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Name
Omar
- Australia
Profession
Question
I am living in Australia and the nearest Islamic Center is 30 kilometers far away. I cannot speak Arabic at all and I am enthusiastic to learn some parts of the Qur'an in Arabic especially during Ramadan. Could you please tell of other ways to learn the Qur'an other than attending the Mosque or the Islamic Center?
Answer
Hello Omer,
Assalamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your question.
There are a number of websites that will help you learn the Holy Qur’an as well as Arabic language now. You can access them.
I have read in some article that the salaf used to make many khatmahs (full recitation of the whole Qur'an) in Ramadan. some of them used to do a full kahatmah every day. They used to concern themselves only with the Qur'an in the blessed month. My Question is: since it is difficult for many of us to do so and to have enough time to do so; which should take priority: reading many khatmahs or focusing on the meaning and reading less khatmahs with reflection and understanding?
Answer
Hello Zumurud,
Thank you for your question.
It is understandable in today's busy life that many people may find it difficult to read the whole of the Holy Qur'an once in a month. But during Ramadan (the month of the Qur'an) we must try our level best to spend time for reading and studying the Qur'an, which is Allah's speech.
As for the second part of your question: I think it is better that you spend time to study the Qur'an with as much attention as you can pay rather than somehow read through the whole of it in a perfunctory manner.
So, focus on the meaning of the verses, and try to learn some part of the Qur'an by heart too.
May Allah help you and guide you in your efforts!
Name
Bashir Sultan
- Nigeria
Profession
Question
Assalam alaikum, Respected Scholar in Islam. Kindly share more lights on the responsibilities of rich citizens over the poor during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Allah Hafiz
Answer
Hello Basheer,
Wa`alikum as-salam,
Thank you for your question.
Indeed one of the several objectives of fasting during Ramadan is to feel the pangs of hunger and thirst. You know this is particularly relevant to those who have enough and more to feed themselves.
Besides, charity is an attribute that Allah Almighty likes Muslims to cultivate as He is the Most Generous and the Most Bounteous of all. Similarly, the Prophet's generosity increased in Ramadan, and Ramadan is the month of the Book of Allah as well as generosity to the poor more than any other time. When Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "What is the best charity for the sake of Allah (sadaqah)?" the Prophet replied: "A charity given in Ramadan (sadaqatun fi Ramadan)." [Tirmidhi]
Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur'an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah waxed faster than the rain-bearing wind. (Bukhari and Muslim).
The Prophet also said: "He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as the fasting person will, without decreasing from the fasting person's rewards." [Ahmad].
And Allah Almighty says:
"Those who spend their wealth by night and day, in secret and in public, shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve" (Al-Baqarah 2:274).
"By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give freely from that which you love. And whatever you give, Allah knows it well" (Aal-`Imran 3:92).
Remember Zakah or giving to charity in the prescribed manner is one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Rich Muslims must, after paying for their own basic needs, see that a fixed portion of their wealth and income is paid towards Zakah. This is a way of purifying our wealth, and it increases its value, and causes us to recognize that everything we have is a trust from Allah. This is obligatory payment incumbent on the rich.
In addition to this, rich people have a duty to spend money for the poor and the helpless, as well as for the common good in every other possible way to the maximum possible extent. This is voluntary charity called sadaqah.
So, during the month of Ramadan rich Muslims have a duty of fasting like all others, plus a further duty of spending money and resources to feed the unfortunate people who are deprived of their homes, their livelihood etc.
Remember that, today out of the total number of refugees in the world, about 60% are Muslims! And what pious Muslim can eat to his fill comfortably and not remember those unfortunate souls?
Indeed it is a real test of our Iman.
And Allah knows best.
Name
Mohamed
- Canada
Profession
Translator
Question
Some companions and successors of the Prophet used to focus their worship in Ramadan exclusively on the recitation of the Qur'an over and over. Do you think a contemporary Muslim could do the same if he/she wishes, or he/she should be more proportionate in worship?
Answer
Hello Mohamed,
Thank you for your question.
As for the portion of the Qur'an to be read in a month, there is some indication in the division of the Qur'an into 7 hizbs by some companions, and the later division of the Qur'an into 30 juz'.
That is to say, the minimum time to be taken to read through the Qur'an is 7 days, IF possible. It could be more. And the optimum time is 30 days for completing it.
As far as modern people like us are concerned, it is better that we aim at reading the Qur'an with the intention of studying the meanings and pondering over them; as well as thinking out and planning on how we can practice Allah's commandments in our life.
Anyway, during Ramadan, even busy people should set apart time for studying the Qur'an.
It is always better that we quickly read through when we have no opportunity for concentration; and ponder over the verses, when we can bring ourselves to devoting more attention and time to the Book of Allah.
In today's circumstances, if we take about 20-30 minutes a day, we may be able to finish reading the Qur'an in a month's time, of course depending on our style of reading.
But we should find time for reading the Qur'an slowly and pondering over its meaning.
You know the best way to remember God is by reading the Qur'an, and so we must arrange our businesses in such a way that we have enough time to read the Holy Qur'an and ponder over its verses.
May Allah bless us and guide us all!
Name
Dawud kh
-
Profession
Question
Some people say that it is risky to try to understand the Qur'an on your own or even to try to reflect on the verses you read since you should a well-versed scholar to do so. What is your opinion dear sheikh? Does not this opinion deprive Muslims from many benefits and go against the teachings of the Qur'an itself.
Answer
Hello Dawud,
Thank you very much for your question.
Basically I agree with your opinion in the matter.
Allah Almighty has said repeatedly and emphatically:
"And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?" (Al-Qamar 54: 17)
It is Allah Who created us and He will guide whom He wants to the Straight Path.
So, I don't think it a good idea, if you are always looking for a competent scholar to help you with the interpretation of the Qur'an, while Allah has given you sufficient intelligence and imagination to read and understand the Qur'an. Of course if a good scholar is easily accessible, it is all right to consult him. But for that reason alone, one may lose a great deal of opportunity for getting close to his Creator on his own and directly deriving benefit from Allah Who is "closer to him than his jugular vein". (Qaf 50: 16)
And I don't think no one can give you the kind of insight you are likely to get by approaching the Qur'an in the proper way; as only Allah can give you that kind of insight. [Allah knows best.]
Always you must start reading the Qur'an as Allah Himself has commanded, i.e by seeking refuge with Him from Satan the Rejected.
In this matter, you may read an excellent book: "Way to the Qur'an" by Khurram Murad - availabe online: http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Books/KM_W2Q/index.htm
May Allah bless you and guide you!
Name
Muhammad Assad
- Saudi Arabia
Profession
Student
Question
Asalam o alaikum,
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to write to you, I am a fan of your articles on interfaith dialogue.
I want to ask you , that I m not good at reading Quran , I cant read with fluency. I hardly can complete half of Quran in Ramadan , now how shall I approach it in Ramadan?
Thank you .
May Allah reward you
Remember me in your prayers
Answer
Hello Muhammad Assad,
Wa`alaykum As-salam,
Thank you for your question.
First of all, please understand that those who take extra efforts to read the Qur'an and study it, (because of some problems)- such people get double rewards from Allah the All Merciful.
And always remember to pray to Allah for His help and guidance before you start reading.
Allah is Wise and All-knowing and He can see into your heart how much sincerity you have in learning the Qur'an; how much sincerity you have in seeking the Guidance of Allah in your affairs etc.
So go ahead and learn the Qur'an sincerely and do your best in the matter of ordering your life in accordance with Allah's commandments.
The rest does not matter.
And Allah knows best.
Name
Tariq
- Algeria
Profession
Accountant
Question
How could Muslims give up some of the bad habits that unfortunately came to be associated with Ramadan such as over-eating and excessive watching of TV?
Answer
Hello Tariq,
Assalamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your question.
It is really unfortunate if overeating is a bad habit associated with Ramadan. Because the very purpose of Ramadan is defeated by overeating. How can the month of fasting be a month of feasting, unless people want to subvert the very purpose of Ramadan?
You know Ramadan is a month of self-restraint and purification. If people do not give up their usual habits of wasting time and overindulgence, their giving up food and drinks during day time loses its meaning.
This is what the Prophet meant when he said: "There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep."
So, we must take care; we must be on our guard so that we imbibe the true spirit of Ramadan and do all the `ibadah in the best possible manner with the utmost sincerity. It all depends on our Iman.
May Allah help us and guide us aright!
Name
Ikrami Hasana
-
Profession
Question
Is there any Englih books you recommend for learning the basics of approaching the Qur'an properly?
Also, is there any English books of the Tafseer of the Qur'an Editorlanation of the Qur'an) that you recommend?
Answer
Hello Ikrami,
Assalamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your question.
For learning about how to approach the Qur'an, you may read
their social and spiritual status? Any ideas for Muslim centers and Masjids in the West? Jazak
Answer
Hello Hasan,
Assalamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your question.
At present there is a great deal of misunderstanding and misinformation about Islam and Muslims prevailing in the west.
There are a number of Muslim centers and organizations who do excellent work by way of clearing the misunderstandings in the minds of Non Muslims about Islam. Alhamdu lillah.
They adopt different methods and programs for this purpose, and they are to some extent successful in their efforts.
There can be quite novel methods in organizing activities for Islam, I think. For instance, we can make more use of the Qur'an. People in the west are interested in beautiful Qur'an recitations and artistic presentations of Calligraphy, for instance. This is one way of drawing people to the Qur'an so that they will study it in a better light.
Another way is to conduct Qur'anic exhibitions where people come to see old copies of Qur'an written in different styles, sizes etc.
There can be permanent places worthy of visiting and spending time by the side of important freeways or highways: people can be provided with the kind of ordinary facilities like Rest Areas with additional attractions providing glimpses of Islamic culture: you can think of what to include.
Another way is to organize Qur'an and Science Lectures, Video shows etc, aimed at educating the west of Allah's Book.
I have a feeling that we Muslims do not make sufficient use of the Qur'an in our da`wah. There is no harm in making use of modern technology for publicity and propagation, if we take care to avoid the unsavory aspects of those techniques, such as the use of spin and hype.
Just stick to the truth and appeal to the goodness of people; and avoid confrontation at any cost. Try to tell them most diplomatically what they are missing when they ignore the guidance of God given in the Book of Allah. Or draw their attention to the way the truth differs from misinformation, etc.
The Qur'an can be put to good use, insha Allah. That is what I mean.
Allah knows best.
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Answer
Finally, we would like to thank our guest for speaking to Islamonline viewers today, and we also thank all those who participated in this dialogue. We request our readers to join us in the upcoming sessions.
