Contents of Article:
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Listening to Quran Attentively
3.0 Beautify Recitation of Quran
4.0 Respecting/Revering Quran
5.0 Quran, the most Honorable Book of Allah
6.0 Quran is intercessor on the day of Judgment
7.0 Etiquettes of handling Quran
8.0 The Last Word
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1.0 Introduction
Assalamu Alaikum, with the growing of Islam and ease of access to knowledge for the most of us through vast availability of media channels, it has also been noticed that respect towards the Islamic activities and things associated with Islam and prophets is at the edge of diminishing. It is not hidden that most of people, especially youngsters now understand their duties towards Salah and Quran, however fail to give due respect and understand practicing it in acceptable way. Few of the current practices are as mentioned below:
a) People praying in T-shirts and half pants, sometimes revealing sitar or folding cloths making Salah unacceptable and invalid.
b) Performing Friday Salah even on the night tracks.
c) Performing Salah without even bothering to cover the head with cap or turban (infact turban is like burdened sunnah or limited to ulema in sight of modern creed)
d) Reading Quran whilst holding the sacred book while driving, travelling in public transport, standing and walking trough unclean areas.
e) I have seen one of my friend reciting the Quran in Baniyan (inner garment/vest) and night track while walking back & forth in his home, and it was for a routine recitation as khatam during the month of Ramadan. This was the main source made us to pen down or consolidate scattered things in to simple article.
f) Sometimes whilst reciting Quran in masjid, people keep the Quran on floor either nearby their own or someone else feet to answer the natural call or Salah (this can be noticed in most of places especially in Gulf)
g) Keeping other books/booklets over Quran.
As for the disrespect towards the Quran, one of the supreme sign of Allah subhanahu-wa-tala and unmatched mojiza of our beloved prophet touched our heart. Here we tried to club few pieces together expecting that it will help few sincere devoted Muslims and at the same time leave some impact/marks on those hearts who knowingly or unknowingly forcing out respect and essence of the Islam.
To begin with the Quran is the word of Allah, The Almighty. The very intellect which enables us to listen and comprehend the Quran as a form of speech is but one bounty of Allah bestowed upon us. Whenever any verse of the Quran is recited or listened to, conscientious oneself that this is the speech of Allah. If one brings this atleast this consciousness within oneself, then one will show respect and reverence to the Quran. Consider the importance of listening to the Quran from the following.
2.0 Listening to Quran Attentively:
Allah says in the Quran, “And when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it attentively and keep silent, so that you receive mercy [Surah Aa`raf 7:204]
Imam Ahmad rehmatullah ῾alayh reports a hadīth on authority of Sayiduna Abu Huraira radiallah ῾anhu that Rasulullah salallahu ῾alayhi wasallam said, Whosoever attentively listens to an Ayah from the book of Allah High and Mighty, then a multiple reward is written in his account, and one who recites it, then he shall have a Nūr (light) on the day of reckoning. (Masnad Ahmad Vol. 14 Pg. 191). NV
In the verse mentioned above, two primary etiquettes have been assigned to listening of Quran.
- To intentionally listen with attention and consideration.
- To remain quiet. This instruction would require that one leaves all futile activities and remain quiet in order to pay attention to what is being recited.
If someone wishes to address us and seeks our attention, it will be rude not to listen, or to listen without paying attention and consideration to what is being said. The Quran is the speech of Allah addressed to us. When the Quran is being recited, it is disrespectful to ignore the Quran or not paying attention to the recitation.
3.0 Beautify Recitation of Quran:
Mentioned below are few narrations, where it is evident that Quran recitation has to be beautified and adorned with good voices.
a) Narrated Abu Huraira: that he heard the Prophet saying, "Allah does not listen to anything as He listens to the recitation of the quran by a Prophet who recites it in attractive audible sweet sounding voice." (Sahi Bukhari, Book 93, Hadith 634)
b) One should recite it in a slow, melodious tone and style for Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And recite the Quran (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style.} [Surah Muzzammil 73:4]
c) Adorn Quran with pleasant voices. (Dur-re-Mukhtar; Raddul-Muhtar, Vol. 9, pp. 694)/DI/EOQ]
The above narrations in itself explains the importance of Quran, the word of Allah. In fact the essence is beautification of recitation and taking care of every word, every action when reciting the Noble Quran and specially when someone is reciting holding the sacred book.
4.0 Respecting/Revering Quran
a) Allah the Supreme states in the Holy Qur'an (Surah Hajj Verse 30 & 32)
So it is; and whoever reveres the sacred things of Allah – that is then a goodness for him in the sight of his Lord; the inarticulate animals are lawful to you except those the forbidding of which is recited to you, therefore shun the filth of idols, and avoid false speech.
So it is; and whoever reveres the symbols of Allah – this is then part of the piety of the hearts.
The above verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed during the course of Hajj undertaken by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The symbols (or signs) of Allah are several – such as the Holy Prophet, the Holy Ka'ba, the Two Sacred Mosques, the Station of Ibrahim, the hillocks of Safa and Marwa, the miracles of the Holy Prophets, the alternation of Night and Day etc., and undoubtedly the Holy Qur’an itself. In fact each and every Ayah (verse) of the Holy Qur’an is in itself one sign of Allah. Those who denied the Ayahs of the Holy Qur’an have been reprimanded in the Qur’an itself – that they deny the signs of Allah!
b) These are the verses of Allah which We recite to you with the truth; so forsaking Allah and His signs, what will they believe in?, Ruin is for every great slanderer, excessive sinner. Who hears the verses of Allah which are recited to him, then remains stubborn, proud, as if he did not hear them; therefore give him the glad tidings of a painful punishment. [Surah Jasiya 45:6-9]
c) Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: regarding the explanation of the Verse:-- '(O Muhammad!) Neither say your prayer aloud, nor say it in a low tone.' (17.110) This Verse was revealed while Allah's Apostle was hiding himself at Mecca. At that time, when he led his companions in prayer, he used to raise his voice while reciting the Qur'an; and if the pagans heard him, they would abuse the Qur'an, its Revealer, and the one who brought it. So Allah said to His Prophet: "Neither say your prayer aloud. i.e., your recitation (of Qur'an) lest the pagans should hear (it) and abuse the quran" nor say it in a low tone, "lest your voice should fail to reach your companions, "but follow a way between." (17.110) (Sahi Bukhari, Book 93, Hadith 616)
The pagans being disbelievers, even their words of abuse towards Quran was not liked by Almighty and assumed to be disrespect, then how is it that the sacred book is physically being abused in current era and people still support the abuse by saying respect should be in following the book and not in holding/reciting??
d) Respect of Farooq-e-Azam towards Quran: It is stated in Durra Mukhtar' that Hadrath Farooq-e-Azam Omar bin Khattab (Radiallahu tala anhu) used to take, kiss each page of Holy Quran every morning and say, "This is the command of my Lord Allah SWT and His manifesto." Similarly Hadrath Uthman bin 'Affan (Radiallahu tala anhu) used to kiss the Holy Quran and keep it on his face, to obtain blessings of it. [Durre Mukhtar' Vol. No: 5, Pg. No: 272]
5.0 Quran, the most Honorable Book of Allah
a) Gist of Surah Surah Ha-Mim- Sajdah 41:41/42 “and indeed Quran is an honorable Book, sent down by the Wise, the Most Praiseworthy.
b) The sending down of the Book is from Allah, the Most Honourable, the Wise, Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." [Surah Jasiya 45:2-3]
c) That this is indeed a Noble Quran, in well protected book [Surah Waqia 56: Verse 77, 78]
(Noble: most honorable / worthy of being honored / entitled to honor and respect)
The ayah further continues, “Which none shall touch, except the purified (in wudu). This (Quran) is a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds. Then is this Message something that you should hold in light esteem? [Surah Waqia 56: Verse 79-82]
The fact of the matter is that the Holy Quran is the very words of the All Mighty, All Powerful Allah Subhanahu wa tala. These words should be held in high esteem and high respect, be it in the form of physical sacred book or applying it to real life. When an ordinary a king, a ruler or a president of this humankind issues an edict, everybody gives it due attention and respect! But the words of the Lord of the Worlds are held in light esteem! What an ingrate and unjust decision a human being makes in regards to the words of his Lord and Master!
6.0 Quran is intercessor on the day of Judgment
a) Abu Umama said he heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) say: 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. (Mu'awiya said: It has been conveyed to me that here Batala means magicians.) (Sahi Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 1757)
b) The prophet of mankind, the peace of our heart and mind, the most generous and kind (peace be upon him) has stated, 'the fast and the holy quran will intercede for people on the Day of Judgement. The fast will say, 'O merciful Allah Azzawajal! i prevented him from eating and satisfying his desires during the day, accep my intercession in his favour. ' the holy Quran wil say, ' I prevented him from sleeping at night, accept my intercession for him.' Their intercessions will be accepted [Musnad Imam Ahmad, pp 586, Vol2, Hadis 6637], [similar hadith is recorded in Tirmidhi/1963]
In another famous narration the Messenger of Allah (saws) has declared ‘(On the Day of Judgment) the Quran will be a ‘hujja’ (argument) either for you or against you!’
c) Abu Malik at-Ash'ari reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fill upwhat is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves. (Sahi Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 432)
In light of the above quoted absolutely clear guidance of the Messenger of Allah (saws), there is absolutely no doubt that the Glorious Quran will be presented as an intercessor for those who accepted, submitted, and followed its wise counsel….and an argument against those who denied and rejected it.
7.0 Etiquettes of handling and reciting Quran:
On several occasions in the Qur’an and Hadith it has been strictly prohibited to defile those things which Allah has deemed sacred. And in the sign of Allah which we Muslims perhaps deal with the most, is infact the Holy Qur’an. It is therefore imperative to know the proper manners of handling the Holy Qur’an – some of which are mentioned below:
- It is the inviolability of the Qur'an: not to touch the book or text of Qur'an except in the state of ritual purity in ablution (wuzu).
- Not to recite it when in need of obligatory bath.
- It is unlawful (haraam) for someone requiring a compulsory bath (ghusl) to touch the Qur'an, even if it the Book is in a cover.
- When one finishes reading the Qur'an, not to leave it open.
- Not to place other books upon the Qur'an, which should always be higher than all other books, whether they are books of Sacred Knowledge or something else.
- To place the Qur'an on elevated place when reading (or with some clean cloth if placed on lap or hold a bit high above the lap if no cloth in order to avoid touching the legs/feet); or on something in front of one, but not on the floor.
- When passing it to someone, pass it with respect. Not to toss or throw.
- Not to enter the lavatory carrying the Holy Qur’an. This is a great sin – and if done so on purpose, it is Kufr (blasphemy).
- Not to trivially quote the Qur'an at the occurrence of everyday events/sayings or use as proverbs or make jokes about.
- It is Mustahab to perform Tilawah in the state of Wudu, facing the Qiblah, and whilst wearing good garment. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, Vol. 1, Part 3, pp. 550) [DI/ERQ]
- It is a protocol to keep the Holy Quran in a case or in a cover. Muslims have been acting upon this since the time of the sahabah and Tabi’in . (Bahar-e-Shari’at, Part 12, pp 139) [DI/EOQ].
- Refrain from turning the back towards Quran or spreading out the legs towards it, putting the feet higher than it, and being/sitting on a higher surface as compared to it. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, Part 12, pp.139) [DI/ERQ]
- The 3 sciences of Lughat [Language], Nahw [Grammar], and Sarf [Morphology] are all equal in status. It is permissible to put any book of these sciences on top of the other one. On top of those, books of ‘Ilm-ul-Kalam can be placed; on top of those, books of Fiqh [Jurisprudence] can be placed; and on top of those, books of Hadiš and supplications mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadiš can be placed. Then on top of those, books of Tafsir can be placed; and finally, on top of all of these, the Holy Quran can be placed. Do not put any cloth on top of a suitcase in which the Holy Quran has been placed. (Fatawah Alamgiri, Vol. 5, pp. 323- 324)
The above article adequately illustrates the importance of handling the Holy Qur’an with the deepest respect.
A person who's heart is filled with the love & Marefat of Allah (Subhanahu-wa-tala) and a superior level of understanding of the greatness and majesty of Allah (Subhanahu-wa-tala) would consider the Qur’an with the utmost respect. He will accord as much respect to it as possible, and yet consider himself deficient in fulfilling the rights of the word of Allah (Subhanahu-wa-tala) Such a person will never dare to touch the Qur’an without Wuzu and gives the due respect it is entitled for.
We hear some people saying, “Respect should be in the heart”. True. But does this mean that there is no need to handle the Book with respect? Definitely, this is incorrect to deem so. Actions reflect your inner feelings. How can one claim to have respect in the heart if actions are to the contrary?
There are some who also say “the Qur’an needs to be read or adhered to in practice”. True. But does this mean that there is no need to handle the Book with respect? Again, this is definitely incorrect to deem so. Only an ignorant would claim to be following the Qur’an while going against the Holy Quran’s injunction of having deep respect for it.
A man named Bishr was coming home drunk one rainy night and who saw a piece of paper with some writing on it in the mud. Upon closer examination he saw that the writing was the name of God in Arabic, ALLAH. He picked up the paper, cleaned it, and placed it in a high place in his house. Later on he had a dream in which he heard Allah tell him: Because you raised our Name high, We shall raise up your name in this world and the next. Bishr became a great saint who is known even to many non-Muslims. (Qushayri's "Sufi Principles", and Fariduddin Attar's "Memorial of the Saints").
“Do they not then reflect on the Qur’an? Nay, on the hearts there are locks.” (Surah Muhammad 47: 24)
We praise Allah, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. May Allah grant us the humility and reverence that is required in all the aspects of our beautiful religion - Aameen
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