.jpg)
“Verily, one who does not hold anything from the Quran in his heart is like a ruined house.” -Prophet Muhammad (sws)
Source: Sunan Al-Tirmidhī 2913, Grade: Sahih
Our lives are filled with constant change. Our jobs change, the cities we live in, and the people we live with. What doesn’t change, or shouldn’t, is our conviction to faith. As Muslims we strive to grow closer to God, and deepen our method of worship. There are times of the year when we fast more than others, or pray late into the night, or travel to the holy cities. Our ability to do those types of ibadah are dependent on many factors like time and money. Other than making sure we fulfill our daily salat, the one constant form of worship we should strive to maintain is our relationship with the Quran. Reading it on a daily basis, even if it’s just a few ayah, is of significant importance. But why? Here’s a few reasons I attribute so much importance to reading the Quran on a daily basis.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If anyone prays at night reciting regularly ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent; if anyone prays at night and recites a hundred verses, he will be recorded among those who are obedient to Allah; and if anyone prays at night reciting one thousand verses, he will be recorded among those who receive huge rewards.”
This is just one hadith of many that shows the specific reward we can earn for reciting the Quran. On Fridays, we are instructed to read Surah Khaf, and on a nightly basis we are told to recite Surah Mulk. These Surahs should be worked into our schedule on a daily basis simply because we were told to do so either directly by Allah, through the Quran, through the sunnah, or way of life (habits) of the Prophet (SAW).
I try to balance the time I spend reading in Arabic with the time I spend reading and reflecting on the English translation. When reading in English, each time I open the Quran, I learn something new. I am able to reflect on the stories told about Prophets and the people that surrounded or followed them. Just as we need a weekly sermon during Jummah to help remind us of what to prioritize in our life, reading the Quran can help re-center us.
If you’ve ever seen videos of non-Muslims listening to the Quran for the first time, you’ll notice some of them start to cry. The tranquility and awe that the Quran inspires in them gives me goosebumps. It’s powerful and amazing. Scholars say that even if you don’t understand Arabic, just listening to a beautiful recitation nourishes the soul. The Quran brings a certain type of sakinah that is transformative, and unlike any other sound. It’s important to let it just play in your house or in the car so that you can soak up that peace.
Another reason I love reading the Quran on a daily basis is that it serves as a reminder about the triviality of this world. It provides insight on the differences between worldly pleasures and actions that will be beneficial to my hereafter. Reading the Quran helps me reflect on my purpose and my limited time on this Earth to serve Allah and His creation.
It is essential that we place Quran at the forefront of our busy lives. Unlocking its truths will open up a trove of goodness for us in this life and in the next, insha'Allah.
