7 Things That Entitle You for the Companionship of the Quran

Introduction

Alhamdulillah… Infinite praise and thanks are due to the Almighty Allah, who has promised those in the companionship of the Quran special privilege. Complete blessings and salutations go to our master of all time, upon whom the Qur’an was descended, Sayyidinā Muhammad, his household, his companions, and all those who follow his guided path till the end of time.

In a ḥadīth reported by Imām ibn Mājah from the narration of Sayyidunā Anas ibn Mālik raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhu, the Messenger of Allāh ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam says:

إِنَّ لِلَّهِ أَهْلِينَ مِنْ النَّاسِ، قَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، مَنْ هُمْ؟ قَالَ: هُمْ أَهْلُ الْقُرْآنِ، أَهْلُ اللَّهِ وَخَاصَّتُهُ

“Verily Allah has His own people among mankind.” They said: O Messenger of Allah, who are they? He said: “They are the people of the Qur’an, Allah’s own people and those who are closest to Him.”

From the above ḥadīth, we understand how high Allah has raised the Qur’an, and hence, made anyone, who devotes himself to the Qur’an, among the people of His own. This article presents seven things (qualities and habits) you need, to qualify to be admitted to the companionship of the Quran. This admittance is granted by Allah, not by anyone else. And this makes the first point you’ll be reading shortly very crucial. Once you have these qualities altogether, you become ready to be among the companions of the Qur’an, inshā Allah.

Please note: this article is for those who are in the intermediate level or higher in their Qur’an reading. No doubt, beginners will definitely find it useful. So please keep on reading.

But wait, what is the significance of being in the companionship of the Quran?

The Significance of Being in the Companionship of the Quran

The Qur’an is the word of the Allah. It’s the constitution every Muslim should abide by, to attain true happiness in life on earth and salvation in the Hereafter. The fact that it’s the word of Allah makes it sacred.

Once something is sacred, anything that associates with it attains some amount of sacredness and holiness. To read more about this, check out Magnitude of the Qur’an Every Muslim Parent Should Teach His Children. When you’re done reading it, you’ll never look at the Qur’an the same way anymore.

Let’s, now, move on to the seven things that entitle the Muslim for the companions of the Qur’an. And it starts with intention and sincerity.

#1: Intention and Sincerity

It’s important to emphasize, that there’s a significant difference between intention (niyyah) and sincerity (ikhlāṣ). Because they come hand in hand, many a time, we mistake one for the other or use them interchangeably. They are different.

The assumption is that you intend to read this article to the end. You fulfil that intention once you successfully read it to the end. However, the reason why you decided to trouble yourself to read the article to the end, is what determines your sincerity. Not the fact that you have indeed read it to the end. You achieve sincerity in doing that when you have done it to attain Allah’s pleasure and approval.

If you’ve, however, done so for other objectives, then your rewards are based on the intended objectives. Some objectives can be to assess the writer or evaluate him or the article. It could also be to get to know what the article is about; not necessarily to act upon it.

Moreover, one can intend to work on practicing the habits discussed in this article. Once he achieves them successfully, he fulfils his intention. And perhaps, people around him will classify him among companions of the Qur’an. But if he’s not doing that to attain Allah’s Pleasure, then all that will be a waste. A waste for not attaining Allah’s pleasure in the time spent. But not a waste, as he has acquired knowledge.

Therefore, if you want to be among the companions of the Qur’an, you should intend; wanting to be among the companions of the Qur’an. And then determine to do that, so to attain His pleasure and approval.

This is crucial. It determines the validity of the remaining qualities and habits. So, let’s get that correct before moving on.

On a side note: what is true regarding intention and sincerity in this article is true in any action of the Muslim. It’s having constant awareness about it that distinguishes you from anyone else, even when you all come together to do the same act of worship.

#2: A Dedicated Qur’an

A dedicated Qur’an is a copy of the Qur’an which you must obtain, as your companion in your journey to the companionship of the Quran.

Your dedicated Qur’an must be owned by you. You should have it with you most of the time, if not all the time. Unless you are reading from your memory, any time you need to read the Qur’an, ensure to do so from your dedicated Qur’an.

It’s needless to say refrain from borrowing a copy of the Qur’an belonging to your mom, dad, bro., sis., friend and whomsoever. Why? Because…

You should be comfortable taking notes in your dedicated Qur’an. You should also be able to use different bookmarks in your dedicated Qur’an if the need be. There’s no evidence that we can’t write notes, in our personal Qur’an. Especially when they are related to the meaning we make from what we read in the Qur’an. Especially when they help you to read the Qur’an properly. In fact, the companions did it.

A printed dedicated Qur’an is preferred over electronic. Simply because there is minimal or no distractions when you read from a printed Qur’an. However, when reading from an electronic Qur’an, which is likely installed on your smartphone or tablet, the tendency of getting distracted is very high. Your WhatsApp groups notifications alone are sufficient to prevent you from reading the Qur’an; continuously, and with focus. Let alone other forms of distractions, which Satan will whisper in your ears.

#3: A Dedicated Time for Reading

Your dedicated Qur’an becomes useful if you read from it. Otherwise, it becomes a reference book in your home or office library. This means a dedicated Qur’an requires a dedicated time for reading it. Your Qur’an reading becomes more effective if you have a dedicated time for reading the Qur’an.

People who are passionate about a given skill do dedicate time to it. A successful body builder will spend two hours in the gym, six days a week. That mounts up to 12 hours a week. An academically outstanding student dedicates more than four hours a day to his studies, outside school hours.

The above examples are also true in any field, you can think of; whether you want to master it, or you are simply passionate about it. So, it is, if you truly want to be a companion of the Qur’an.

If you want to be a companion of the Qur’an, you must read at least 20 pages from the Qur’an, every other day. Seven days a week. This will take less than an hour from your time. The good news is, you can do this at divided times. Furthermore, you can do it in the bus, while waiting for the bus or the train or while waiting in the queue.

20 pages is the recommended amount, for anyone who is already fluent in his reading. However, if you’re at the beginners’ level, you can read whatever the number of pages or lines you can, depending on your capability. Furthermore, it’s better less number of pages than none at all. So, no more excuses, my friend. 🙂

We have agreed in my article, 8 Reasons You Should Read the Qur’an Everyday Even If You Don’t Understand It, that reading the Qur’an is the best form of remembering Allah. In fact, reading the Qur’an is dhikr, but not every dhikr is Qur’an.

Your dedicated time for reading the Qur’an does not include the time you spend teaching the Qur’an, whether to your household members or students. Your dedicated time is, instead, a time you spend alone with the Qur’an; reading, memorizing, contemplating, finding meanings, appreciating, etc., regardless, whether it takes place at home, at your workplace, in the mosque, in the bus, train or elsewhere.

#4: Acting Like a Companion of the Qur’an

Acting like a companion of the Qur’an means to follow in the footsteps of the great scholars and teachers of the Qur’an. Emulate their values, characters and Qur’an missions.

I suggest that after reading this article, you spare some five minutes to find a fitness minded person or anyone who is passionate about culinary and observe their daily habits. The probability is that the former dresses in a way that implies his fitness consciousness, the least is he’s putting on a sports’ attire. The latter will likely have a nutrition book or a book of recipes in hand. Both will be mindful about their food and drinks intake. They can both tell you about the different type of proteins and vitamins, and their health benefits. They will also be able to tell you about the need to cut down carbohydrates if you are serious about losing weight. They know a lot about many gurus in their areas of interest.

The fitness-conscious person possibly behaves like the most successful fitness figure he knows or is aspired to be, while the culinary passionate most likely behaves like the best chef in town. Most of the favourite sites and YouTube channels, for both of them, are likely related to fitness and culinary respectively.

The message they send is: if you want to be successful in a field, you must behave like those who are already successful in the field. And that’s true.

In other words, if you want to be a companion of the Qur’an, you don’t behave like a professional fitness coach, nor a chef. You should follow in the footsteps of the real companions of the Qur’an. This doesn’t mean a Muslim fitness coach or chef doesn’t have to read the Qur’an. (In fact, a Muslim can combine between multiple specializations and careers.) However, there’s a difference between someone who reads the Qur’an because he’s a Muslim, and another who has dedicated his life for the Qur’an. Just like a companion of the Qur’an also works out and does exercise to remain fit. He may also know how to cook to satisfaction. But he doesn’t dedicate a significant amount of his time for fitness or culinary.

In light of the above, you need to read about the companions of the Prophet, who were teachers of the Qur’an to the other companions. Read about Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhu, about whom Rasūlullāh ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam says:

مَنْ سَرَّهُ أَنْ يَقْرَأَ القُرْآنَ رَطْباً كَمَا أُنْزِلَ فَلْيَقْرَأْ عَلَى قِرَاءَةِ ابْنِ أُمِّ عَبْدٍ.

“Whoever wishes to be pleased to recite the Qur'an as fresh as it was revealed, should recite it the way of Ibnu Ummi ‘Abd”.

Ibnu Ummi ‘Abd is reported to be Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd.

Read about those the Prophet recommended for the companions to learn Qur’an from. He says in a ḥadīth reported by Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhumā:

خُذُوا القُرْآنَ مِنْ أَرْبَعَةٍ: مِنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ وَمُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَل وَأُبَيِّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ وَسَالِمٍ مَوْلَى أَبِي حُذَيْفَةَ.

“Learn the Qur'an [recitation] from four people: Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd, Mu‘ādh ibn Jabal, Ubay ibn Ka‘b and Sālim; the servant of Abu ḤḤhhhhhjfudhaifah.”

Read about Imām Muḥammad ibn al-Jazarī, the bridge of Qur’an between the early predecessors and successors of Qur’an companions. Read about contemporary passionate scholars of the Qur’an. Read and listen to Shaikh Ayman Rushdi Suwayd. Look around in your neighbourhood or local masjid, for people who are passionate about the Qur’an, and seek inspirations from them.

That way, you will be talking more about the Qur’an. You’ll be reading something about the Qur’an, almost every day. Your love for the Qur’an will grow; consciously and subconsciously.

#5: Let the Qur’an Determine Your Actions and Principles

Acting like companions of the Qur’an is important because their characters were determined by the Qur’an. So should yours and mine.

This is to say, there’re do’s and don’ts in every field or profession. Every art has a special language, which although a layman may understand, experts in the field understand it better and are able to educate the masses about it effortlessly.

When you decide to be a companion of the Qur’an, it’s no longer about halal and haram. It’s about what’s acceptable in the companionship of the Quran and what’s not, in the eyes of the true companions of the Qur’an. It’s not about what the trend demands. It’s about what the code of conduct of Qur’an companionship dictates.

You will need to learn the protocols of the companionship of the Quran. Similarly, the ethics of the companions of the Qur’an. Core principles of the Qur’an companionship are humility, devotion, selflessness, sincerity, self-consciousness, and above all, giving unconditionally. One of the books that are beneficial in this regards is Imām al-Nawawi’s book, Etiquettes with the Qur’an (this is affiliated link). This classical book was translated by Shaykh Musa Furber.

#6: Listen to Qualified Qur’an Reciters

Listening to good Qur’an reciters fills your heart with more love for the Qur’an. It helps you to continue to learn from others. It also reinforces what you already know, in terms of tajwīd application, and it enriches your reading style.

I will usually listen to Shaykh Muḥammad Ṣiddīq Al-Minshāwī. Sometimes, I listen to Shaykh Maḥmūd Khalīl al-Huṣarī. I may stop and listen if I pass by the recitation of Shaykh Ali al-Hudhayfī. There are thousands of good readers in the Qur’an audio library. You are free to listen to whomsoever your heart feels at rest when you listen to them. Spare some time, to browse the Qur’an audio library on MP3Quran.net to find endless styles of Qur’an reading.

Please note, that I said, “listen.” I did not say “imitate” the beautiful voices. This is because your best Qur’an recitation is the one you do with your natural voice.

Here, I have to say this: if you truly want to be among the companions of the Qur’an, you need to ‘kiss good bye’ to music. I would like to suggest that you minimize anāshīd (“Islamic songs”). If you really have to listen to anāshīd, then you should say no to ‘anāshīd’ that are hyper up to the level of hip-hop and rock bands or even more hyper.

Remember: it’s not about ḥalāl and ḥarām. It’s about taking your devotion for the Qur’an to the highest level possible.

#7: Make Friends with Companions of the Qur’an

Friends have a greater impact on us. They consciously or subconsciously influence on many of the decisions we make in life.  Thus, when you are surrounded by friends who share the same interests (likewise values, and worldview) as you, you’re going to be inspired, most of the time, to work harder and be the best you can, in the endeavour you’ve undertaken.

In other words, if your friends are positive people, you’ll find inspiration in them. Pay attention to “inspiration.” I didn’t say “motivation” because the only one who can motivate you effectively is your own self. No one can take you out of your bed for tahajjud (one of the daily acts of the companions of the Qur’an) other than yourself. And you require motivation which has to be intrinsic inside you.

Next, the fact that you want to be a companion of the Qur’an doesn’t mean you will easily encounter companions of the Qur’an. It will be a luck if your family members happen to be passionate about the Qur’an. Either way, you need to make friends, with people who are passionate about the Qur’an with sincerity. In a ḥadīth reported by Imām al-Bukhārī that the Messenger of Allah ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam says:

الْمَرْءُ مَعَ مَنْ أَحَبَّ

“Everyone will be with those whom he loves.”

You want to be resurrected with the Qur’an. Don’t’ you? Therefore, you must associate yourself and your activities with companions of the Qur’an.

To achieve that, why not you make a deal with someone you know to be passionate about the Qur’an, so you meet up on a scheduled time to read the Qur’an in turns?

In other words, when you meet up with your friends, read something from the Qur’an to each other. Try it out… It should work fine, inshā Allah.

Conclusion

This article presented seven things (qualities and habits) which, if observed and achieved, you’ll make your way to the companionship of the Quran, inshā Allah. These seven qualities and habits are not the only qualities you need to observe to be entitled for the companionship of the Quran. But I believe they are among the most crucial ones.

You may need to take gradual steps to achieve all the seven qualities together. The most important is when we achieved them we maintain for the rest of our lives, inshā Allah.

May Allah make us among the companions of the Qur’an. Those who are His people of special ones. May live by the Qur’an and end our life on with the companionship of the Quran. May the Qur’an intercede for us on the Day of Judgement. May we be granted free access to Jannah with the intersection of the Qur’an. Amīn!

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Allah knows best.
Allahu Hafiz 🙂