The Precedence of Reading the Quran in Ramadan

Abu Umama (radhiallahu anhu) said he heard Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) say:

“Recite the Quran, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It. Recite the two bright ones, Al Baqarah and Surah Ali ‘Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah 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. (Mu’awiya said: It has been conveyed to me that here Batala means magicians.)” [Sahih Muslim, Book #004, Hadith #1757]

This hadith indicates the virtues of reciting the Quran, the greatness of its reward and that it will intercede for its holders on the Day of Judgement towards their entrance into Paradise.

An-Nawwas b. Sam’an (radhiallahu anhu) said he heard the Apostle (may peace be upon him) say:

“On the Day of Resurrection the Quran and those who acted according to it will be brought with Surah Al Baqarah and Ali ‘Imran preceding them. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) likened them to three things, which I did not forget afterwards. He (the Holy Prophet) likened them to two clouds, or two black canopies with light between them, or like two flocks of birds in ranks pleading for one who recited them.” [Sahih Muslim, Book #004, Hadith #1759]

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), said:

“The fast and the Quran are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: ‘O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.’ The Quran will say: ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.’ And their intercession will be accepted.” [Ahmad]

Therefore, it is essential for the person fasting to recite the Quran much during these blessed days and honorable nights. For indeed, there is a special virtue for the abundance of recitation in these days, which is not found in any other month. He should take advantage of the nobleness of time during this month, in which Allaah revealed the Quran.

There is a special merit to reciting the Quran in the nights of Ramadan. For indeed, the night brings an end to the busy daily affairs, the enthusiasm is roused and the heart and the tongue mount upon reflecting. And Allaah is the one in whom we seek assistance.

It is reported that Jibreel used to meet with the Prophet (may peace be upon him) during each night of Ramadan and they would study the Quran together. [Sahih Bukhari, Book #54, Hadith #443]

So if making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) were better than the Quran or equal to it (on these nights), they would have done that all the time or at certain times along with constantly gathering for that occasion.

Thus, this hadith illustrates the precedence of studying the Quran during Ramadan and gathering together for that occasion as well as turning towards one who is more prominent in the memorization of it.

The predecessors of this ummah would recite the Quran constantly during Ramadan. And when they would fast, they would sit in the masaajid (mosques) and say: “We will guard our fast and not backbite anyone.”

The person reciting the Quran must observe the proper etiquettes of recitation. Some of them are that: He make his intention sincerely for Allah, that he recite it whilst being in a state of purity, that he use the Siwaak and that he recite it while pondering on its meaning and observing total consciousness. Allah says:

“A Book, which We have revealed to you in order that its verses may be pondered upon, so that the people of understanding may be reminded.”

Also, from the etiquettes of the recitation is that one does not stop his reciting in order to speak to someone else. Indeed, when many people sit to recite the Quran, and there are people sitting next to them, a majority of the time, they stop their recitation and speak to their neighbors. This is not proper since it is turning away from the recitation without a valid reason.

And it is on the one who recites, to act upon the Quran, making permissible its Halaal and forbidding its Haraam, so that the Quran can be a proof for him on the Day of Judgement and intercede for him in entering the gardens of bliss.