The benefits of reciting the Quran during the month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is a period when the Muslim community deeply engages in worship to earn rewards from Allah SWT.

 

People also strive to perform acts of kindness, which can multiply their rewards.

 

Furthermore, fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it was during this month that the Holy Quran was revealed.

 

Reading the Quran is among the activities Muslims are keen on during the fasting period.

So, how can one complete the recitation of the Quran during this fasting month, and what could potentially reduce the rewards one may receive from reciting the Quran in this month?

 

We consulted with Malam Abubakar Abdullahi Goran Namaye, a scholar based in Kaduna city, who mentioned that the easiest way for Muslims to complete the Quran during Ramadan is to read two juz (sections) each day for 30 days.

 

Malam Abubakar explained that by following this method, Muslims can complete the Quran without overburdening themselves.

 

"However, it is established in the Sunnah that one should complete the Quran in three days, not less, meaning one could read up to 20 juz per day," the scholar stated.

Malam Abubakar Goran Namaye also noted that for every letter of the Holy Quran recited, one earns ten rewards.

 

"The Prophet Muhammad SAW illustrated that reciting 'Alif-Laam-Meem,' which are three letters, would earn one thirty rewards in total," he explained.

 

He mentioned that the blessings of reading the Holy Quran are immense.

 

"The Prophet Muhammad SAW said that when a servant completes the reading of the Holy Quran, 60,000 angels join him in saying amen to any prayer he makes," according to Malam Abubakar.

 

What is the preferred state to be in when reciting the Quran?

The religious scholar from Kaduna stated that the preferred state for reciting the Holy Quran is to be in ablution before doing so.

 

He added that it is also recommended for the reciter to face the Qibla whenever they are reciting.

 

"However, the most preferred condition for reciting the Quran is during prayer because it holds the highest virtue," the scholar mentioned.

 

He stated that if that's not possible, it is advisable to find a quiet time to recite the Quran sitting down and to recite it slowly, following the rules and how the Sharia prescribes.Errors commonly made by Quran reciters

"It is a mistake for one to recite without first learning from a teacher.

 

"The Prophet Muhammad SAW said the best among you are those who learn the Quran and then teach it to others; doing so makes you the most virtuous among Allah SWT's servants," Malam Abubakar stated.

 

He emphasized the necessity of learning the Quran from religious scholars.

 

The scholar pointed out that a common mistake is to recite the Quran without seeking guidance from a knowledgeable teacher first.

 

"I advise the community to stick to what they know. One shouldn't feel compelled to start from the longer surahs like Al-Baqarah or Al-Imran. Start with simpler ones like Al-Fatiha, An-Nas, Al-Falaq, and Al-Ikhlas because it's obligatory to recite Al-Fatiha in prayer," he advised.

 

He mentioned that a common error among students is to start learning from Al-Baqarah instead of starting from the shorter surahs and working their way up.

 

Moreover, the scholar highlighted that it is incorrect to engage in idle talk while the Quran is being recited because, during recitation, Allah's mercy, infinite rewards, tranquility, and blessings are descending.

 

He stated that all these blessings would not affect anyone who is distracted or engaging in idle talk during the Quran recitation.

 

"Allah says to listen to the Quran recitation attentively and remain silent.

 

He gave an example of a common mistake where drivers play the Quran in their cars while passengers are chatting, noting that this behavior accrues sin instead of rewards.

What could prevent one from earning rewards for reciting the Quran?

Malam Abubakar Abdullahi Goran Namaye mentioned that the main factor preventing one from earning rewards for Quran recitation is doing so with insincere intentions.

 

He stated that even if one makes mistakes in recitation, they would still earn rewards, specifically two types of rewards.

 

He also said that reciting without seeking guidance from a teacher could diminish the rewards.

 

Additionally, the religious scholar mentioned that reciting in impure places, like bathrooms, or reciting loudly in noisy places, like markets, could lead to sin rather than earning rewards.