About Quran Reading

Reading the Quran

The Quran is the literal Word of Allah, revealed to the Prophet ﷺ through Jibreel عليه السلام over 23 years. Reading it is one of the greatest acts of worship a Muslim can perform — rewarded letter by letter, healing for the heart, and a companion in the grave.

Every Muslim is encouraged to maintain a daily relationship with the Quran, whether through recitation, memorisation, listening, or reflection on its meanings (tadabbur).

Significance & benefits

Ten Rewards Per Letter

Ibn Mas'ood رضي الله عنه reported the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever recites a letter of the Book of Allah will have one hasanah for it, and each hasanah brings a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is a letter — rather alif is a letter, laam is a letter, and meem is a letter" (Tirmidhi 2910, classed as saheeh by Al-Albani).

The Best of You

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it" (Sahih Bukhari 5027). This hadith elevates both the student and the teacher of the Quran above all others.

With the Noble Angels

'Ā'ishah رضي الله عنها reported the Prophet ﷺ said: "The one who recites the Quran and is proficient in it will be with the noble, righteous scribes (angels). And the one who reads it and struggles with it — finding it difficult — will have a double reward" (Sahih Bukhari 4937, Muslim 798).

Rise in Paradise

The Prophet ﷺ said: "It will be said to the companion of the Quran: Read, and ascend, and recite as you used to recite in the world, for your rank will be at the last verse you recite" (Abu Dawood 1464, Tirmidhi 2914). The more one memorises and recites with proper tajweed, the higher one's rank in Paradise.

Healing and Mercy

Allah says: "We send down of the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers" (Qur'an 17:82). Ibn Taymiyyah said: "By means of listening [to the Quran with the heart], Allah guides His slaves and sets straight their affairs in this world and the Hereafter" (Majmu' al-Fatawa 11/626; IslamQA 150633).

Intercession on the Day of Judgment

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Read the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its companions on the Day of Resurrection" (Muslim 804). Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Aali 'Imran will come as two clouds or two shades or two flocks of birds defending their companion.

Protection of the Grave

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever recites Surah Al-Mulk every night, Allah will protect him from the punishment of the grave" (Nasā'ī, Abu Dawood — classed as saheeh by Al-Albani; IslamQA 6460).

The Companions' Approach

Ibn Mas'ood رضي الله عنه said: "When one of us learned ten verses, he would not move on from them until he had understood their meaning and acted upon them" (IslamQA 152602). Quantity without quality was not their way.

How to perform / practice

Daily Recitation

  1. Set a daily portion (wird): Even a page or a few ayahs daily is better than reading a juz' once a month. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The most beloved deeds to Allah are the most consistent, even if small" (Bukhari 6465).
  2. Recite in Arabic — the tenfold reward per letter applies to the Arabic recitation specifically, not to translations (IslamQA 2589). However, reading a translation or tafsir to understand the meaning carries a great reward as seeking knowledge.
  3. Recite with Tajweed: Allah says: "And recite the Quran with measured recitation" (Qur'an 73:4). Tajweed is an individual obligation (fard 'ayn) upon every Muslim who recites. Learn the basics with a qualified teacher if possible.
  4. Ponder the meanings (Tadabbur): Allah says: "Then do they not reflect upon the Quran?" (Qur'an 4:82). Reciting with reflection is better and greater in reward than reciting without it (IslamQA 185848). Use a reliable tafsir to help understand what you read.

Listening to the Quran

  1. Listen with an attentive heart — Allah commands: "When the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and remain silent, that you may receive mercy" (Qur'an 7:204). There is reward for listening with focus and pondering — the companions would gather specifically to listen to recitation (IslamQA 150633).

Memorisation

  1. Start with what is easy — commonly recited surahs from Juz' 'Amma are a natural beginning. Progress gradually.
  2. Revise regularly — the Prophet ﷺ warned: "Keep refreshing your knowledge of the Quran, for I swear by Allah that it escapes faster than a camel from its tying" (Bukhari 5033). Missing revision is a serious matter for the hafidh.

Best Times

  • After Fajr — a blessed and quiet time
  • After Maghrib — the companions favoured this
  • At night — the night hours are mentioned in the Quran as particularly potent for recitation (Qur'an 73:6)

Intention

Recite for the sake of Allah — not for praise, status, or financial gain. The Prophet ﷺ warned against those who seek worldly benefit from the Quran (Abu Dawood 3664; IslamQA 315635).

References