Every believing man and woman should recite the Noble Quran, Allah’s Book, frequently and with proper reflection and comprehension. This can be done with a copy of the Quran or by recalling it from memory. Allah, the Highest, says (what this means):
Are you one of those persons who just reads the Quran once in a while? Or do you read it on a daily basis but don’t feel it has the same influence on you as it should? Whatever the case may be, here are a few basic guidelines to help you connect with the Quran.
1. Check your heart before touching it.
The key to getting the most out of the Quran is to examine your heart first, before touching Allah’s word. Ask yourself why you’re reading it in the first place. Is it simply to gather information and then let it elude you later? Remember how his noble wife, ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, described the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention) as a “walking Quran”: he didn’t simply read and recite the Quran, he lived it.
2. Do your Wudhoo’ before handling it (ablution)
When we perform wudu, we are preparing ourselves spiritually, psychologically, and physically – and it serves as a reminder that we are not just reading a book, but are about to communicate with Allah, thus cleanliness should be our top priority.
3. Daily Practice
If it isn’t already a part of your everyday routine, start with a few minutes per day. Recite with your children if you have them! Allow them to sit in your lap and hug you as you recite. Allow them to trace their fingers over the words you’re saying. You will not only be able to bond with your children, but you will also be setting an example for them by making the Qur’an a significant part of their lives, bi’idhnillah.
Begin with a little amount and gradually increase. That way, it won’t appear as dramatic or burdensome. Inshaa Allah, time will finally expand for you.
You must first begin recitation after Fajr in the morning. Because it’s the most ideal time and your mind is at its most receptive. Nobody is free, as we all know, and we all have busy schedules. You must finish all of your work and other obligations. After that, revise one more in the evening. After Isha, revise one again in the evening. You’ll get the hang of the recitation within a few days. You’ll also establish a routine. Making it a habit is the most challenging aspect.
4) Strive towards Understanding what you have read (Tafseer)
Because most individuals can read the Quran but not understand it, they believe that reciting it is pointless.
Recognize that no relationship is complete unless there is a sense of mutual understanding. You’ll notice that your relationship improves as you become more familiar with Allah’s words. And reciting it is the first step in comprehending it. It, like any other relationship, necessitates dedication and hard effort. Your relationship will improve as you gain a greater understanding.
5. Listening is as important as reading
You can listen to the recitation while cooking, driving, cleaning, etc. using CDs, DVDs, Walkman, mp3 player, or straight from YouTube.
‘Abdullah (RA) used to recite the Qur’an to the Prophet. Listening to someone else recite can draw your attention away from the tajweed and place it entirely on the meaning of the words, which can improve your experience in shaa Allah.
6. Associate yourself with a group or accountability partner
If you truly want to take things to the next level, begin with a group or a partner — a buddy, a spouse, or a coworker (anyone who can make you feel accountable and the one who can start this journey WITH you).
If you have a schedule in place, you can ask each other if he or she has fulfilled his or her day’s tasks. Even though you’ll both be doing it for Allah’s sake, having someone cheer you on might be a big moral boost.
7. Put what you’ve recited into practice
How many lessons do we actually remember from our childhood classes? Probably only those that we applied in our life somewhere somehow.
Same is the case with the Qur’an. The more you understand, the more you apply. The more you apply, the more you fall in love with it. And love is a big part of keeping relationships alive!
Prophet (ﷺ) did not simply recite the Qur’an, he lived it – every word of it.
The best part about reciting the Qur’an is that Allah is talking to you and there is no feeling better than that subhaanAllah. You can give a pause in between and simply feel that emotion. The One you’ve been working tirelessly to please is now talking to YOU. He’s pleased with you. Yes, YOU! And you are pleased with Him.
What a beautiful feeling would it be to finally see the ONE in Jannah who’s been talking to you all along…May Allah grant us that honor one day…
8. Make Dua (supplication) for success at all times
When reading the Quran, ask Allah, the Most High, to guide you. Your goal is to honestly interact with Allah for the sake of Allah by reading, understanding, and applying His great words. Making Du’aa to Allah for assistance and guidance will be your most effective instrument in this regard.
You have a direct link with Allah Almighty when you do du’aa. As a result, you should not be distracted while reciting your du’aa’; instead, you should be completely focused. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“Make Du’aa’ and be assured of it being answered, and know that Allah, the Exalted, does not answer a Du’aa’ from a careless heart which is not concentrating.” [At-Tirmithi]
