Outline
- Introduction
- Realising the Magnitude of the Qur’an
- How the Qur’an Elevates and Earns You Value and Virtues
- The Preserved Tablet and the Qur’an
- Sayyidunā Jibrīl and the Qur’an
- The Prophet Muḥammad and the Qur’an
- Arabic Language and the Qur’an
- The Ummah of the Prophet and the Qur’an
- The Month of Ramaḍān and the Qur’an
- Laylah al-Qadr and the Qur’an
- Places that Witnessed the Revelation of the Qur’an
- The Qur’an as the Best Form of Dhikr
- Conclusion
Introduction
Alhamdulillah… Perfect thanks and praises are due to the Almighty Allah. I send complete peace and blessings upon the best of men who realized and appreciated the magnitude of the Qur’an to the utmost, Sayyidinā Muḥammad, his household, his companions and all those who follow his guided path till end of time.
In a ḥadīth reported by Imām al-Bukhārī from the narration of Sayyidinā ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhu the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam makes mention that the best amongst us is he, who learns the Qur’an and teaches it to others.
خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ
“The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it.”
In various aḥadīth when it comes to knowledge, the Prophet attributes virtues to various categories of profession over others. He singled out learning and teaching the Qur’an with virtues and advantages over other disciplines. Next in line comes any discipline that relates to, or derives its roots from the Qur’an, in a way or another.
We are approaching end of times. Hence, we are set to face lots of challenges. But our children are bound to face more challenging challenges than we face today. It’s therefore vital for the Muslim parent to ensure proper knowledge, love, and understanding of the magnitude of the Qur’an are instilled in his children. A proper appreciation for something is attained after its value is realized. This article presents some highlights of the magnitude of the Qur’an, which earns anything associated with it value and weight of its own. It is hoped, that Muslim parents will find this useful as their children are –in normal circumstances, the best evidence of their quality of parenting and their devotion to their religion.
Realising the Magnitude of the Qur’an
Until you study something closely, you can’t evaluate it justly. As you study it, you find the need to seek to understand it better and internalize it. It’s after this, that you can appreciate it and relate to it with pride.
The best way to internalize anything, is to be able to recall it and reproduce it by heart. That way, nothing restricts your ability from contemplating it dynamically. This explains why the more vocabularies of a language you can retain and recall, the better command you have in it.
The Qur’an is not exception in that sense. It’s, however an exception in the sense that it’s the only divinely revealed book that one can memorize and reproduce from cover to cover. Additionally, reading it, memorizing it, or learning it is considered as an act of worship (‘ibādah), if the proper intention is established.
The Qur’an stands as the first source of legislation in Islam. It’s also the source of all sources of legislation. In other words, the Qur’an is the constitution which earns any Islamic ruling its validity and mandatory. Thus, any other source of legislation in our religion, i.e., Sunnah, ijmā‘, qiyās derives its authority and mandate from the Qur’an. This makes memorising the entire Qur’an one of the honours Allah bestows upon any Muslim. Realizing this, dozens and hundreds, if not thousands of the companions of the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, memorized the entire Qur’an.
Among them are Sādātinā (our masters) Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, ‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, Uthmān ibn ‘Affān, ‘Ali ibn Abī Ṭālib, ‘Āishah binti Abi Bakr, Ḥafṣah binti ‘Umar, Ummu Salamah, ‘Abdul Raḥmān ibn ‘Awf, Abū al-Dardā’, Al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwām, Mu‘ādh ibn Jabal, Ubay ibn Ka‘b, Zayd ibn Thābit, ‘Amr ibn al-‘Āṣ, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Āṣ, ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd, Ṭalḥah ibn ‘Ubaydillāh, Sa‘d ibn Abī Waqqāṣ, Ḥffudhayfah ibn al-Yamān, Abū Hurayrah, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar, ‘Abdullāh ibn al-‘Abbās, Mu‘āwiyah ibn Abī Sufyān, Anas ibn Mālik, raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhum (may Allah be pleased with them all).
Having said that, it’s important to indicate that the Muslim is not obliged to memorize the entire Qur’an. He is, however obliged to memorize what he needs for his prayers (ṣalāh). Although there were dozens and hundreds of companions who memorized the entire Qur’an, some of whom completed in the lifetime of the Prophet, and some others after his departure, ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the remaining majority did not memorize the entire Qur’an. Nonetheless, the companions remain the best generation of this Ummah.
This means, a Ḥāfiẓ today will fall in qualities and virtues behind a non-Ḥāfiẓ among the companions of the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. But a non-Ḥāfiẓ in our time, who appreciates the Qur’an and manifests it in his actions is better than a Ḥāfiẓ who fails to realize the magnitude of the Qur’an which Allah has saved in his breasts.
How the Qur’an Elevates and Earns You Value and Virtues
The Qur’an is the word of Allah. The word of Allah is sacred and noble in nature. The more of it you have and know, the more of its sacredness you attain and the more virtuous you become. This means, memorizing the entire Qur’an raises you above him, who is not memorising it. In other words, the Ḥāfiẓ you is better than the non-Ḥāfiẓ you.
Either way, a Muslim must have a significant share of knowledge inspired by the Qur’an. Also, the Muslim must put the teachings of the Qur’an into practice as possible. He should also observe the dos and don’ts of the Qur’an. This is in line with the Prophet’s attitude towards the Qur’an. It’s also in line with the behaviour of the companions who received and learnt the Qur’an from the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This is what guarantees you guidance to the right path. It is also what secures you a shield that safeguards you against visible and invisible evil of the mischievous.
It’s important to realize, that the Qur’an is significant, that Allah Himself is the One who protects it from falling apart.
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian” (Sūrah al-Ḥijr, 15:9).
Moreover, the entire Ummah of our beloved Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam attains its honour, virtues and nobility from the blessings Allah has assigned for the Qur’an. For that matter, anyone who genuinely associates himself with the Qur’an attains a share from that. Similarly, any object that is subjected for the Qur’an attains its fair share of sacredness; although it’s just an object.
For instance, a copy of the Qur’an and a copy of Steven Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People are not the same. Both are printed on paper. But one is sacred and noble, and the other is not. Steven Covey’s book can only attain some sacredness if it contains some proper quotations and citations from the Qur’an. A bone stick on which you write verses from the Qur’an can no longer be treated like the bone stick that you throw to the dog.
In the same analogy, the Angel who descended with the Qur’an, the tablet, in which the Qur’an was preserved, the Messenger upon whom the Qur’an was descended, the language in which the Qur’an was revealed, and the nation, to whom the Qur’an is revealed has each attained some sacredness, nobility, honour and preservation, thanks to the Qur’an. The same thing also applies to the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, the night in which the Qur’an was revealed as well as the places that witnessed the revelation of the Qur’an.
Let’s take some time to elaborate on the above examples.
The Preserved Tablet and the Qur’an
In Sūrah al-Burūj, 85:21-22, Allah describes the Qur’an and where it was preserved before been descended to the Prophet, ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He says:
بَلْ هُوَ قُرْءَانٌ مَّجِيدٌ * فِى لَوْحٍ مَّحْفُوظٍۭ
“It is indeed a glorious Quran. written on a preserved Tablet.
The Qur’an was kept in a tablet known as the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ). It was then first descended –as a whole, to the first Heaven. It was then revealed from there to the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam over the period of 23 years in the places between Makkah and Madīnah. The Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ could only be touched by the purified (Angels).
إِنَّهُۥ لَقُرْءَانٌ كَرِيمٌ * فِى كِتَـٰبٍ مَّكْنُونٍ * لَّا يَمَسُّهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱلْمُطَهَّرُونَ * تَنزِيلٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
“Indeed, it is a noble Quran. In a well-guarded preserved Book. Which none can touch except the purified. It is a revelation sent down from the Lord of the worlds (Sūrah al-Wāqi‘ah, 56:77-80).
There’re many tablets, but the one that contained the Qur’an attained the honour of being preserved as it carried the Qur’an. It also got to be mentioned in the Qur’an itself for an eternal record.
From the Heaven to the Prophet, an Angel was administered and entrusted with the mission of been an Angel Messenger who descends with the Qur’an to the human Messenger.
Sayyidunā Jibrīl and the Qur’an
Allah created and He continues to create Angles, the number of whom we don’t know. The number of whom we can’t comprehend, if we knew. Jibrīl ‘alayhi al-salām, known as the secretary of revelation is the most honourable of all Angels. He attained that honour after Allah had chosen him to be the carrier of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muḥammad ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
To the extent, that none of the Angels who were created before or after the creation of Jibrīl can ever attain this honour. Simply because the revelation of the Qur’an is done once, and that was to the Prophet Muḥammad ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Had it not been for the Qur’an, perhaps, Jibrīl would have been another unknown Angel.
The Prophet Muḥammad and the Qur’an
The Prophet Muḥammad ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is the final and seal of all Messengers. He became a Prophet, only after the first revelation of the Qur’an was made to him. It is with that, that he became the best of mankind, and the master of all Prophets and Messengers of Allah. He was the last to be sent, but with the Qur’an, he became the leader of all Messengers and Prophets. To the effect, that when he was ascended to the heavens, during Isrā’ wa al-Mi‘rāj he was the one who led all the Messengers and Prophets in a prayer. Messengers and Prophets were sent before him. They were also given scriptures. But none of them was given the privilege of the Qur’an. He also had to be the leader in that prayer, as the Qur’an must be recited in that prayer.
Moreover, on the Day of resurrection, mankind will march to him, ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, to plead to him, to intercede for judgement to begin. Also, he will intercede for his Ummah on that Day.
The secret? The Qur’an. It’s the Qur’an, that carries no doubt. It’s the mighty Book, which no falsehood shall reach from before or from behind. It is the Qur’an, which is a revelation from the Wise, the One worthy of all praise.
With the descending of the Qur’an upon the Prophet Muḥammad ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, he became a warner to worlds.
تَبَارَكَ ٱلَّذِى نَزَّلَ ٱلْفُرْقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِۦ لِيَكُونَ لِلْعَـٰلَمِينَ نَذِيرًا
“Blessed be He who has revealed the criterion [the Quran] to His servant that he may warn the nations” (Surah al-Furqān, 25:1).
With the Qur’an and its blessings, the Prophet Muḥammad ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam became a mercy to the worlds.
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
“And We have not sent you, [O Muḥammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (Sūrah al-Anbiyā’, 21:107).
And for some reason, the Qur’an, was revealed in Arabic Language. And that makes the Arabic Language more valuable than any other language.
Arabic Language and the Qur’an
Every language serves as one of the signs of Allah’s existence. Therefore, every language is significant. Some have extincted, some are in the process of extincting. Some shall extinct, and some are preserved from extincting.
وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ خَلْقُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفُ أَلْسِنَتِكُمْ وَأَلْوَٰنِكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّلْعَـٰلِمِينَ
“Another of His signs is that He created the heavens and earth, and the diversity of your languages and colours. There truly are signs in this for those who know” (Sūrah al-Rūm, 30:22).
Also, a language gains its importance depending on the number of its speakers, the political power it possesses, its influence in science and technology as well as its religious significance.
With or without any of the above factors, Arabic language will continue to be preserved. Because of the Qur’an. Languages preserve scriptures. But the Qur’an, which is divinely preserved, preserves the language, in which it was revealed.
Arabic language is the fifth most widely spoken language today. But it is the oldest language that is widely spoken. It is also the only language that a 1000-year-old script of it can be understood by any high school Arabic proficient. It’s set to remain as such until end of time. Statistics shows that 420 million people speak Arabic around the world. I think this figure only regards native speakers of the language. This statistics is flawed because it has failed to recognize over 1.6 billion Muslim who read Arabic. The entire 1.6 billion may not understand Arabic, but the number of non-Arab Muslims who understand Arabic today equals the number of its native speakers, if not more.
The reason and secret? Thanks to the Qur’an, which Allah has taken it upon Himself to preserve. This promise automatically gives Arabic Language the honour of preservations, and possible eternity. Therefore, Arabic Language has emerged to be very significant in the life of every Muslim.
Thus, if you want to appreciate the Qur’an better, you need to learn the Arabic language. It’s therefore important, as a parent, to not deprive your child from the luxury of learning Arabic Language and exploring and experiencing the beauty of the Qur’an, first hand. But the shortest way to master Arabic Language is to master the Qur’an itself. And to read it every day, even if you don’t understand it. I’m confident; now that you’ve realized the value of the Qur’an thus far, you can’t wait to subscribe to Arabic classes J
From here, we understand why there’s an assumption that Arabic will be the language of the Paradise. Simply because the Qur’an will be recited in the Paradise, once its inhabitants have all settled down. Isn’t it? In a ḥadīth reported by Imām al-Tirmidhī and Abū Dāwūd from the narration of ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhumā, the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam says:
يُقَالُ لِصَاحِبِ القُرْآنِ اِقْرَأْ وَارْتَقِ وَرَتِّلْ كَمَا كُنْتَ تُرَتِّلُ فِي الدُّنْيَا، فَإِنَّ مَنْزِلَتَكَ عِنْدَ آخِرِ آيَةٍ تَقْرَأُ بِهَا
“It will be said to the companion of the Qur’an: Recite and rise in status, recite as you used to recite in the world, for your status will be at the last verse that you recite.”
The Ummah of the Prophet and the Qur’an
The best book was revealed and preserved in the most sacred tablet. It was then entrusted to the most honourable Angel to reveal it to the most honourable Messenger. This can’t be unless it’s to be taught to the most honourable nation (Ummah). This is the status of the Ummah of the Qur’an. This is the status and virtues of the Ummah of the Prophet Muḥammad ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This is the status of the Ummah, to which you belong.
This truth is, however, it’s up to us to realize this as an Ummah and then choose to cherish and celebrate the Qur’an. And the best way to celebrate the Qur’an is to put it at the highest rank in our education and lifestyle. What’s the worth of a treasure when we leave it to dust and rust?
Papers and bone sticks attain honour and sacredness when the Qur’an is written on them. What, then, will be the honour which the already-honoured creature (man) will attain when he absorbs the Qur’an?!
وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ وَحَمَلْنَـٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَـٰهُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ وَفَضَّلْنَـٰهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا
“We have honoured the children of Adam, and have borne them on the land and the sea, given them for sustenance things which are good and pure; and exalted them above many of Our creatures” (Sūrah al-Isrā’, 17:70).
We are honoured and privileged above many (not all) of the creatures of Allah. Hold on to the Qur’an. Realize its magnitude, teach it to your children, and then, see how high they will fly.
On the day of judgement, the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam will complain some of this Ummah to Allah. Do you know what will that complaint be for? It will be for abandoning the Qur’an.
وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًا
“The Messenger will say, “Lord, my people did indeed discard the Quran.”” (Sūrah al-Furqān, 25:30).
The Month of Ramaḍān and the Qur’an
As indicated above, the Qur’an was first descended to the first Heaven, before its revelation to the Prophet started. Therefore, there are two descendings for the Qur’an. One commonality between the two is that both happened in the month of Ramaḍān.
The first was on Laylah al-Qadr and the second was on the 17 of Ramaḍān when the first revelation was made to the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. That marks 12 years before Muslims were commanded to fast.
The Prophet received the first revelation of the Qur’an in the month of Ramaḍān. These two incidents attained the entire month of Ramaḍān an honour above all months, including the month of Ḥajj and the month of the birth of the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. See the Virtues of Ramadan.
Laylah al-Qadr and the Qur’an
On the night of Laylah al-Qadr (Laylatul-Qadr), the entire Qur’an was descended from the Protected Tablet (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ) to the first Heaven. That night has ever since, became the night that is better in virtues than a thousand months combined. That’s 83 years and four months. If the Qur’an was descended on a different night, that different night would have been the night with such a virtue.
To continue celebrating the Qur’an, every year, during the night of Laylah al-Qadr, the Angels, together with Jibrīl descend to our world, and the entire world will be filled with peace and tranquillity until the break of the dawn for the next morning. Check 3 Things a Muslim Must Have on His Laylatul Qadr Checklist.
Places that Witnessed the Revelation of the Qur’an
With blessings of the Qur’an, even places that witnessed its revelations are bestowed with blessings and made sacred. Makkah is where the first revelation began and Madīnah which witnessed the descending of the final revelation are now the holiest places on the earth. Between Makkah and Madīnah are blessed and sacred lands.
A prayer in al-Masjid al-Ḥarām in Makkah equal to 100,000 prayers elsewhere. And a prayer in the Prophet’s mosque equals to a 1000 prayers elsewhere.
The Qur’an as the Best Form of Dhikr
Man attains efficiency and effectiveness when he’s in peace of mind. This leads to productivity and positive contribution to societies and mankind. To achieve this, his heart must have enough spiritual nutrition, vitamins and oxygen. All that are attained through the remembrance of Allah (dhikr), followed by successful choice of spouses and surroundings.
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّـهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّـهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ
“Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of God — surely in the remembrance of God hearts can find comfort” (Sūrah al-Ra'd, 13:28).
In addition to attaining inner-peace, those who engage in constant remembrance of Allah reap forgiveness and a greater reward from Allah subḥānahū wa ta’ālā.
وَٱلذَّٰكِرِينَ ٱللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا وَٱلذَّٰكِرَٰتِ أَعَدَّ ٱللَّـهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
“… and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward (Sūrah al-Aḥzāb, 33:35).
The best form of dhikr is reading and recitation of the Qur’an. Any form of dhikr remains dhikr and never elevates to the level of the Qur’an. But every verse in the Qur’an stands as Qur’an as well as dhikr. Thus, when you are bored, do make some dhikr. And the easiest way to relax and destress is to pray or recite… the Qur’an.
Conclusion
After realizing the magnitude of the Qur’an, one can now understand why Allah invites mankind, the entire mankind to rejoice and celebrate the Qur’an.
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُمْ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدىً وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ * قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِهِ فَبِذَلِكَ فَلْيَفْرَحُوا هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ
“O mankind! There has come to you an admonition from your Lord, a cure for what is in the hearts, and a guide and a blessing to true believers. Say, “In the grace and mercy of Allah let them rejoice, for these are better than the worldly riches which they hoard” (Sūrah Yūnus, 10:57-58).
The Qur’an is one of only two things that the Muslim should hold on to, during the challenges of end of times, to sustain as a Muslim and to attain salvation in the next life. I have never seen any Muslim who is in sincere love with the Qur’an and still lives in misery and depression. Being in genuine love with the Qur’an means you give priority to its commands over the commands of fellow human beings and self-desires.
The best thing your child will ever inherit from you is to know how to lead a happy life and be close to Allah at same time. Both happiness and closeness to Allah can be found in developing a proper love and mastery of the Qur’an.
A person who associates himself with wise people will attain some wisdom, no matter what. A respectful person who is ‘besties’ with the corrupts and immoral ones surely risks and compromises his reputation. Thus, if you want safety, peace, true knowledge, real inspirations, and divine uplifting, hold on the Qur’an, and never let go of it.
This is the Qur’an. If you want to achieve honour, the best honour is the one that is recognized by Allah and comes from Allah. Attribute your endeavours to the Qur’an, and as much as the Qur’an is promised a divine protection, you won’t be left in a disgrace or regret.
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Allah knows best.
Allahu Hafiz 🙂
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