And we are at the final chapter, Chapter 26. Of course, it talks about the effect of the Qur’an, and SubhanAllah, reading it, I make dua that Allah makes the Qur’an the light of our hearts.
Many of us, including myself, recite the Qur’an in Ramadan, Dhul Hijjah or in other months to have the reward of reciting as many qira’a as possible. Once in a while, we find opportunities to do tadabbur, but don’t reflect on the verses. For us to truly make the Qur’an something that we act upon, because the Qur’an is the word of Allah, we need to look at it as something to study. The Qur’an is a gift that keeps giving. You read a verse today, tomorrow you read the same verse, and something else is being given to you by Allah’s Mercy alone.
She mentions how we should look at the Qur’an as a companion. Something that we have with us at all times, whether we are feeling low or high, it should be with us. It’s something we recite in salat. We should listen to it, and we should discuss it. We should know that to listen to the Qur’an is to do so quietly. To be a witness to the Qur’an. She makes a good analogy about being a witness. It’s like when you’re home and somebody sends you a news report on the phone. It’s not the same thing as if you were present when the report was being read out. When the Qur’an is recited, listen to it and be silent. That you may receive its mercy and also witness. Be present when you witness the recitation of the Qur’an.
She mentions that the Qur’an is something that affects the skin. SubhanAllah, the analogy she shares is how some people say some words and it makes you tremble. The Qur’an has such a profound effect that when you listen to the admonitions of Allah, listen to His mercy and His promise, it makes you shiver, gives you comfort and touches your heart, consoling you. Anybody who would listen to the words of Allah and not be moved, that person has not truly lived. Because this is Allah talking to you directly, not through any medium. The medium has already put everything down for us in this book. And so we should use it to guide and be a part of us.
She mentions how, subhanAllah, the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wa salam and those who were with him reacted to the recitation of the Qur’an. The reactions are in four ways:
1. They fall physically.
2. They prostrate with their faces on the ground.
3. They cry with tears gushing forward and
4. Become humbled and submissive.
Wallahi, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced all four. Cried and prostrated, but falling physically? Have we lived by the words of Allah? Do we understand what we read? Do we immerse ourselves in Allah’s admonition to us? This book is a healing and a mercy.
And one thing it is not, is difficult. SubhanAllah, people say, ‘Oh, but it’s such a tough read.’ Allah says, Surat Al-Qamar (The Moon) – سورة القمر54:17
Sahih International
And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?
The Qur’an is mentioned in this light four times. So, are you one of those who would respond to Allah when He asks, Is there anyone who will remember?
She asks that we try to bond more closely and intimately, listen to its recitation and explanation in silence and full focus. Endeavour to correctly pronounce and recite it. Ponder upon its verses, parables, messages, and awe-inspiring depths. And get life-changing lessons from within the Qur’an. For again, she says, if you have not sobbed uncontrollably whilst listening to the Qur’an with your heart trembling out of love for Allah, you have not truly lived. She closes this book with advice that the Quran is best assimilated during the time of Fajr, and that is what has helped her; in fact, most of the chapters in this book helped her come forward because of the time she spent with the Quran during Fajr.
To spend the morning hours of Fajr, for us 30-40 year olds who are struggling with life or going to early morning classes, we spend all that time doing workouts, reading or attending some training but imagine if you spent your Fajr time reciting from the holy book as best as you could, sitting through, contemplating and looking at those verses over and over again. This would help you truly connect with Allah’s words. May Allah make it easy for all of us to truly immerse ourselves in His Words.
She says she never thought she would be able to pen a book of 300-plus pages about the Quran. But she ends this whole message with these verses:
Surat YÅ«nus (Jonah) – سورة يونس10:57
O mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.
Say, “In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.
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“Alhamdulillah, this was a beautiful read. When I decided to take up this project, I just wanted to be able to do something that would prepare me for Ramadan and then use the opportunity to share what I have learned. Astagfirllah, I found it so difficult to do. I struggled with time and trying to put things together, and I’m very thankful to my sisters who helped to edit and transcribe, sisters Hameedah and Zulfah. May Allah reward you immensely for being a part of this project. Alhamdullilah, it’s all up and I am grateful for having finished the reading before Ramadan as planned. I apologise I couldn’t share them with you before as well.
I make dua for sister Sadaf Faruqi that Allah does not let her lose one iota of the reward that she has put into writing this book. Just like she mentioned in the chapter, ‘Earning rewards’, may Allah make this a source of reward for her for many years to come.
I make dua for the brother who thought me worthy to receive this gift. May Allah in His infinite mercy, grant you abundant gifts like this that will enrich your here and hereafter.
I hope this series and book inspired you as much as it did me. All praise belongs to Allah.
