Ramadan & Completing the Quran

Ramadan and rewards go hand in hand. The mention of Ramadan brings charity and Quran to our minds.

Allah (SWT) mentions in the Quran that:

The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. (Quran 2:185)

The holy Quran was revealed to us in the month of Ramadan and on the night of Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree). This  led to the practise of fasting during the day and devoted prayers and worships during the night. It is necessary to know about the essentials in reciting Quran during Ramadan and easy ways to complete it.

Is Quran Recitation in Ramadan Obligatory?

Reciting the Quran during Ramadan is not wajib (compulsory), but surely it is mustahab (recommended). Completing Quran during Ramadan bring abundant rewards to Muslims.

Quran recitation during Ramadan is not only confined to Tarrawih prayers at night, but rather we should optimise the whole day to read Quran!

It is reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: Jibreel used to review the Quran with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) once every year, and he reviewed it with him twice in the year in which he passed away. (Al-Bukhaari (4614))

Quran as a Practise

In this era where time is never enough for anyone, most Muslims hardly find time to read the Quran. Sadly, it has merely become an adornment on the shelves. However, Ramadan brings the divine opportunity to bring ourselves closer to Allah (SWT) through Quran. Reciting the Quran does not merely read without an understanding, but rather a good study and contemplation over the wise words of Allah (SWT). While the Arabic speaking Muslims can seek the help of Tafsir, those who does not speak Arabic can resort to an authentic translation of Quran.

It is mentioned in the Quran that:

[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded. (Quran 38:29)

It is best if every Muslim makes a niyyah (intention) to start reciting the Quran or complete the entire Quran within this month, but this niyyah can be quite challenging for those ‘busy bees’. So here we provide with some simple steps to complete the Quran in Ramadan.

5 Simple Steps to Complete Quran in Ramadan

• Make an Intention

Make a goal to complete reciting the Quran during the Ramadan, purely for pleasing Allah (SWT) and obtaining more rewards. Remind yourself often about your intention because this alone works as a great encouragement.

• Make a Plan

Not every one of us have the same schedule. Fix a time slot for reciting Quran alone, when you are absolutely free of other chores. Eg: After work, when kids are asleep, before you start iftar preparations, early morning after Fajr etc.

After a day or two of practicing your plan, you will realize the feasibility of your schedule. Review, amend and implement again! Also, will you believe if I said, “Read just 2 pages of Quran before and after prayers and you’ll finish the whole Quran in Ramadan”.

• Study and Contemplate

Read each verse of Quran, study its’ meaning and contemplate on the divine message revealed. Reciting Quran with understanding makes you more consistent rather than reciting it without an understanding.

• Seize Every Moment

During Ramadan, try your best to seize every moment to recite the Quran. It does not mean hours and hours of recitation which can be quite difficult for those with a busy schedule or new Muslims who are just learning, but rather recite consistently.

• Be Consistent

Do not compromise your time with the Quran for any reasons, especially during Ramadan. Once you have drawn out your plan, try your best to work accordingly.

Conclusion

Ramadan is a blessed month yearly. We can indulge more in reciting Quran to receive immense rewards and get closer to Allah (SWT). This can be quite easy for some, and a challenge for others. Easiest steps to complete Quran is making an intention, drawing up a plan, realizing it, and remain consistent!