Unlocking the Sacred Script: Why Everyone, Even the Uninitiated, Should Embrace the Journey of Quranic Literacy

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In the pursuit of religious education, a fundamental question often arises for both students and educators alike: Why should we endeavor to read the Quran in Arabic when the Prophet himself was illiterate? Addressing this inquiry is crucial, not only for personal edification but also for fostering a collective zeal for Islamic scholarship. Without a profound understanding of the 'why,' learners may find themselves adrift, lacking the inner drive to overcome the inherent challenges of acquiring a new skill— especially one as sacred and demanding as Quranic literacy.

This discussion seeks to illuminate the path for those embarking on this spiritual journey and share with you the importance of Quranic Literacy. We delve into the reasons why every individual, regardless of their starting point, should aspire to not only read but also attain fluency in Quranic Arabic. We bring to light compelling evidence and hadiths that serve as steadfast beacons, offering guidance and inspiration to both novices and seasoned students of the Quran. Join us as we explore the transformative power of embracing this journey, a voyage that promises to enrich your soul and connect you to the timeless wisdom of the Quran.

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Addressing the two groups of Questionnaires : The Critics and The Students of Knowledge

When we receive questions, it's important to understand where the questioner is coming from. There are two main groups to consider:

1. Critics or the Disinterested: Some people ask questions not to seek knowledge, but to criticize, spread negativity, or avoid worship. They may feel a sense of emptiness for not pleasing Allah but choose to stay comfortable in their disbelief.

2. Seekers of Knowledge: Others ask questions with a genuine desire to learn and understand more about their faith.

Let's focus on the first group. These individuals may question things like, "Why should we bother reading the Quran when there are easier good deeds?" They may claim belief in Allah and the Last Day, yet their actions do not reflect true faith. In response, we can reflect on a verse from the Quran, that reminds us to speak the truth and let people choose whether to believe or not:

وَقُلِ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ فَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيُؤْمِن وَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيَكْفُرْ ۚ إِنَّآ أَعْتَدْنَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ نَارًا أَحَاطَ بِهِمْ سُرَادِقُهَا ۚ وَإِن يَسْتَغِيثُوا۟ يُغَاثُوا۟ بِمَآءٍۢ كَٱلْمُهْلِ يَشْوِى ٱلْوُجُوهَ ۚ بِئْسَ ٱلشَّرَابُ وَسَآءَتْ مُرْتَفَقًا

[Surah Al-Kahf : 29]

" And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.' Indeed, We have prepared for the wrongdoers a fire whose walls will surround them..."

It's important to remember that the Quran doesn't depend on us; Allah doesn't need us to read His book. We are free to choose our actions. No amount of teachings can inspire someone who has closed themselves off from Allah and His guidance.

The second group includes those who seek knowledge and yearn for a deeper connection with Allah and His Prophet. They may be students facing challenges in their learning journey, feeling stuck or questioning if it's worth the effort to become proficient in reciting the Quran in Arabic. With God’s will, the verses and Hadith I'll share with you in the later parts, will help to inspire you to start learning how to read and to persevere in mastering the beautiful recitation of the Quran in Arabic. So, let us embark on this inspiring journey together!

So firstly, I have never asked the question why I should recite the Quran in arabic. In fact it is too natural for me to even desire to be good at it. I always looked up to those who are capable of reciting and understanding it in great depth. For example… *ehem Yasser Dossari, Imam Sudais, Saad Al Gharmadi, Noureen Siddiq. (May Allah shower all of the Qari with blessings). Ever since I was a child I have always felt that way. I was only faced with this question when I became a teacher myself.

I was asked by my brother, who is also currently a teacher, the question and I was left astonished. It has never crossed my mind. I had no answer. I finally realize my biggest flaw as a teacher. It is the fact that I have no answer for this question that would be able to satisfy my students. My brother asked me, why must a person recite the Quran? Couldn't he just do lots of prayer and zakat, and be nice to people, read the translation to understand the qQran? I find myself agreeing but oddly enough, I find those trains of thoughts to be wrong too. But I still have no answer. I spent months and months pondering over this question. Until a few months ago, I had finally figured it out. 

The answer to the golden question of why you should read the Quran in Arabic is :

“why not?”

Let me explain it further. When we really think about it, the majority of us have lived a good and precious life. Drowning in unending favors of Allah SWT. The favors of sight, smell, hearing, thoughts, sleep are all unpayable favors that we have been given from Allah himself. These are literally just favors given to our head. I haven't even gone on to the favors given to our body, hands and feet . the way our internal organs function, the position of the heart, ribcage, right down all the way to the position of the anus. All of these were perfected for us. But have we shown enough appreciation towards it? As Allah SWT says beautifully

فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

[Surah Ar-Rahman : 13]

“ Then which of your Lord’s favors will you ˹humans and jinn˺ both deny? ”

This verse in Surah Ar-Rahman has been repeated over more than 20 times alluding to the fact that humans and jinns were ungrateful for the favors of Allah SWT. I find this to click with the question. I mean, after all the favors Allah has done for us, we can’t take 30 minutes a day to learn His Book? After all the provision that has been provided, we couldn't take time to learn our master's words in its original form? We find it pointless? Thus I humbly believe anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should find it desirable to learn to recite Allah's words in its pure form. Another point I would make would be Reciting or listening to the Quran with others brings so many rewards! From my research, I discovered some amazing benefits, but there are probably even more rewards out there that I couldn't find due to the limitations placed on me.  So let’s dig up this treasure trove with me!

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Benefits of Quranic Recitation In Arabic

1. Every letter will be credited with a ten-fold reward -
   

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter." 

[At-Tirmidhi, collected by  Imam An-Nawawi in Ridayh as-Salihin hadith number 999]

The Quran, by reciting it itself grants an immense amount of good deeds. And as a basic understanding, more good deeds would translate into an easier time entering heaven as good deed covers up evil deeds as Allah SWT says in the Quran

وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ طَرَفَىِ ٱلنَّهَارِ وَزُلَفًۭا مِّنَ ٱلَّيْلِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلْحَسَنَـٰتِ يُذْهِبْنَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ذِكْرَىٰ لِلذَّٰكِرِينَ

[Surah Hud : 114]

“ Establish prayer ˹O Prophet˺ at both ends of the day and in the early part of the night. Surely good deeds wipe out evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful."

Also from the hadith of the Prophet pbuh, narrated by Abu Dharr Jundub ibn Junadah, and Abu Abdur-Rahman Muadh bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with them). The Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"Have taqwa (fear) of Allah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people."

[Hadith 18, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi]

*Related by at-Tirmidhi, who classified it as a hasan (good) hadith.

In some copies, it is stated to be a hasan sahih (authentically good) hadith.

2. Calms the busy heart -

The Quran itself is considered as a remembrance of Allah and so is its recitation. Allah swt says in the Quran 

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ

    [Surah Al Hijr : 9]

 “ It is certainly We Who have revealed the Reminder, and it is certainly We Who will preserve it. ”

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ 

[Surah Ar-Ra'd : 28]

“those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.”

This is one of the benefits I understood completely and experienced without realizing. Before I took Islam seriously, I was an avid guitar player. I played and learned loads of songs by heart and would listen to them regularly after school. After every heartache / stress / pain / mentally shut down moments, I would play my guitar to release the tension. Guitar was my escape from life,  even after I learnt Islam seriously, I still have a hard time leaving music away. But one day, when I was listening to music, I decided to deeply explore my feelings and thoughts, with the intention to compare it to the Quran.

What I find most interesting is that, even for sad songs, I find that the truth behind listening to music is to actually pump up the heart. My heart was on fire while relating to the music. It feels less calm but rather more drugged up. It is as if you are taking a cough syrup and drowning inside it. 

It was intoxicating... 

But listening to the Quran , my heart slowed down, as if it was sitting down after a tiring working day. You will truly find yourself at peace when you give up what you are doing to just sit and listen to it.

3. Will be on the ranks of angels -

There is a Hadith as follows: A'isha reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (as saying):

"One who is proficient in the Qur'an is associated with the noble, upright, recording angels; and he who falters in it, and finds it difficult for him, will have two rewards."

 [Sahih Muslim 798a]

As simply stated in this hadith, those who are proficient will be with the angels. You will be in the company of purity and righteousness. What a better company can we ask for? Imagine being in a state of problem and surrounding you, are angels asking du’a to Allah swt for you?

What other better friend can we have?

Even when you are not fluent at it, you will get twice the amount of good deeds than that of an avid reader. Allah made it a win-win situation for all of us; those who are seeking and those that are already fluent in recitation.

4. The promise of paradise -

وَمَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ

[Sahih Muslim 2699a]

“ He who treads the path in search of knowledge,

Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him"

Here Allah promises the path to paradise to be made easy for those who seek knowledge. This is a great favor from Allah regarding those who are seeking any form of knowledge, even as basic as learning how to read the Quran. Thus it is something all Muslims should look forward to. Unless you do not want to enter heaven. 

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Conclusion

Those are the benefits which I found compelling and enough for a student to strive and persevere in learning the Quran. But if you do not find it enough, then simply know that recitation itself is a commandment from Allah swt. As Allah says in the Quran:

ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ 

[Surah Al ‘Alaq : 1]

“ Read, ˹O Prophet,˺ in the Name of your Lord Who created. "

وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا

[Surah Al-Muzzamil : 4]

“ Recite the Quran ˹properly˺ in a measured way. "

Allah SWT commanded the prophet himself to recite and the believers to recite. So know that a believer should take great importance on a matter which Allah himself has commanded. Verily every action that we do shall be questioned and every question shall be heavy for the heart. Do not be of those who stand on the day of resurrection with a heart filled with regret.

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How Do We Apply These Lessons In our Lives?

Simply, just start learning. Once you have experienced the taste of it, all of these hadith and Quranic Verses will start to light up inside of your heart and you will begin to understand the feeling of peace as mentioned.

But it is impossible for those who have closed themselves off to taste it. That is why I began by describing the two groups of people. Those who close themselves off, and those who seek knowledge. Always remember, should you be sincere in seeking the Quran, Allah will always be with you and rewarding you.

You will never understand the sweetness of a candy until you eat it yourself. You will know it's sweet, but you will not understand how sweet. Similarly for the Quran.

Allah knows Best.

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