Allaah, the Exalted, revealed the Quran, to be a beacon of
light that cannot be extinguished. It is a methodology and way of life that is
perfect in all respects. In it is strength that cannot be equaled or repelled.
It is the foundation of Eemaan (Faith) and the spring of knowledge. Allaah
willed that the Quran be what quenches the thirst for knowledge. It is the
delight of the people of wisdom. The Quran is the greatest cure for all
ailments. It is Allaah's Rope that cannot be severed. It is the Wise Reminder
and the truly Straight Path.
In the Quran are the parables of those who were before us, a prophesy of that
which will be after us and a criterion to judge between us. It is Truth with
certainty that was revealed to us. The one who lives according to its dictations
will be rewarded. The one who judges according to it will be just. The one who
calls to it is on the Straight Path. Allaah raises and lowers people's status
based on their adherence to it. The Quran, on the Day of Judgment, will
intercede on behalf of those who recited it.
Prophet Muhammad
said: "The one who reads a single letter
from the Book of Allaah will be rewarded with one good deed. (Know that) A good
deed is multiplied ten times over. I do not say Alif Laam Meem is one letter.
Verily, Alif is one letter, Laam is one letter, Meem is one letter." [At-Tirmithi]
The Book of Allaah to mankind's guidance is like the soul in relation to the
body. Therefore, he who abandons its recitation and does not act in accordance
to its laws is in a state of spiritual death. Allaah Almighty says (what means):
"And is one who was dead and We
gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one
who is in darkness, never to emerge there from?" [Quran 6:122]
A person without Quran is like a person without water, air and medicine. Allaah,
the Most Exalted, says (what means): "And We
send down of the Quran, that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but
it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss." [Quran 17:82]
The Quran is a healing for the body and the soul. Whenever life becomes hard and
complicated, the Light of the Quran will always brighten the way. It will be a
source of solace and tranquility. It will be a defender to you when you are
powerless and in need. When the Muslim recites the Quran, he will feel matchless
tranquility in his heart and being. This causes him only to fear Allaah alone.
Allaah Almighty says (what means):
"Those to whom people [i.e. hypocrites]
said, “Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.” But it
[merely] increased them in faith, and they said, “Sufficient for us is Allaah,
and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.” So they returned with favor from
Allaah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of
Allaah, and Allaah is the Possessor of great bounty. That is only Satan who
frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are
[indeed] believers." [Quran 3:173-175]
Sadly, many have not taken this Quran into consideration and have neglected its
recitation and implementation. They sought the worldly life and neglected the
Hereafter. Allaah says (what means): "And if
you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of
Allaah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying."
[Quran 6:116]
Tragically, there are those who recite the Quran in its entirety and finish with
little more than with what they began with in terms of contemplation and action.
Some are so concerned with how they sound, they beautify their voice without
ever listening to what is being ordered or prohibited. Truly, there are many
reciters of the Quran that the Quran is free from them and their evil. They
recite the Quran and are oppressive to themselves and others by not following
its orders or forbidding its prohibitions.
Nothing is more valuable to a Muslim in his worldly life and in the Hereafter
than reciting the Quran and reflecting and trying to comprehend its meaning. In
doing so, an individual will become acquainted with what is good and what is
evil. He will see the effects of disobedience of Allaah and its punishment in
the parables of those who have come before us. An example of such a punishment
is the flood that was sent upon the people of Nooh (Noah)
and others similar to it. It is a source of inspiration and it strengthens one's
belief in Allaah. For this reason, Allaah says (what means):
" … and when His (Allaah's) verses (Quran)
are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely." [Quran
8:2]
This Book was sent and revealed from above the seven Heavens so that it could be
comprehended and implemented, it is not just to be recited while the heart is
pre-occupied. Allaah Almighty says (what means):
"[This is] a blessed Book which
We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam], that they
might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be
reminded." [Quran 38:29]
What has happened to our hearts? Why are our hearts locked out and unresponsive
to the Quran? Why do the words enter from one ear and exit out the other? Why
have our hearts hardened? Let us comprehend the Quran and implement it in our
lives. Let us be from those who implement the Quran in our days and recite it
during our nights.