The PPK Muslims (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgable) : March 2018

Hifz or Memorisation of the Holy Quran

It’s conception/misconception and exaggeration/embellishment

By Us, the Muslim Ummah

ABSTRACT

The ayah “Ha. Mim - By the Book that makes things clear - behold, We have caused it to be a discourse in the Arabic tongue, so that you might encompass it with your reason or that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom)” describes the purpose and reason for our Holy Text. The Quran talks about itself (i.e. the Quran) all along the text describing what it is, what it does and how and why.

I have discussed this aspect in an earlier blog where I have concluded that “Quran is very explicit about its purpose and mission: read it, understand it, digest it, then practice it and finally propagate and disseminate it. Period”.

Early in our history, Memorising the WholeText was the ONLY way to preserve and transmit it over the generations. But the situation has dramatically changed for us. With ubiquitous smartphones we have the whole Quran virtually in our hands all the time and all the places. If the whole humanity was annihilated there will be millions and millions of Quranic prescriptions left intact on the planet. Hence this reason for memorisation can be considered obsolete.

However there remains many good reasons to memorise parts of the Text and earn neki and barakah in the process.

Every Muslim has to memorise parts of Quran to recite during prayers. The more you recite the greater the ajr (reward). Hence one should try to memorise the Quran as much as possible.

There are some portions of the Quran which impress more than others. Some ayahs refer to Dos and Don’ts in our daily life. All these are better memorised for good compliance and practice.

Our Deen requires us to learn from and teach others in matters of religion. We need to project our deen to non-Muslims by our words and actions during our working life. It will help us and impress others better if we quote actual ayahs from the Quran. This needs memorisation of large parts of the Holy Book.

A very popular and prevalent notion is getting reward (neki) by simply reciting (even if just parroting) the Text - one letter (not word) gives you ten nekeez . This needs qualification.

Hence memorisation of the Quran is very rewarding if done meaningfully with a purpose in mind as we have just discussed.

Many of us practicing Muslims, if not most are quite content following the tutoring of Madrasah with it’s Curriculum of 15 % Quran, (as against 20% hadith, 25% Fiqh and 40% Arabic language, poetry etc.) and it’s philosophy of Taqleed (blind following) leading to uncritical conformity with the Hadith literature. This is a vital and valuable science for Muslims but equally complex, confusing, contradictory and frequently irrational. This state of ilm/knowledge is responsible for such fantastic (bordering on Kufr and shirk in my very humble opinion, and Allah know best) opinions like “Hadith can abrogate the Quran” and “we Muslims have only three Books, the Quran, Bukhari and Muslim”. The Holy Quran is in the highest of the Heavens; the other two are very much on ground on the earth. The two cannot be spoken in the same breadth. Anyhow this school of thought builds a strong case for Memorisation of Quran as a source of Neki and Barakah in itself irrespective of the meaning and actual performance. “Hafiz-e-Quran” qualifies for prestige and status. The article includes seventeen ahaadith which have been quoted to support this opinion. Of these, Hadrat Ali’s hadith very clearly determines the real issue: He (RA) reports that the Holy Prophet said: “Anyone who knows the Quran by heart and follows the lawful and the prohibited according to it, he will be sent to Heaven by Allah.” (Tirmidhi).

So the memorizer of the Qur'an has to follow the lawful and keep away from the prohibited to be granted Jannah. This is exactly our point of view. Comprehension of the Text and it’s Practice and Performance is primary and foremost. Memorisation will then support and fortify it.

March 28, 2018

Read ONLY, IF AND WHEN you have time and mood for:

“An Ayah of the Quran for 30 Days” -- March 2018

Choose the section you have time, in the next 30 days to read this ayah:-

Prelude: Recurrent Primary Message 1st. Page

Starting Dua, a note & The Ayah 2nd. Page

A Short Summary: For the Busy Bee Three minus Pages

The Main Story: Recommended Five Pages

Footnotes: For the Perfectionist One Pages

PRELUDE

From the Pen and Perspective of a self-styled PPK Muslim (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgeable) with a humble submission that Islam totally rejects Blind Following BUT vigorously focusses on the Limitations of Pure Human Reasoning..............and clearly and comprehensively AlLAH knows best.

In the beginning of the seventh century C.E., the folks of Mecca and Medina had a fascinatingly unique window: they had direct access to the Heavens through one of their own. They were blessed with a regular stream of Divine counseling and guidelines. Question and answer sessions were part of the program. Even individual questioner was graced by an answer. In the short Introduction to this scheme they were assured that at the end of this twenty-two year project, Divine Directions and Admonitions will continue through the agency of the PEN. The whole discourse has been preserved and archived till eternity under the guarantee of our Lord and Creator. This record in known as the Quran.

It should sound unbelievable but factually appears to be true: Many of our prevalent, widespread and important concepts and opinions about religious matters do not have a basis in the Quran and sometimes even appear to be in obvious conflict with the teachings of the Quran. It would be very educative and helpful to discuss an Ayah once a month to see if it supports or rejects our views and actions in our daily life. I wish and hope this generates a fruitful interactive discussion.

DUAA’

بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ

In the name of Allah, we praise HIM, seek HIS help and ask for HIS forgiveness. Whosoever Allah guideth none can misguide; whosoever HE allows to fall astray, none can guide him right. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah alone and we bear witness that Mohammed, SAW is HIS slave-servant and the Seal of HIS Messengers.

Further, we recall that Allah Ta’aala has declared in HIS Book¹

“He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message (or remember or receive admonition) but men of understanding (or intellect)”

and we also recollect that he has warned us about the day of judgement²

“Then on that day you shall most certainly be questioned about the boons (joy, pleasure).”

We realise, that there cannot be a greater boon or blessing or benefit than wisdom and we wonder if this should be a timely reminder to very many of us sincere and practicing Muslims who use our critical thinking to enhance the mundane for ourselves and our families but in matters religion we choose to

resort to blind following -- taqleed, doctrine of classical Sunni Islamic Fiqh.

(NOTE: I have filtered out the proofs and details into the Footnotes for those who have the time and interest for them. The main text will then be of reasonable length, hopefully for the busy majority. What follows is not a sermon; I do not feel qualified to give one, anyhow. I wish, it may provide a food for thought. A caveat seems in order: If the ayah selected pertains to issues we face in our daily life with our family, friends, neighbours or peers it may affect us personally and lead to some self analysis and soul searching which in turn could be divisive and distressing. If taken in the right spirit, it can be a humble attempt towards finding the “straight path”.)

THE AYAH

Al-Zukhruf (no. 43) Ayah 3

حم - وَالكِتابِ المُبينِ - إِنّا جَعَلناهُ قُرآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَعَلَّكُم تَعقِلونَ

“Ha. Mim - By the Book that makes things clear - behold, We have caused it to be a discourse in the Arabic tongue, so that you might encompass it with your reason or that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom)”.

A SHORT VERSION

“I am convinced about the veracity of my opinions, but I do consider it likely that they may turn out to be incorrect. Likewise, I am convinced about the incorrectness of the views different from mine, but I do concede the possibility that they may turn out to be correct.” — Imam Shafa’i

Hifz or Memorisation of the Holy Quran

It’s conception/misconception and exaggeration/embellishment

By Us, the Muslim Ummah

The ayah describes the purpose and reason for our Holy Text. The Quran talks about itself (i.e. the Quran) all along the text describing what it is, what it does and how and why.

Another short and powerful ayah on the same theme:³ …………….. (see the main story)

I have discussed this aspect in an earlier blog The Holy Quran: The Book of Knowledge and Guidance for Muslims. I have concluded therein that “Quran is very explicit about its purpose and mission: read it, understand it, digest it, then practice it and finally propagate and disseminate it. Period”.

Early in our history, Memorising the WholeText was the ONLY way to preserve and transmit it over the generations. Under the guidance of Allah Ta’aala Subhaanahoo this practice proved to be a great success. Alhamdo Lillah, we have witnessed the miracle of the text being transmitted in its original form to the last vowel over fifteen centuries! But the situation has dramatically changed for us. With ubiquitous smartphones we have the whole Quran with translation and tafseer virtually in our hands all the time and all the places. If the whole humanity was annihilated by a few Neutron bombs (these bombs selectively wipe out humans with surrounding properties greatly intact) there will be millions and millions of Quranic prescriptions left intact on the planet. Hence this reason for memorisation can be considered obsolete. In other words the “hafiz-e-Quran” by itself seems to have lost it’s usefulness and significance. Unfortunately we Muslims tend to be fossilized for new ideas and concepts even though ……………

The controversial practice of completing the whole Quran during tarawih prayers in the Holy Month of Ramadan is often quoted as the need for a Hafiz-e-Quran. This provokes another debate already discussed elsewhere.

So much for the practice of the traditional and well recognised practice of memorising the Whole Quran. Being a “Hafiz-e-Quran” by this merit alone was a cherished and respectable goal This was classified as one method of “studying” the Quran; the other being “nazirah” method i.e. to see and read.

However there is a flip side to this story. There remain many good reasons to memorise parts of the Text and earn neki and barakah in the process. Some of the motives to memorize are universal for every Muslim; others are personal to a few.

Every Muslim has to memorise parts of Quran to recite during prayers. The more you recite the greater the ajr (reward). Hence one should try to memorise the Quran as much as possible specially for the Fajr and Tahajjud prayers. The former at one place in the Quran has been referred to as “az-zikr” i.e. the Quran.

There are some portions of the Quran which impress more than others; this is subject to marked individual taste and liking. Some ayahs refer to Dos and Don’ts in our daily life. All these are better memorised for good compliance and practice.

One very popular and prevalent notion is getting reward (neki) by simply reciting (even if just parroting) the Text. It is said that reciting one letter (not word) gives you ten nekeez based on the hadith:………….

This, concept I think is very true and needed for the simple, unlettered and uneducated Muslims whom God has not granted mental and intellectual capacity. It is different for those of us who are blessed by God Almighty with great cognitive capabilities and which have propelled us to comfort, power and status in life. We are therefore obliged to ……………

A special form has been designed 0f getting neki from the Quran without even the pretext of reciting it. Tying or wearing amulets is a very old practice. Second, ………………

Hence memorisation of the Quran is very rewarding if done meaningfully with a purpose in mind as we have just discussed. Memorization by itself and for itself specially without any understanding is at best useless; at worst it is sinful as we are just ignoring and shrugging off the address of God Almighty; may Allah Ta’aala guide us on the right path.

Quran as a source of Neki and Barakah in itself irrespective of the meaning and actual performance. “Hafiz-e-Quran” qualifies for prestige and status here in this world and huge rewards in the Hereafter. To balance this piece let us review this point of view:

I have collected here some of the evidence produced to support the piety and importance of Hifz-e-Quran by itself. As you will notice the over whelming support is based on Hadith.

Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that the Prophet said, “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’aan after he has entered Paradise, ‘Recite, and rise!’ For every verse he recites he will rise one level (in Paradise), until he recites the last verse with him (i.e., in his memory).” (Aboo Dawood)………..

An ayah from the Glorious book (Surah 35/ 29) has been quoted:………………….(see the main story)

The ayah is referring to recitation and not memorization;………………….

Another hadith quoted in these discussions is:

The Messenger of Allaah said, “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it”(Al-Bukhari).

This cannot be called memorisation by any stretch of imagination. As a matter of fact this is the real goal of Quran.

It is argued that “Whoever memorizes Qur’aan and acts upon it,……………
Another hadith of the Holy Prophet quoted in defense:

“The one who knows more Qur’aan should lead the people in prayer”. ……………….: A caveat is added…………“Most of the hypocrites of my ummah are among those who have memorized Qur’aan.”

A hadith from Al-Bukhari and narrated by Sayyida Ayesha is quoted to define the status and virtue of a Hafiz: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The likeness of the one who reads Qur’aan and memorizes it is that he is with the righteous honourable scribes. The likeness of the one who reads it and tries hard to memorize it even though it is difficult for him, he will have two rewards.”

It is suggested that the Qur’aan will intercede for the Hafiz on the Day of Resurrection as per the following hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Fasting and the Qur’aan will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, ‘O Lord, I deprived him of food and desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ The Qur’aan will say, ‘O Lord I deprived him of his sleep at night, so let me intercede for him.’ Then they will both intercede for him.” Narrated by Ahmad, al-Tabaraani and al-Haakim; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’,

Another hadith which the author himself concedes as “a weak (da’eef) hadeeth”……….

Two ahaadith are quoted in favor of Memorisation. Please note the ahaadit mention “recitation” and “carrier of the Quran” but the conclusion drawn is memorisation:

Aboo Moosaa al-Asha'aree reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "The believer who recites the Qur'aan is like a citrus fruit - its fragrance is pleasing and its taste is sweet. The believer who does not recite the Qur'aan is like a dry date - it has no fragrance but its taste is sweet. The hypocrite who recites the Qur'aan is like a basil - its fragrance is sweet, but its taste is bitter. The hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'aan is like a colocynth - it has no smell, and its taste is bitter" (Muslim)……………..

The parents of the memorizer also will be rewarded according to some ahaadith.

Mu'aadh al-Juhani narrates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Whosoever recites the Quran and practices upon its injunctions, the reciter's parents will be given a crown on the day of Qiyaamat. The brightness of that crown will be more intense than the brightness of the sun in your actual house.”

Another hadith quoted talks of reading the quran, learning it and acting on it. This is what the Quran dictates and endorses our approach. This is not just memorisation:

Buraydah said: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Whoever reads the Qur’aan, learns it and acts in accordance with it, on the Day of Resurrection his parents will be given a crown to wear whose light will be like the light of the sun, and his parents will be given garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. They will say, “Why have we been given this to wear?” It will be said, “Because your child learned the Qur’aan.”(Narrated by al-Haakim)

A number of ahaadith quoted in defense of memorisation refer to “learns the Quran and teaches it”, “recites”, “one who read it and practiced it”. This again is laudable; it is not simply memorisation: ………

Hadrat Ali’s narration very clearly brings out the real issue. It is not simply memorisation but it is acting on the text that matters:

Hadrat Ali (RA) reports that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Anyone who knows the Quran by heart and follows the lawful and the prohibited according to it, he will be sent to Heaven by Allah.” (Tirmidhi).

So the memorizer of the Qur'an has to follow the lawful and keep away from the prohibited to be granted Jannah. This is our point of view. Comprehension of the Text, its Practice and Performance is primary and foremost. Memorisation will then support and fortify.

........and Allah knows best.

May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.

THE MAIN STORY

Hifz or Memorisation of the Holy Quran

It’s conception/misconception and exaggeration/embellishment

By Us, the Muslim Ummah

The ayah describes the purpose and reason for our Holy Text. The Quran talks about itself (i.e. the Quran) all along the text describing what it is, what it does and how and why.

Another short and powerful ayah on the same theme:³

“a discourse in the Arabic tongue, free of all deviousness, so that they might become conscious of God”.

Instead of “ta’qeloon” this ayah speaks of “yatta’qoon”. Taqwaa has great depth in it’s meaning. For a long time it was regarded as “fear of God Almighty”. This is still true but the prominent meaning now is taken as “consciousness or awareness of God Almighty”. In addition it is rendered as “might become righteous” or “they may guard against Evil” or “they will have fear of God” or “keep their duty to Him”.

An anomaly due to this practice of memorization is worth mentioning. Practiced by an Arab, it appears quite normal. However I was shocked (are you?) to know that many Huffaaz in our subcontinent had no clue of the meaning of the Text that they had so diligently and painstakingly memorised. This is exactly the opposite of what the Quran is pleading and exhorting them to do all along their “recitation” of the book viz. to think and ponder over the text. I am sorry, I am going to call this an obvious sin due to deliberately and repeatedly disobeying your Lord Creator.

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Whoever recites one Word from the Book of Allah will be rewarded for a good deed and ten more like it; and I don’t say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter but Alif is a letter and Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter” (Tirmidhi & Al-Dareemi).

It is also said on the basis of another hadith (narrated later) that for every ayah we memorise will result in higher ranks in Jannah!

This, I think is very true and needed for the simple, unlettered and uneducated Muslims whom God has not granted mental and intellectual capacity. It is different for those of us who are blessed by God Almighty with great cognitive capabilities and which have propelled us to comfort, power and status in life. We are therefore obliged to use the same faculties to study - think and ponder — our Holy Text to deserve any “neki”. Memorising what we have studied, absorbed and practiced should be very rewarding. This was the practice of the hero of Islam, Caliph Sayyidna Umer bin Khattab. It took him three years to memorise Surah Al Baqara. He would not proceed further till he had fully comprehended the part he had memorised and had practiced it on the ground. Once our Holy Prophet, on entering his masjid found people sitting in two groups: one was reciting the Quran and the other was studying it. He sat down with the latter group stating that “I am sent as a mu’allim (teacher).”

A special form has been designed 0f getting neki from the Quran without even the pretext of reciting it. Tying or wearing amulets is a very old practice. Second, painting the Text on the walls of the house. For those with deep pockets, expensive carpets with an ayah worked out on them adorn the walls as a form of “barakah”. Artistic excellence is the primary target. It is irrelevant whether you can even decipher it, let alone read it or understand it. By an large these decorations on the walls go unnoticed. I can pretty confidently say that the Quran does not support such use of its ayahs. I think the Hadith literature also does not support such a practice.

Many of us practicing Muslims, if not most are quite content following the tutoring of Madrasah with it’s Curriculum of 15 % Quran, (as against 20% hadith, 25% Fiqh and 40% Arabic language, poetry etc.) and it’s philosophy of Taqleed (blind following) leading to uncritical conformity with the Hadith literature. This is a vital and valuable science for Muslims but but needs careful study as it tends to be complex, confusing, contradictory and frequently irrational. This state of ilm/knowledge is responsible for such fantastic (bordering on Kufr and shirk in my very humble opinion, and Allah know best) opinions like “Hadith can abrogate the Quran” and “we Muslims have only three Books, the Quran, Bukhari and Muslim”. The Holy Quran is in the highest of the Heavens; the other two are very much on ground on the earth. The two cannot be spoken in the same breadth. Anyhow this school of thought builds a strong case for Memorisation of Quran as a source of Neki and Barakah in itself irrespective of the meaning and actual performance. “Hafiz-e-Quran” qualifies for prestige and status here in this world and huge rewards in the Hereafter. To balance this piece let us review this point of view:

I have collected here some of the evidence produced to support the piety and importance of Hifz-e-Quran by itself. As you will notice the over whelming support is based on Hadith.

Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that the Prophet said, “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’aan after he has entered Paradise, ‘Recite, and rise!’ For every verse he recites he will rise one level (in Paradise), until he recites the last verse with him (i.e., in his memory).” (Aboo Dawood)

“Some scholars use this hadith to argue that the number of levels in jannah are equivalent to the number of verses in the Quran, while others limit it to seven levels. Whatever the case is, you’ll be admitted to the highest level possible if you memorize the entire Quran. Firdos is the limit!”

An ayah from the Glorious book (Surah 35/ 29) has been quoted:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتۡلُونَ كِتَـٰبَ ٱللَّهِ وَأَقَامُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنفَقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقۡنَـٰهُمۡ سِرًّ۬ا وَعَلَانِيَةً۬ يَرۡجُونَ تِجَـٰرَةً۬ لَّن تَبُورَ

“Verily, those who recite the Book of Allah, and perform As-Salat, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a (sure) trade-gain that will never perish”.

The author after quoting this ayah comments: “In this ayah, Allah mentions reciting the Quran along side the most important act of worship, Salah, and with a promise of an everlasting, imperishable reward. Now, imagine you had access to the Quran at all times without having to depend on a mushaf. The opportunity to accumulate rewards would be immense. You could recite while driving, cooking, walking, or while waiting in a line. You wouldn’t be restricted to isolated time slots dedicated to reading as you could recite on the go.”

The ayah is referring to recitation and not memorization; to the best of my knowledge there is no direct reference to memorisation in the Holy Text. If you think you can do any meaningful recitation of the Quran in the manner and in the circumstances described here please go ahead. I do not think I can do it with the exception of perhaps walking. I much prefer my iPod nano with the earplugs to listen to some nice qirat/recitation during my jogging.

Another hadith quoted in these discussions is:

The Messenger of Allaah said, “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it”(Al-Bukhari).

This cannot be called memorisation by any stretch of imagination. As a matter of fact this is the real goal of Quran.

It is argued that “Whoever memorizes Qur’aan and acts upon it, Allaah will reward him and honour him greatly for that, so that he will rise in status in Paradise to a level commensurate with what he memorized of the Book of Allaah.” The evidence quoted:

Al-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawood narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’aan: Recite and rise in status, recite as you used to recite in the world, for your status will be at the last verse that you recite.” This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, after which he said:

It is suggested that the phrase “companion of the Qur’aan” in this Hadith refers to one who memorizes it by heart.

Another hadith of the Holy Prophet quoted in defense:

“The one who knows more Qur’aan should lead the people in prayer”.

The phrase “who knows” in the hadith is interpreted as “meaning the one who has memorized the most.” It is stated that the status one achieves in Jannah “will depend on how much was memorized in this world, not how much one will recite on that day as some people imagine”. However a caveat and rightly so is added: “This clearly points to the virtue of the hafiz who has memorized the Qur’aan, but that is subject to the condition that he memorizes it for the sake of Allaah, not for worldly purposes or financial gain. Otherwise the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Most of the hypocrites of my ummah are among those who have memorized Qur’aan.”

A hadith from Al-Bukhari and narrated by Sayyida Ayesha is quoted to define the status and virtue of a Hafiz: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The likeness of the one who reads Qur’aan and memorizes it is that he is with the righteous honourable scribes. The likeness of the one who reads it and tries hard to memorize it even though it is difficult for him, he will have two rewards.”

It is suggested that the Qur’aan will intercede for the Hafiz on the Day of Resurrection as per the following hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Fasting and the Qur’aan will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, ‘O Lord, I deprived him of food and desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ The Qur’aan will say, ‘O Lord I deprived him of his sleep at night, so let me intercede for him.’ Then they will both intercede for him.” Narrated by Ahmad, al-Tabaraani and al-Haakim; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’,

Another hadith which the author himself concedes as “a weak (da’eef) hadeeth” is quoted to show a special status of the Hafiz: “The bearer of the Qur’aan, if he regards what it permits as halaal and what it forbids as haraam, he will intercede for ten of his family members on the Day of Resurrection, all of whom deserved to enter Hell.” narrated by al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Eemaan from Jaabir; it was classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in Da’eef al-Jaami’.

My comment: The Hadith is clearly suggesting that he understands and practices what he has memorised.

Two ahaadith are quoted in favor of Memorisation. Please note the ahaadit mention “recitation” and “carrier of the Quran” but the conclusion drawn is memorisation:

Aboo Moosaa al-Ash'aree reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "Part of Showing glory to Allaah is to show respect to a white-haired Muslim, and a carrier of the Qur'aan who does not exaggerate in it (i.e., overstep its bounds) nor ignore it (i.e., leave it), and a just ruler" (Aboo Dawoood).

The parents of the memorizer also will be rewarded according to some ahaadith.

Another hadith quoted talks of reading the Quran, learning it and acting on it. This is what the Quran dictates and endorses our approach. This is not just memorisation:

A number of ahaadith quoted in defense of memorisation refer to “learns the Quran and teaches it”, “recites”, “one who read it and practiced it”. This again is laudable; it is not simply memorisation:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it”. (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Ibn 'Amr reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "There is no cause to be envious except in two cases: (the first is of a) person whom Allaah has taught the Qur'aan, and he recites it in the day and night, and one of his neighbours hears him and says, 'Woe to me! I wish I had been given what he has been given, then I would do what he is doing! (The second is of a) person whom Allah has blessed with wealth, and he spends it in good causes, so a person (who sees him) says, 'Woe to me! I wish I had been given what he has been given, then I would do what he is doing!" (al-Bukhaaree).

It was narrated that Abu Umaamah al-Baahili said:“I heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) say: ‘Recite the Qur’aan, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection to intercede for its companions. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqarah and Soorat Aal ‘Imraan, for they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds or two shades or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Soorat al-Baqarah for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.” (Muslim: 804, Al-Bukhaari).

Aboo Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "The Qur'aan will be brought on the Day of Judgement, and it will say, 'O My Lord! Adorn him (the one who read and practised it)!' So he will be adorned with the crown of glory and honour . It will then say, 'O My Lord! Increase this!' So he will be clothed with the clothes of glory and honour. Then it will say, 'O My Lord! Be pleased with Him! So He (Allaah) will be pleased with him. It will be said, 'Recite! And rise!' and every verse he recites will bless him with a good deed" (at-Tirmidhee)

Hadrat Ali’s narration very clearly brings out the real issue. It is not simply memorisation but it is acting on the text that matters:

So the memorizer of the Qur'an has to follow the lawful and keep away from the prohibited to be granted Jannah. This is exactly our point of view. Comprehension of the Text, its Practice and Performance is primary and foremost. Memorisation will then support and fortify.

........and Allah knows best.

May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.

Dr. Khalid Mitha

FOOTNOTES

(1) Surah 2/269

يُؤتِي الحِكمَةَ مَن يَشاءُ ۚ وَمَن يُؤتَ الحِكمَةَ فَقَد أوتِيَ خَيرًا كَثيرًا ۗ وَما يَذَّكَّرُ إِلّا أُولُو الأَلبابِ

(2) Surah 102/8

ثُمَّ لَتُسأَلُنَّ يَومَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعيمِ

(3) Surah 39/28

قُرآنًا عَرَبِيًّا غَيرَ ذي عِوَجٍ لَعَلَّهُم يَتَّقونَ

The PPK Muslims (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgable)

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Hifz or Memorisation of the Holy Quran; It’s conception/misconception and exaggeration/embellishment By Us, the Muslim Ummah