Food for thought (EP 3): Duties of a Muslim towards the Qur’an

Omer Arif

Allah revealed the Qur’an as guidance and mercy to mankind. As Muslims, we owe this book some obligations:

Firstly, a Muslim should believe that the Qur’an is the word of Allah. Thus, he should love and believe in its greatness, virtues and its superiority over other revealed books. Also, it is the best of words as stated: “And whose word is more truthful than Allah’s?” (Nisa: 122). In addition, since the Qur’an is a book of guidance, a Muslim should know and believe in the commands and prohibitions contained therein. He should be conscious of them and act upon them.

A Muslim must believe in the perfection of the Qur’an and its preservation in its original form, without any addition or subtraction. Allah says: “Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it”.

A Muslim should always read and ponder upon the Qur’an. He should master the act of its recitation (tajweed) and always recite with it, because Allah says “and recite the Qur’ān clearly with tartīl (in a distinct and measured tone).” (Al-Muzzammil: 4). It is also mandatory for a Muslim to listen to the Qur’an with great attention, as it is stated “When the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and be silent, so you may be shown mercy.” (Araf: 204). Moreover, when he hears the glad tidings in the Qur’an, he should anticipate them and fear the warnings.

A Muslim should love the people of the Qur’an- its reciters and those who act upon it. On the other hand, he should eschew those who ridicule it either by words or actions.

The Qur’an should be given utmost respect. For instance, the Qur’an should not be placed on the floor but rather in a high and clean place. Also, one should be in a clean state to hold and recite it. Again, it is recommended that he who wants to read it should use a miswak (i.e. tooth stick). The Prophet ﷺsaid: “Your mouths are the paths of the Qur'an, so perfume them with the tooth stick.” (Ibn Majah, Purification, No: 25). From the manners of relating with the Qur’an is to start by saying the isti’adha and basmala (A'udhu billahi min-ash-shaytan ir-rajim Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim).

The Qur’an is a source of healing and a Muslim should believe in its efficacy to heal, for Allah says: “…Say: It is a guide and a healing to the believers...”(Fussilat: 44). A Muslim should seek protection in the Qur’an, according to the sunnah. An example of this is to recite Suratu’l Ikhlas, Falaq and Nas before bed.

Above all these, a Muslim should understand the essence of comprehending the Qur’an. In light of the verse “Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’ān?” (Nisa: 82), he should ponder over the meaning while reciting it. He should also read books of tafsir (i.e. exegesis) for a better understanding of the verses.

Conclusively, those who know the Qur’an should enthusiastically participate in teaching it because the Prophet ﷺsaid: “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it.”(Bukhari, virtues of the Qur’an, No: 49).