The month of Ramadan is upon us, the month in which the Qur'an was first revealed. It is only natural that there should be a connection between Ramadan and the Qur'an. This connection is beyond what we can imagine it to be.
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an, {The month of Ramadaan, in which was revealed the Qur'an} (Chapter 2, verse 186)
This relationship is deep and it should extend to us. During this month we should utilize our time to read the Qur'an and ponder upon its meanings, and take lessons from it.
Moreover, the Night of Decree or the Night of Power, Laylatul Qadr, the specific night on which the Qur'an was revealed, occurs during this month. As Allah says, {We sent it down on a blessed night.}
The knowledgeable companion, Ibn Abbas, was of the opinion that the entire Qur'an was revealed on that night and descended to Bayt-Al-Izzah. To emphasize the strong the relationship between the month of Ramadan and the Qur'an, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to study the Qur'an profusely during Ramadan.
Ibn Abbas reported, “Jibril would come to him (peace be upon him) every night and he would study the Qur'an with him.”
Many scholars say this was the time when the Prophet (peace be upon him) would learn the tafseer, or the meanings of the verses of the Holy Qur'an. Not only should the Qur'an be read in the Taraweeh prayers and in the late night prayers, it should be recited throughout the day of the fast, and if one is capable at night too.
In comparison to the early Muslims before us and the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), our state is pitiable, and shameful. Uthman ibn Affan used to recite the entire Qur'an in a single rak'ah in prayer, whilst Imam Shafi'i used to recite it sixty times in the month of Ramadaan. Just to note; these narrations are true!
We have become disconnected from the Qur'an, and it is reflected in our state as a Muslim nation; an ummah. As an ummah we have little or no standing, we bicker amongst ourselves, and are equivalent to prey for the hunters. This is because we have neglected the words and commands of Allah, and as a result sealed a fate of continuous downfall. It is only when we reconnect with the Qur'an and obey the commands of Allah, can we gain honor and restore our dignity.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke of a people who will distance themselves from the Holy Qur'an, as is evident in the following verse. {And the Messenger has said, “O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur'an as a (thing) abandoned.”} (Chapter 25, verse 30)
Imagine the greatest of all people, the Messenger who we claim to follow, bearing witness against us, that we were neglectful in our duty towards this Qur'an! What more motivation do we need for us to change our ways? Many of us struggle to recite the entire Qur'an once in Ramadaan, yet this is a time when the Muslims before us would halt their usual daily routines, in order that they may secure the benefits and rewards of this month. They understood the value of Ramadan, and how it affects one's statues in the Hereafter. They understood that this month has high significance, and they utilized every second of it. They would prepare months before its arrival, mourn its passing, and make duaa to live to see the next one. How amazing were they! And how far we have strayed from their ways!
The stories of the salaf and their connection with the Qur'an are endless, and perhaps beyond our scope, though we should aim to imitate them. The question remains, what can we do to establish that broken link?
First of all we need to change the perspective that we have about Ramadan. Many of us miss the essence of fasting and Ramadan, because we are only geared up for iftaar! We can barely wait until the muadhin says, “Allahu Akbar”. All some of us can think about is food! Millions of people are dying on a daily basis from lack of nutrition, and here we are a few hours without food, and our minds cannot think about anything else.
Our focus and attention must shift away from food towards more worship: reading the Holy Qur'an praying, remembrance of Allah, and supplication. A heightened level of worship should last for the whole month of Ramadan, and even after Ramadan.
Learn the value of Ramadan. Fasting helps the believer increase their taqwah, which means to be conscious of Allah or to fear Allah. Contemplate on the meanings of the Qur'an. When one is hungry and thirsty, the heart is softer, as arrogance and pride diminish and humility is enhanced. Hence, the heart is more receptive. The verses of the Qur'an will have a more profound impact on the heart, which will result, in more taqwah and more good deeds. Remember the importance of the Qur'an in this month, and also throughout the year. For who can get enough of the Speech of Allah?
You need to establish a close companionship with the Holy Qur'an. Allow the Qur'an to penetrate your heart, and reach the depths of your soul. Recite it so that it will be an intercessor for you on the Day of Judgment.
May Allah grant us the rewards and blessings of Ramadan, and may Allah allow us to become companions of the Qur'an.
