Reciting the Ever-Glorious Qur’an[1]

     Recitation of the Qur’an is an act of worship that is considered of the most sublime and has the highest rank and degree in the sight of God. In many of the Qur’anic verses, God frequently orders Muslims to recite the Qur’an. The following are some of these verses:

“Recite as much as is easy for you.” (Qur’an, 73:20)

“Keep up the prayers at the sinking of the sun to the dusk of the night and (the reading) of the Qur’an at dawn; surely the reading of the Qur’an at dawn has been witnessed.” (Qur’an, 17: 78)

“Recite the Qur’an slowly and distinctly.” (Qur’an, 73: 4)

     In addition, the Prophet Muhammad’s tradition includes many hadiths that encourage the recitation and the memorization of the Qur’an. One of these hadiths is the Prophet’s saying, “Stick to the recitation of the Qur’an, since it is light for you on earth and a treasure for you in the heavens.”[2]

     Recitation of the Qur’an is an act of worship whether the reader comprehends the meaning of the verses s/he recites or not. Nevertheless, contemplation on the Qur’anic verses during recitation is required. Therefore, Muslim scholars disapprove hasty recitation of the Qur’an and discourage finishing its reading in a period less than three days, since such rush in recitation distracts one from deep thinking and contemplation. This view is supported by one of the Prophet’s hadiths which states, “The one who reads the Qur’an in less than three days will not get proper understanding of what s/he reads”. Furthermore, the Prophet, peace and prayers be upon him, recommends Ibn ‘Ummar not to read the Qur’an in less than seven days. (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)