By The blessed month of Ramadan is finally here and Alhamdulillah, we’ve been given another opportunity to fast, worship Allah (SWT), and spend our days becoming better Muslims. One of the most important aspects of Ramadan is connecting with the Quran by understanding its message.
During Ramadan, we come across people who finish the entire Quran, sometimes multiple times. We hear the Imam recite Quran during Taraweeh (night prayers) at the mosque and many of us cannot help but feel a deep sense of serenity and tranquility while listening to the melodious verses. It was during the month of Ramadan that the gift of the Quran was revealed to mankind which makes it all more important to connect with this sacred book.
The Quran Is a source of guidance For Mankind
ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًۭى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
“This is the book of which there is no doubt, a guidance for those mindful of Allah” Surah Baqarah, Ayah 2
We need to recognize that the Quran is a source of guidance for mankind so that we can fully comprehend the wisdom of Allah’s (SWT) words. The Quran is a resource meant to make our lives easier by highlighting what is permissible and what is forbidden and how to deal with the intricacies of this life.
Try To understand the Quran Rather Than Just Reciting It
It’s embarrassing to admit, but many of us end up reciting Quran for the sake of reciting the Quran because it’s a “tradition” or a “custom” that Muslims have incorporated into their lives. Even during Taraweeh, while our ears are listening to the recitation, our brains are disconnected from the actual meaning of the verses being recited.
The Quran is a guiding force in our lives, it brings us so many rewards and benefits and will even intercede for us on the Day of Judgement. It has been sent down to us so we can understand the purpose of our existence and why we were created. Reciting the Quran and understanding what we are reciting will allow us to develop a meaningful relationship with Allah (SWT) and as a result, lead us to become better Muslims. It seems only right that we make an effort to first understand the words we are reading and then do our best to act upon them.
connect with the Quran By Relying On Translations
Creating a schedule is the best way to connect with the Quran. During Ramadan, people try to recite one juz (section) per night, but you have to remember, whatever effort we put into our worship, whether big or small, Allah (SWT) will reward us. There is no need to rush things. Take your time and create a schedule that is most suitable for you. Sitting down and reciting a few pages of the Quran after every salah is one easy way. Use the Quran in English, or whatever language you are comfortable with to understand the words you are reading.
A Quran with Tafsir is also helpful. Tafsir allows us to understand the history and context behind each verse. Once you fall into a routine of reciting the Quran and listening to its tafsir, connecting to it will come naturally. Allah (SWT) has sent down the Quran for our hearts and souls and while it may seem a bit cliché, our hearts, minds, and souls will automatically begin connecting with Allah (SWT) and the Quran as we begin to understand the verses.
connect with the quran by reflecting on it
كِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَـٰرَكٌۭ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓا۟ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ
“This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, so you may reflect upon its verses, and the people of of reason may be mindful” Surah Sad, Ayah 29
Ibn al-Qayyim, the great scholar, wrote, “There is nothing more beneficial for the heart than reading the Quran with contemplation and reflection.” Allah (SWT) has sent down the Quran for us to reflect on its message and later act upon it. The Quran is a blessed and precious scripture and once we put the effort into connecting with it, we will be successful both in this life and the Hereafter.