Completing the Quran in Ramadan – Challenge accepted!
Completing the Quran in Ramadan – challenge accepted!
Ramadan is a very special month for many reasons, but the one that resonates the most with believers is that; it is the month where Allah gifted mankind with the Quran. A miracle unlike none other, the believer uses this month to connect and commemorate what took mankind out of darkness, with the words:
Read [O Muhammad!] in the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Honourable who taught with the pen. (96.4)
Every year, many muslims set themselves a goal of completing
the Quran in Ramadan. It’s a big challenge as majority of us do not complete
the Quran in a year, let alone in a month! As the saying goes, if you fail to
plan you plan to fail!
Here are some tips to help you plan to get through your
Ramadan goals of completing the Quran In’shaa’Allah.
Before we start, it’s important to mention the rewards are
not only reserved for those who complete the entire Quran, but for each letter
we recite.
Abdullah Ibn Masud narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said:
“Whoever reads one letter from the Book of Allah, will earn one reward thereby. One reward is equal to ten rewards the like of it. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Meem is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Meem is a letter.” [Tirmidhi]
So even if you only make it halfway through the Quran by the
time Ramadan ends, you will still get the rewards for all that you have read so
far… Allahu Akbar!
Preparation when reading the Quran.
With modern technology now, it means we can have access to
the Quran whenever we want! Phones and tablets help us keep on top of
recitation on planes, trains, and automobiles!
Although the convenience is great, for maximum spiritual
growth one should set out time for the Quran and create a designated space for
this. This should be a place where calmness and sincerity can be met with
contemplation and devotion.
There is certain Adab (etiquette) one must follow before
reciting the Quran. This includes:
• Being in a state of Wudhu (ablution)
• Being dressed appropriately
• Beginning your recitation with the Bismillah (In the name of God)
This applies only to when reading the Mushaf (you do not
need wudhu when accessing the Quran via digital devices) to make life
convenient to read the Quran.
Before or after your prayers, being in a state of Wudhu
(purity), dressed appropriately, and being in the right frame of mind to
concentrate on your recitation and deepen your faith, is the best plan of
action.
The Quran can be divided into 30 juzz of varying lengths,
and the most common method for a solo reader is to read 1 juzz per day. Each
juzz is approximately 20 pages, so you can break it up across the day:
• Read 4 pages after every obligatory prayer.
• Read 2 pages before each obligatory prayer, and 2 pages after.
• Read 5 pages in the morning, noon, afternoon, and night.
• Read 10 pages in the morning and 10 in the evening.
These are some common strategies used, but ultimately you
should find one that suits your schedule. If you only have time at night, or in
the early hours of the morning, use that time to dedicate yourself to your
recitation. It is also important to keep a regular routine of recitation, which
will help you feel more confident as well as patient throughout the process.
Science tells us that those who work in groups tend to be
motivated to work better and commit. Find a study buddy or group which works to
remind members to stay on top of your portion of Quran as well as encourage
each other when you start to feel demotivated or overwhelmed.
The Quran Legacy keepsake box is a great way for family
learning. Keep the box displayed in the heart of your home. The box includes a
Quran Journal and a beautiful pen for family members to take turns to write
their portion of the Quran in your journal. The box also contains a scented oud
candle to set the ambient environment and premium exotic teas from London Tea
Exchange for your family to enjoy whilst discussing and learning Al Qur’an.
Reading on your Menses
According to the majority of scholars, women are not allowed to touch the mushaf during their menses. Some madhab’s like the Hanafi’s also include recitation in this. Don’t worry about falling behind, as this is a mercy from Allah, which means we won’t lose out on the rewards men receive. To keep yourself spiritually uplifted, continue to listen to Quran or tafsir of the Quran. Plan ahead and start your Quran khatam (completion) a week before Ramadan begins to account for missed time or alternatively, you can continue into the month of Shawal. You can also choose to double up on your Juzz for a week.
Lastly, remember this isn’t a race and the purpose of the Quran is for pondering and reflecting. Make this Ramadan a niche of knowledge which aids yourself to know the words of Allah and reflect on many lessons and wonders that can be found in the Quran for a real transformation of yourself.