to read the different types of Sunnah prayers during Qiyamulail (night vigil prayers) and reap the great rewards.

Read: How To Pray Tahajjud and Perform Qiyamullail

4. Get the Engine Running

We can start with fasting voluntarily, either Monday and Thursday, or on Ayyamul Bidh (the white days of fasting), being the 13th, 14th and 15th day of every month, or any three days of the month.

 تُعْرَضُ الأَعْمَالُ يَوْمَ الاِثْنَيْنِ وَالْخَمِيسِ فَأُحِبُّ أَنْ يُعْرَضَ عَمَلِي وَأَنَا صَائِمٌ

"Deeds are presented (before Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays, so I love that my actions be presented while I am fasting"

(Sunan At-Tirmizi)

The Prophet s.a.w was also reported in another hadith:

وعنْ مُعاذةَ العَدَوِيَّةِ أَنَّها سَأَلَتْ عائشةَ رضيَ اللَّه عَنْهَا: أَكانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يصومُ مِن كُلِّ شَهرٍ ثلاثةَ أَيَّامٍ؟ قَالَت: نَعَمْ. فَقُلْتُ: منْ أَيِّ الشَّهْر كَانَ يَصُومُ؟ قَالَتْ: لَمْ يَكُن يُبَالي مِنْ أَيِّ الشَّهْرِ يَصُومُ.

I heard Muaz say; "I asked Aisyah r.a; Did the Prophet s.a.w. fast three days each month?" She replied: "Yes," I asked: "Which days did he fast?" She replied: "He did not care on which day he fasted"

(Sahih Muslim)

Also, we can choose an action that we want to do consistently, such as reading verses of the Quran, waking up at night even if we managed to pray just 2 rakaat of tahajjud (night vigil prayer) just before Subuh or giving charity every Friday. Hopefully, this will become a habit, not only during Ramadan but after that as well.

5. Prepare for Syawal

Do the major shopping or spring cleaning before we enter Ramadan so that we can give our 100 per cent of focus in Ramadan for acts of worship. It is troublesome to divide our time for Hari Raya preparation while trying to achieve the goals we have set in Ramadan.

So why not do them now?

6. Plan Your Meals and Work Out

Undoubtedly, for us to be able to do these acts of worship, we need a healthy body. As the saying goes, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Plan your meals so that you will eat moderately and waste less. Plan your workout activities. Fasting should not be the reason to skip our exercise. Do workouts that focus on strength rather than cardio.

7. Prepare for Your Menstruation Days

Ladies, don’t despair. These days are there not for us to feel sad nor to stop all our deeds. Instead, we can increase worship. There are only a few prohibitions during this time such as fasting, praying and holding the Quran. Aside from that, we can still do zikr (words of remembrance), give charity and help to prepare sahur (breakfast) and iftar (breaking the fast). 

Read: 7 Things You Can Do If You Cannot Fast During Ramadan

8. Make Constant Dua

It was narrated in Lataif al-Ma’arif by Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali that the companions will supplicate for 6 months to allow them to reach Ramadan safely. They will then pray for another 6 months after Ramadan that may Allah accept from them their acts of worship observed in the month of Ramadan. We can recite the following dua:

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَب، وَشَعْبَانَ، وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ

Allahumma barik lana fi Rajab wa Sha’ban wa ballighna Ramadan

“O Allah make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us and let us reach the month of Ramadan.” 

(Musnad Ahmad)

And the Dua:

اللَّهُمَّ سَلِّمْنِي مِنْ رَمَضَانَ، وَسَلِّمْ رَمَضَانَ لِي، وَتَسَلَّمْهُ مِنِّي مُتَقَبَّلًا

Allahumma Sallimni min Ramadhan. Wa sallim Ramadhana li. Wa tasallamhu minni mutaqabbala

“O Allah preserve me for Ramadan, safeguard Ramadan for me and accept it for me.”

(narrated by Imam At-Tabrani)

After all, it is His blessings in Ramadan that we yearn for. So in preparing to reap the rewards, let’s turn to Him and ask from the Most Giving. May Allah eases our preparation to meet the holy month this year and May Allah s.w.t accept all our deeds.

 

The Importance of Barakah in Our Daily Lives

Let’s explore the concept of barakah and its crucial role in bringing blessings and fulfilment into our daily lives - challenging the common perception that prosperity is purely material by redefining barakah as a divine blessing that enriches all aspects of life.

As Muslims, we often heard of the word “Barakah” being used in our daily conversations, invocations, and especially in greetings during festive occasions. We greet our fellow Muslim counterparts with “Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.” During Eid, we proclaim “Eid Mubarak” which contains a derivative of the word. 

A common dua recited for newly married couples, “Baarakallaahu laka, wa baaraka 'alayka, wa jama'a baynakumaa fii khayr” too captures the essence of the word. What is barakah and how do we internalise its meaning to fully reap the benefits it brings?

The Meaning of Barakah

The word barakah (بَرَكَة) in the Arabic language offers several meanings which are worth analysing. Linguistically, barakah connotes 'stability and firmness' like how a camel knelt down and places its body firmly on the ground, as reflected in the sentence “بَرَكَ الجمل”. Barakah also implies growth and increase in quantity¹ (النَّمَاءُ وَالزِّيَادَة). Contextually, when we do something that has barakah, it grows and multiplies exponentially. Another definition of barakah is ‘continuity’, a quality of being in a consistent flow and achieving stability without interruption²(الاستمرارية).

From the definitions above, barakah can be understood as a profound spiritual concept, a divine blessing which signifies the presence of goodness and its abundance. This goodness has the potential to grow and continue to be in existence for a long period of time³.

Why Barakah Matters

The word barakah is repeated over 32 times in the Quran and in different forms (wazan), found in 24 surahs. The emphasis on barakah is further extended when Allah Himself proclaimed that the Quran itself is a form of barakah, and being revealed in a state of being blessed (مُبَارَكٌ).

وَهَذَا كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ

“And this is a Book which We have sent down, blessed.”

(Surah Al-An’am 6:92)

Analysing the verse above, let’s take a look at a sahih hadith (sound hadith that is considered authentic) reported by Abdullah ibn Mas’uood r.a,that the Messenger of Allah s.a.w. said,

مَنْ قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا لاَ أَقُولُ الم حَرْفٌ وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ وَلاَمٌ حَرْفٌ وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ

“Whoever reads one letter from the Book of Allah will earn one good (hasanah) thereby. One good deed is equal to ten good deeds the like of it. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter.’”

(Sunan At-Tirmizi)  

The hadith by Abdullah ibn Mas’ud r.a. provides a clear example of how the Quran is a form of blessing, which in this case, the reciter attains reward for every letter that is being read, with one good deed liken to ten. When barakah is present, the efforts yield fruitful results, and Allah s.w.t. multiplies it, allowing individuals to achieve more with less effort and time.

Thus, barakah can be seen as a divine gift bestowed by Allah s.w.t, who is after all, the source of all blessings. It manifests in every aspect of our life, and we can even experience its transformative power, which warrants that even limited means can lead to abundant outcomes.

Weaving Barakah into Our Daily Lives

We often recognise the value of barakah when we experience its absence. While some may possess great wealth yet feel empty, others may experience a sense of fulfillment and contentment, even in the face of limited resources. Recognising the profound significance of barakah and its ability to enhance our lives, we should make a conscious effort to achieve it. 

To achieve barakah, especially amidst living a life filled with challenges and uncertainties is to first acknowledge that barakah is not a complex and far-fetched concept. 

In a Quranic verse, Allah emphasised the significance of being grateful,

وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَئِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡۖ

“And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you (in favour).”

(Surah Ibrahim 14:7)

Read: What Is Gratitude in Islam?

By fulfilling our religious obligations and expressing gratitude to Allah, we invite His blessings into our lives. When we experience barakah, we can feel a sense of divine favour and closeness to the Almighty. In the book “The Barakah Effect: More With Less”, author Mohammed Faris, recognised that attaining barakah entails adopting a holistic approach towards worship. It draws upon the Islamic principle of ‘ibadah, which involves a conscious submission to Allah s.w.t, acknowledging Allah’s presence and making choices that align with His commandments. 

When we begin to embrace this holistic approach to faith, we unlock the door to a life filled with barakah⁴.

Below are some recommendations on how we can attempt to infuse barakah in our everyday dealings.

1. Establishing a Connection with Allah Through Dua

Dua (invocation) is a cornerstone of our connection with Allah s.w.t. We should dedicate time each day to make sincere supplications, especially in seeking barakah. Ask Allah to bless us with barakah in three crucial aspects of our lives: time, wealth and health. 

With barakah in time, we can maximise our productivity; with barakah in wealth, we can live sufficiently and support those in need; and with barakah in health, we can serve others and maintain our independence.

2. Plan Your Day Around the Time of Prayers 

Aligning daily tasks with prayer times provides structure and purpose. By integrating prayer into your schedule, you will find it easier to manage time and fulfill obligations. This sacred synchronisation not only enhances productivity but also invites the blessings of barakah to flow into your life.

Read: Valuing Time as Allah’s Blessing

3. Maintaining Good Relations 

Our relationships, whether personal or professional, thrive on respect, sincerity and mutual trust. When these relationships are blessed with barakah, they foster peace, happiness and fulfillment. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. urged us to cherish our family bonds and to work towards repairing any broken relationships⁵. Strong family ties are a source of blessings and support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, barakah is a divine gift that can transform our lives. By seeking Allah's pleasure, cultivating a positive mindset, and practising good character, we can invite barakah into our homes, our hearts and our communities.

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References:

¹ ​​​​​​'Ibn Manzūr, M. (d. 1312 CE) 1999. Lisān al-‘Arab, ed. A.‘Abd al-Wahab & M. al-‘Abaydī (Beirut, Lebanon: Dār Ihya’ al-Turath al-‘Arabī) 3rd edn.

² 'Al-Fayrūzabādī, M. (d. 1415CE) 1991. Al-Qāmūs al-Muhīt (Beirut, Lebanon: Dār Ihya’ al-Turath al-‘Arabī) 1st edn, Al-Zubaydī, M. (d.1791CE) 1994. Taj al-‘Arūs min Jawahīr al-Qamūs, ed. A.Shiri (Beirut, Lebanon: Dār al-Fikr).

³ 'Abd  al-Jawwad,  Muhammad  Mahmud.  (2007).  Al-Barakah:  Asbabuha,  wa makanatuha, wa turuquha jibliha. Iskandariyah: Dar al-Iman.

⁴ Mohammed A Faris, The Barakah Effect: More With Less (Claritas Books, 2023).

⁵ Jami’ at-Tirmidhi (n.d) (10) Chapter: What Has Been Related About Connecting The Ties of Kinship. Retrieved from here.

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The History of The Quran: Nuzul Quran

In this article, we will look into how the Quran was descended from the Heavens to humanity. Are there any differences between Laylatul Qadr (Night of Qadr) and Nuzul Al-Quran (Descent of the Quran)? And how did the Quran develop into the holy book that we hold on to today?

In this article, we will look into how the Quran was descended from the Heavens to humanity. Are there any differences between Laylatul Qadr (Night of Qadr) and Nuzul Al-Quran (Descent of the Quran)? And how did the Quran develop into the holy book that we hold on to today?

The month of Ramadan is known to be called by many virtuous names. Amongst many, it is known as the month of Al-Quran. In fact, the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan. Allah s.w.t. mentions in Surah Al-Baqarah:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ

Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard (to distinguish between right and wrong)

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)

In this regard, It is commonly viewed that the Quran is said to have descended on Laylatul Qadr. Yet the Quran is also known to have descended upon humanity on the night of Nuzul Al-Quran. 

Are there any differences between the eventful observances of Laylatul Qadr and Nuzul Al-Quran? Or are they actually referring to the same thing?

Well, some of our scholars view that Nuzul Al-Quran happened on the 17th of Ramadan as marked in many of our Hijri calendars today.

On the other hand, there are many Hadiths that point out Laylatul-Qadr to be in Ramadan as well. The exact date itself, however, remains to be unknown by the wisdom of Allah s.w.t.

 إِنَّ هَذَا الشَّهْرَ قَدْ حَضَرَكُمْ وَفِيهِ لَيْلَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ مَنْ حُرِمَهَا فَقَدْ حُرِمَ الْخَيْرَ كُلَّهُ وَلَا يُحْرَمُ خَيْرَهَا إِلَّا مَحْرُومٌ

Verily, this month (Ramadan) has presented itself to you. There is a night within it that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it has been deprived of all good. None is deprived of its good but the Mahrum (he who is truly deprived).

(Sunan Ibn Majah)

While the former has a distinct date, the latter remains ambiguous. This helps us realise that both events are different and they are not particularly referring to the same thing. Although both events happened in the month of Ramadan, the night of Nuzul Al-Quran and Laylatul Qadr does not refer to the same particular event.

So how can the Quran descend from the Heavens on two separate events?

Laylatul-Qadr

To understand this matter, it is first important to know that there are stages to the Quran’s descent. The Quran that was recorded in the Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet) was first sent down to the lowest Heavens (Sama’-Dunya) on the night known as Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree). 

إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ

Indeed, (it is) We (Who) sent this (Quran) down on the Night of Qadr

(Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1)

In another verse, Allah s.w.t. says 

إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَـٰرَكَةٍ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ

Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night, for We always warn (against evil)

(Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:3)

Both Laylatul Qadr and Laylatul Mubarakah as per the former and latter verses respectively indicate the same night where the first stage of the Quran’s descent upon the lowest Heaven happens.

Then, from the lowest Heavens, the Quran was sent down and revealed to the Prophet s.a.w. gradually in parts throughout the span of 23 years of prophethood, both in Makkah and Madinah. 

Read: 4 Beautiful Significances of Laylatul Qadr

The Night of Nuzul Al-Quran

Unlike the previously revealed scriptures such as the Tawrah, Zabur and Injil, the Quran was not revealed to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. as a complete book all at once. This gradual revelation upon the Prophet s.a.w. marks the second stage of the Quran’s descent.

The first revelation to descend upon the Prophet s.a.w. is known as the night of Nuzul Al-Quran (The Descent of the Quran). This happened when the Prophet s.a.w. first met Jibril a.s. on Jabal Nur (Mount Light) in the cave of Hira where the angel asked him to read thus revealing the first five verses of Surah Al-’Alaq:

 ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ. خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ. ٱقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلْأَكْرَمُ. ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَ بِٱلْقَلَمِ. عَلَّمَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

Read, (O Prophet,) in the Name of your Lord Who created—He created humans a clinging clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who taught by the pen—taught humanity what they knew not.

(Surah Al-’Alaq, 96:1-5)

This is consistent with the hadith reported by Aishah r.a:

حتَّى فَجِئَهُ الحَقُّ وهو في غَارِ حِرَاءٍ، فَجَاءَهُ المَلَكُ فِيهِ، فَقالَ: اقْرَأْ، فَقالَ له النبيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ: فَقُلتُ: ما أنَا بقَارِئٍ، فأخَذَنِي فَغَطَّنِي حتَّى بَلَغَ مِنِّي الجَهْدُ، ثُمَّ أرْسَلَنِي فَقالَ: اقْرَأْ، فَقُلتُ: ما أنَا بقَارِئٍ، فأخَذَنِي فَغَطَّنِي الثَّانِيَةَ حتَّى بَلَغَ مِنِّي الجَهْدُ، ثُمَّ أرْسَلَنِي فَقالَ: اقْرَأْ، فَقُلتُ: ما أنَا بقَارِئٍ، فأخَذَنِي فَغَطَّنِي الثَّالِثَةَ حتَّى بَلَغَ مِنِّي الجَهْدُ، ثُمَّ أرْسَلَنِي فَقالَ: (اقْرَأْ باسْمِ رَبِّكَ الذي خَلَقَ) - حتَّى بَلَغَ - (عَلَّمَ الإنْسَانَ ما لَمْ يَعْلَمْ)

“..till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, "I do not know how to read." (The Prophet added), "The angel held me (strongly) and pressed me so hard that I felt drained. He then released me and again asked me to read, and I replied, "I do not know how to read," whereupon he held me again and pressed me a second time till I was drained. He then released me and asked me again to read, but again I replied, "I do not know how to read (or, what shall I read?)." Thereupon he held me for the third time and pressed me and then released me and said, "Read: In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (everything). Has created man from a clot. Read and Your Lord is Most Generous. (He) who taught by (means of) the pen. (He) taught humanity what they knew not"

(Muttafaqun ‘Alaih)

Scholars differ in terms of the actual date of Nuzul Al-Quran. Some scholars, such as Imam At-Tabari, view that it happened on the 17th of Ramadan. Others view that it happened on the 21st or other dates within Ramadan. There are even other views of it happening in other Hijri months as well. Many scholars, however, agree that it happened on a Monday. Abu Qatada r.a. reports:

وَسُئِلَ عَنْ صَوْمِ يَوْمِ الاِثْنَيْنِ قَالَ: ‏‏ذَاكَ يَوْمٌ وُلِدْتُ فِيهِ وَيَوْمٌ بُعِثْتُ أَوْ أُنْزِلَ عَلَىَّ فِيهِ‏

He was then asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It was the day on which I was born. on which I was appointed with prophethood or revelation was sent to me

(Sahih Muslim)‏

In Summary, Laylatul Qadr refers to the first stage of the Quran’s descent while Nuzul Al-Quran refers to the first revelation from the second stage of the Quran’s descent. Both of which are blessed nights that happened in the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan and the Al-Quran

Much has been said of how both stages of the Quran's descent happened in the month of Ramadan. Indeed, Ramadan and the Quran bear a special relationship with one another. There are multiple narrations that point to the encouragement of enlivening the days of Ramadan with recitations and reflections on the Quran. 

Often in Ramadan, many members of our community would hold circles (now even virtually) to recite the holy book. This practice is also known as ‘Tadarus Al-Quran’ where each individual in the group would read to a certain extent and pass it on to the next person to continue the recitation. Many of these circles would eventually reach the final Quranic chapter near the end of Ramadan.

Read: 5 Beautiful Dua for You this Ramadan

This tradition, in fact, can be traced back to Rasulullah s.a.w. Our Prophet s.a.w. would recite the Quran with Jibril a.s. together on all the nights of Ramadan. 

وكانَ جِبْرِيلُ يَلْقَاهُ في كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِن رَمَضَانَ، فيُدَارِسُهُ القُرْآنَ

Jibril used to meet him (the Prophet s.a.w) every night in Ramadan and read the Quran with him

(Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Some scholars also view from the mentioned hadith, that although it is also encouraged to recite the Quran at any time of the day, it is even more prefered for the Quran to be read at night. Just as how the additional Sunnah prayers performed at night are highly valued within the religion, it is the same for the recitation of the Quran as well.

 يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْمُزَّمِّلُ. قُمِ ٱلَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا. نِّصْفَهُۥٓ أَوِ ٱنقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِيلًا. أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا

O you wrapped (in your clothes)! stand at night (for prayer) except a little - half of it, or a little less, or make it a little more, and recite the Qur'an (properly) in a measured way.

(Surah Al-Muzammil, 73:1-4)

It is worth mentioning that the Quran during the Prophet's time was yet to come in the form of a book (Mushaf). So how did the Prophet s.a.w. and Companions r.a. hold on to the Quran? And how did it develop into the holy book that we know today?

The Compilation of the Quran into a Book (Mushaf)

During the Prophet’s time, the Quran was not in the form of a compiled book (Mushaf). Instead, the Quran was memorised by heart. The Prophet s.a.w. mentioned in a hadith:

خُذُوا القُرْآنَ مِنْ أَرْبَعَة مِن عَبْدِ اللهِ بنِ مَسْعُود وَسَالِم وَمُعَاذ بِن جَبَل وَأُبَيْ بن كَعَب

Take the Quran from four people: Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, Salim, Muaz Ibn Jabal and Ubayy Ibn Ka’ab (r.a.)

(Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Although there are only four companions that are mentioned in the hadith, there are many others who also memorised the Quran, such as Uthman Ibn Affan, Ali Ibn Abi Talib, Abu Darda’, Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari and Umm Waraqah r.a. just to name a few.

Even when writing was not yet considered to be the main medium for transmitting knowledge, the Prophet s.a.w. also assigned younger companions as scribers such as Zayd Ibn Thabit r.a. to write the revealed Quranic verses or chapters with whatever material they had.

After the Prophet’s departure from this world, the companions eventually became the main reference for the Holy Quran. It later became a concern notably after the battle of Yamamah when a large number of those who memorised the Quran, also known as the Huffaz, were martyred in battle. 

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab r.a. suggested the idea of gathering and documenting the Quran into a single copy for future references. Abu Bakr r.a. as the Caliph at that time was initially reluctant, but eventually agreed to the idea and assigned Zayd Ibn Thabit r.a. as the lead scriber to oversee a team and undertake this momentous task.

Thus the first compiled copy/book of the Quran was issued and remained with Abu Bakr r.a. until his departure from this world. It then was passed onto Umar Ibn Al-Khattab r.a as the second Caliph, and then later to his daughter Hafsah r.a. towards the end of his life here.

The second task to gather the Quran happened during the time of Uthman Ibn ‘Affan r.a. as the third Caliph, during which the Muslim community began to grow at an exponential rate. Many were very new to Islam. This later led to a disorganised and multiple ‘styles’ of Quranic recitation. 

Another team to undertake the task led by Zayd Ibn Thabit r.a. was thus commenced by Uthman r.a. in order to prevent confusion and to standardise the styles of recitation guided by the Quraysh dialect - upon which the Quran was revealed. This standardised style and script were later coined as Rasm Uthmaniyy (Uthmani Script), the version that we use today. 

Uthman r.a. then ensured that it was made into multiple copies to be sent to the major cities of the time and had the other written materials burnt. 

It is also important to note that despite the Quran being gathered much later after the Prophet’s demise, he s.a.w. have mentioned the specific order of the Quranic chapters and verses during his lifetime when the verses were revealed. This meant that every word and order of the Quran is verbatim (Tawqeefi). The companions have agreed upon this by cross-checking their own respective notes and memorisation of the Quran.

Through the contributions of the companions and our scholars, we are now able to enjoy reciting and learning the Quran with much ease. Today, Muslims around the world continue to try and memorise the Quran, making it a communal obligation (Fardh Kifayah) - not to be mistaken for an individual obligation. This huge effort and success can also be seen as part of Allah's way of protecting the holy Quran until the end of time:

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ

It is certainly We Who have revealed the Reminder (Quran), and it is certainly We Who will preserve it.

(Surah Al-Hijr, 15:9)

If we are new to the Quran, Ramadan can be a good start to open and explore the miraculous book. If we have already learnt how to recite it, Ramadan is an opportunity to increase our recitation of the Quran.

Let us take this opportunity to be a part of the communal effort of preserving the Quran by learning how to recite it and internalising its meanings to embody the Quranic values in our daily lives.

Read: 5 Benefits of Reciting the Quran

May Allah s.w.t. accept our efforts and bless us by the Quran.

And Allah knows best.

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How to Learn to Read Quran

In this episode of the DIY series, we will look into the topic of reading the Quran. What is the Quran? What is its objective? As I have never read the Quran before, where and how do I start? Or perhaps, I have learnt how to recite the Quran but how can I turn it into a routine? 

What is the Quran and why is it so important for Muslims?

The Quran is technically defined as the word of Allah s.w.t. revealed to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. in Arabic, through the angel Jibril a.s. Each chapter, word, and letter, including the order, are all verbatim (tawqeefi).

Its recitation is a form of worship. 

The Quran is a miracle. Even by the shortest chapter (Surah). It is transmitted without a doubt or uncertainty through a ‘massive testimony’ (tawatur). Its written form (in a book) is called the Mushaf.

Read: The History of The Quran: Nuzul Quran

Allah s.w.t. says in the Quran:

تَنزِيلٌ مِّنَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ, كِتَـٰبٌ فُصِّلَتْ ءَايَـٰتُهُۥ قُرْءَانًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ, بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا فَأَعْرَضَ أَكْثَرُهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ

(This is) a revelation from the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. (It is) a Book whose verses are perfectly explained—a Quran in Arabic for people who know, delivering good news and warning. Yet most of them turn away, so they do not hear.

(Surah Fussilat, 41:2-4)

This verse explains many of the points mentioned earlier. It also tells us that the Quran delivers good news and gives warnings to its readers. The Quran also describes itself with 55 names, among which are:

Guide & Mercy:

هُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّلْمُحْسِنِينَ

(It is a) guide and mercy for those who do good

(Surah Luqman, 31:3)

Conclusive Evidence & Light:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَكُم بُرْهَـٰنٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكُمْ نُورًا مُّبِينًا

O humanity! There has come to you conclusive evidence from your Lord. And We have sent down to you a brilliant light.

(Surah An-Nisa, 174)

Hence, the Quran is a guide, mercy and conclusive evidence of our faith and a light that illuminates the world and the individual from the darkness of ignorance that clouds the truth.

It is the central, sacred reality of Islam. Every aspect of the Shari’ah, whether in beliefs, practices or moral ethics, can be fundamentally referenced back to the Quran. Before the Prophet’s passing, he informs us in a Hadith:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي قَدْ تَرَكْتُ فِيكُمْ مَا إِنْ أَخَذْتُمْ بِهِ لَنْ تَضِلُّوا كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَعِتْرَتِي أَهْلَ بَيْتِي

O dear people. Indeed, I have left for you that which if you hold fast to them, you shall not be misguided (after me) - The book of Allah (the Quran) and the people of my house (my family).

(Sahih Muslim)

What are the benefits of reading the Quran?

The Quran linguistically means recitation. Even if we may not understand the Quran, reciting the Quran is a form of worship that entails bountiful rewards:

مَنْ قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا لاَ أَقُولُ الم حَرْفٌ وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ وَلاَمٌ حَرْفٌ وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ

Whoever recites a letter from the book of Allah (Quran), then he receives the reward from it, and the reward tenfold 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

(Sunan At-Tirmizi)

Some are still making a lot of effort to learn how to recite the Quran. For them are special rewards as well. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said in a Hadith:

الماهِرُ بالقرآنِ مع السفرَةِ الكرامِ البرَرَةِ ، والذي يقرؤُهُ ويتَتعْتَعُ فيهِ وهو عليه شاقٌّ لَهُ أجرانِ

The one who is proficient in (reciting) the Quran will be with the honourable and righteous scribes (angels), and the one who recites the Quran and stumbles over it, will have double rewards.

(Sahih Muslim)

There are multiple other Hadiths that praise those who recite the Quran, even more so if it is done regularly.

Read: 5 Benefits of Reciting The Quran

What other rewards are there for reciting the Quran?

There are too many rewards to mention but amongst them are:

1. Intercession (Syafa’at):

اقْرَءُوا الْقُرْآنَ فَإِنَّهُ يَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ شَفِيعًا لأَصْحَابِهِ

Read the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor on the Day of Resurrection for its reciter

(Sahih Muslim)

2. Unimaginable rewards:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتْلُونَ كِتَـٰبَ ٱللَّهِ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنفَقُوا۟ مِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً يَرْجُونَ تِجَـٰرَةً لَّن تَبُورَ. لِيُوَفِّيَهُمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدَهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ غَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ

Surely those who recite the Book of Allah, establish prayer and donate from what We have provided for them—secretly and openly—(can) hope for an exchange that will never fail so that He will reward them in full and increase them out of His grace. He is truly All-Forgiving, Most Appreciative.

(Surah Fatir, 35:29-30)

3. Peace and Serenity:

مَا اجْتَمَعَ قَوْمٌ فِي بَيْتٍ مِنْ بُيُوتِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى يَتْلُونَ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَيَتَدَارَسُونَهُ بَيْنَهُمْ إِلاَّ نَزَلَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّكِينَةُ وَغَشِيَتْهُمُ الرَّحْمَةُ وَحَفَّتْهُمُ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَذَكَرَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِيمَنْ عِنْدَهُ

No group of people that assemble in one of the Houses of Allah to recite the Book of Allah, learning and teaching it, but tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will engulf them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them among those (the angels) who are with Him.

(Sahih Muslim)

For a beginner, how do we read the Quran?

1. Find the right teacher to guide you

The Quran is first and foremost an oral revelation before it was written. The Companions knew the Quran through Oral transmission and they memorised it by heart. Even the Prophet s.a.w. was revealed the Quran through the angel Jibril a.s. Allah s.w.t. records this in the Quran:

فَإِذَا قَرَأْنَـٰهُ فَٱتَّبِعْ قُرْءَانَهُۥ

So once We have recited a revelation (through Jibril a.s.), follow its recitation (closely).

(Surah Al-Qiyamah, 75:18)

In a Hadith, the Prophet s.a.w. used to recite the Quran regularly with Jibril a.s. and especially so during Ramadan. 

وكانَ جِبْرِيلُ يَلْقَاهُ في كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِن رَمَضَانَ، فيُدَارِسُهُ القُرْآنَ

Jibril used to meet him (the Prophet s.a.w) every night in Ramadan and read the Quran with him

(Sahih Al-Bukhari)

This is also why often in Ramadan, particularly before the pandemic, members of our community would form circles to recite the Quran together in what we call Tadarus Al-Quran. It is a traditional way of completing the Quran together with your circle while having each recitation looked after by one another.

Today, we can learn how to recite by constantly listening to recorded recitations or online videos, but the best way to learn to recite the Quran is by direct acquisition from a teacher (talaqqi) as seen from the example of our Prophet s.a.w. and his Companions r.a.

Alhamdulillah in Singapore, even with the pandemic around, there are a lot of classes and ARS-certified Asatizah available to teach us how to recite the Quran. 

The bare minimum is to learn how to recite Surah Al-Fatihah as it is part of the integral (rukun) rites of Solat (obligatory prayer).  

2. Completing the Quran should not be the elementary focus or objective. Instead, It should be learning how to recite the Quran.

Fundamentally, one is required to learn and practice how to pronounce the Arabic letters and to know the tajweed (rulings for recitation). As a start, there are many methods (Qa’idah) to learn the Tajweed. Many Muslims in Singapore learn their way through methods such as:

- Qa’idah Baghdadiyyah

- Iqra

- Tilawati

- Ar-Ruh Al-Amin

As mentioned, this is achievable by a teacher to guide us, let us know our shortcomings, project the right pronunciations to learn from and sharpen our recitation.

If we are very new to the Quran, what we want to avoid is to read it from the “beginning to the end”. The Quran is not arranged in a linear/chronological text that seeks to tell a story from the first chapter until the final chapter. Rather, it is divinely arranged - verbatim and it contains different kinds of wisdom scattered throughout where the reader can piece them together,^[1] especially when they are able to see the remarkable inner unity and coherence of the Quran.^[2]

So for the beginner, there is no need to read the Quran in chronological order from the beginning of the pages except for Surah Al-Fatihah.^[3] Instead, we can start with the short Surahs, also known as Al-Mufassal. Reading the longer Surahs, as a start, can overwhelm readers who are not used to it yet.

These shorter Surahs are mostly revealed to the Prophet s.a.w. in Makkah before the Hijrah. Hence, even in terms of content, they are easier to learn as they speak about the fundamental and universal message of Islam, particularly on the beliefs (Aqa-id) which are the basis of practices and legal rulings as well as other themes.

Find an ARS-certified teacher here. 

3. Self-determination and consistency

When there are hurdles along the way, readers should take the initiative to ask for their respective Ustaz/Ustazah for their lessons.  

4. Self-revision; video/audio recordings and practice  

5. The best time to recite is after Subuh prayer and at night. It is also admirable to recite between Maghrib prayer and Isya’ prayer^[4]  

6. To find the right support system. The best is amongst our own family. This is an opportunity for parents to develop themselves and educate their children. It's also an opportunity to strengthen the bond among family members.

What is the objective of recitation?

Contemplation of the Quranic verses (tadabbur) to understand their meaning is the objective of recitation.^[5] Allah s.w.t. says in the Quran:

كِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَـٰرَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓا۟ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ

(This is) a blessed Book which We have revealed to you (O Prophet) so that they may contemplate its verses, and people of reason may be mindful.

(Surah Sad, 38:29)

Through contemplation, we are able to internalise the Quranic values and messages in our daily lives. This however can pose a challenge for those who have never read the Quran in their lives, even for those who can speak well in colloquial or modern standard Arabic.^[6]

What are some of the challenges that deter one from contemplation?

Contemplating the meanings of the Quran requires time, patience and the commitment to learn. Lack of concentration, lack of patience, lack of humility and blindness to spiritual truths are among the notable factors that can hinder one’s contemplation of the Quran.^[7]

Today, we can find a lot of access and translations to not just the Quran but also its exegesis (Tafsir). Additionally, learning the traditional Arabic language can offer us better insights into the Quran. 

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَآ

Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts?

(Surah Muhammad, 47:24) 

While modern cognition is normally observed to expect quick and bite-sized information to cover everything before promptly moving on to the next content that commands attention, the Quran is meant to be read as a regular recitation without haste and as a companion for it continuously reveals guidance and knowledge. This is one of the miracles of the Quran.

Is there any etiquette to observe when reading the Quran?

The Quran is described by Allah s.w.t. to be honourable or noble:

إِنَّهُۥ لَقُرْءَانٌ كَرِيمٌ

that this is truly a noble Quran,

(Surah Al-Waqi’ah, 56:77)

Because of its central and honourable position in Islam, there are a number of etiquettes one should be mindful of. Through such etiquettes, it nurtures in us a better appreciation for the Quran and allows us to understand it better:

1. Ask Allah for protection and begin with Bismillah

Amongst the many etiquettes with the Quran, one should start the recitation by asking Allah for protection (Isti’azah). Allah s.w.t. says in the Quran:

فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ فَٱسْتَعِذْ بِٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ

When you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed.

(Surah An-Nahl, 16:98)

In fact, it is encouraged to recite the Isti’azah quietly during prayer - before reciting the Al-Fatihah or the Surahs in every raka’at.

 

Just like the Isti’azah, Imam An-Nawawi also reminds us to retain the recitation of Bismillah, particularly at the start of every Surah except for Surah At-Taubah or Surah Bara-ah - the 9th Surah of the Quran.^[8]

2. Be in the state of spiritual purity - Wudhu

It is permissible to recite the Quran without Wudhu (religious purification), but it is a Sunnah - encouraged to recite it with Wudhu.^[9] Narrated by Ali Ibn Abi Talib r.a:

كان رسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ يَقْضي حاجَتَه، ثُم يخرُجُ فيقرَأُ القُرآنَ، ويأكُلُ معنا اللَّحمَ، ولا يَحجِزُه -ورُبَّما قال: يَحجُبُه - منَ القُرآنِ شيءٌ ليس الجَنابةَ

Rasulullah s.a.w. once was relieving himself. After (cleaning himself) he went out and recited the Quran and ate with us meat and there was no barrier - limit with reciting the Quran except in the state of Janabah.

(Musnad Ahmad)

This is different from holding the Quran (Mushaf). Holding the Mushaf requires one to be in the state of Wudhu.^[10]

However, if the Quran has translations or tafsir explanations that amount to more than the actual Quranic texts, then it is permissible to hold it without Wudhu.

3. Recite the Quran clearly 

Amongst the etiquettes in recitation is to recite clearly and profoundly without any haste or obscure recitations. Allah s.w.t. says in the Quran:

وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا

and recite the Quran (properly) in a measured way.

(Surah Al-Muzammil, 73:4)

Tartil or recitation with a distinct and measured tone is an etiquette that is mentioned in the Quran itself. Our scholars tell us that the recitation of Tartil invokes better contemplation (Tadabbur) and that it is closer to achieving respect and reverence for the Quran, as well as genuinely closing the spiritual distance to the heart.^[11]

Ummu Salamah r.a. used to describe the Prophet’s recitation as:

قِرَاءَةً مُفَسَّرَةً حَرْفًا حَرْفًا

a clear recitation in which every letter was distinct.

(Sunan An-Nasa-i)

As a final note, we encourage you to learn the Quran from Asatizah or enliven the culture to read the Quran amongst family members. It's never too late to read the Quran. The Quran is for the whole of humanity. Whether you’re young or old, the Quran is there to be our companion.

And Allah knows best.

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^[1] H.R.H Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, A Thinking Person’s Guide To Islam, Turath Publishing (2017)

^[2] Dr. Ingrid Mattson, How To Read The Quran - Essays from The Study Quran, HarperOne (2015)

^[4] Imam Abu Zakaria Yahya Bin Syaraf An-Nawawi, At-Tibyan Fi Adab Hamalat-il-Quran, Dar Al-Minhaj (2011)

^[6] H.R.H Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, A Thinking Person’s Guide To Islam, Turath Publishing (2017)

^[8] Imam Abu Zakaria Yahya Bin Syaraf An-Nawawi, At-Tibyan Fi Adab Hamalat-il-Quran, Dar Al-Minhaj (2011)