Reading the Quran holds a special place in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized its importance in many hadiths. These sayings guide believers on the spiritual rewards and manners of reciting the Quran.
The Virtue of Reading the Quran
Narrated `Uthman: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
“ خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ ”. قَالَ وَأَقْرَأَ أَبُو عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ فِي إِمْرَةِ عُثْمَانَ حَتَّى كَانَ الْحَجَّاجُ، قَالَ وَذَاكَ الَّذِي أَقْعَدَنِي مَقْعَدِي هَذَا.
Sahih al-Bukhari 4820 (Book 66, Hadith 49)
Another hadith highlights the immense reward of reading the Quran:
Narrated Muhammad bin Ka’b Al-Qurazi: “I heard ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud saying: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ” from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.”
“ مَنْ قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا لاَ أَقُولُ الم حَرْفٌ وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ وَلاَمٌ حَرْفٌ وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ ” . وَيُرْوَى هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ مِنْ غَيْرِ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ عَنِ ابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ وَرَوَاهُ أَبُو الأَحْوَصِ عَنِ ابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ رَفَعَهُ بَعْضُهُمْ وَوَقَفَهُ بَعْضُهُمْ عَنِ ابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ غَرِيبٌ مِنْ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ . سَمِعْتُ قُتَيْبَةَ بْنَ سَعِيدٍ يَقُولُ بَلَغَنِي أَنَّ مُحَمَّدَ بْنَ كَعْبٍ الْقُرَظِيَّ وُلِدَ فِي حَيَاةِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ كَعْبٍ يُكْنَى أَبَا حَمْزَةَ .
Jami` at-Tirmidhi: Book 45, Hadith 36
Thus, every single letter brings multiple rewards.
Proper Etiquette While Reading
The Prophet (PBUH) taught the etiquette of Quran reading. One must read with humility, reflection, and a clean state.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Verily Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your heart and to your deeds.
الأَصَمِّ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم
“ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يَنْظُرُ إِلَى
صُوَرِكُمْ وَأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَلَكِنْ يَنْظُرُ إِلَى قُلُوبِكُمْ وَأَعْمَالِكُمْ ” .
Sahih Muslim: Book 45, Hadith 42
Therefore, sincerity matters most during recitation.
Consistency in Quran Reading
Reading the Quran regularly strengthens faith. The Prophet (PBUH) advised:
Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked, “What deeds are loved most by Allah?” He said, “The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few.” He added, ‘Don’t take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 6226 (Book 81, Hadith 54)
This hadith applies well to Quran recitation, promoting daily reading.
To conclude, hadith about reading Quran reveal its profound value. The Quran offers guidance, comfort, and blessings. Consequently, Muslims should read it often, with understanding and devotion. Follow the Prophet’s teachings, and reap the spiritual benefits from every verse.
