During the sacred month of Ramadan, alongside intensifying our acts of worship and nurturing spiritual development, many Muslims aspire to read or recite the entire Quran within the 30 days of this holy period. Each year, Ramadan serves as a profound inspiration for Muslims to rekindle their commitment to the Quran. It was revealed in this month as a guide for humanity and a testament to their faith. For a considerable number of devout Muslims, the objective of completing the Quran during Ramadan stands as an annual pursuit. This endeavour not only fosters mental serenity but is also closely linked to a sense of inner calmness.
However, this aspiration is no walk in the park for most of us. Whether hindered by language barriers, a slower reading pace, or the challenge of balancing it with professional commitments, finishing the Quran in the month of Ramadan may appear daunting. Nevertheless, with sincere intention and unwavering faith, the task becomes more manageable. Here are some practical tips to facilitate this journey.
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Benefits of Reciting or Reading the Quran
Among the numerous virtues awaiting those who engage in the recitation of the Quran is the abundant reward attributed to each letter uttered. According to a hadith, narrated by ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, the Prophet s.a.w. proclaimed,
“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed receives 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.”
(Sunan at-Tirmidhi)
Another profound virtue of reading quran in Ramadan and other times vis the attainment of the status of the Best of People. Given that the words of Allah s.w.t. stand as the epitome of reminders, those who read, recite, learn, and teach His words are genuinely considered the best. As stated in a hadith narrated by ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan, the Prophet s.a.w. expressed,
“The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Then comes the experience of peace, calmness, and tranquillity.
Al-Bara’ reported an incident where a man was reciting Surah al-Kahf with a horse tethered nearby. Suddenly, a cloud overshadowed him, approaching closer until the horse became frightened. Seeking guidance, he went to the Prophet s.a.w. and recounted the occurrence. In response, the Prophet s.a.w. advised,
“Continue reciting. Verily, that was tranquillity which came down for the recitation of the Quran.”
(Sahih Muslim)
How To Finish Reading The Quran In Ramadan
A Productive Quran Reading Schedule For Ramadan
The initial stride towards realising a goal involves formulating a Quran reading plan. Commence by making a Ramadan quran reading schedule tailored to enhance the likelihood of accomplishing your objective. A widely regarded strategy for reading the Quran during Ramadan is to aim for one juz (chapter) daily. This method, while commendable for consistent daily progress, allows for flexibility in adjusting readings to accommodate individual schedules. Balancing acts of worship (ibadah) with professional commitments can be demanding, and a carefully constructed timetable serves as a motivational tool, encouraging the completion of smaller portions each day.
Establish SMART Goals
- S = Specific: Clearly articulate what you intend to do. Avoid vague statements like ‘I’ll recite some Quran.’ Instead, specify a tangible goal such as ‘I’ll read the entire Quran during the month of Ramadan.’
- M = Measurable: Incorporating measurable elements into your goals enables you to track progress easily and make necessary adjustments. This will include the strategy mentioned above; reading one juz every day.
- A = Achievable: Goals should be challenging enough to stimulate learning but not excessively difficult to demoralise. If your typical recitation capacity is 2 pages per day, avoid setting an unrealistic target like reading 30 pages daily during Ramadan.
- R = Relevant: Goals must align with your life and environment. Setting a goal like independently translating the Quran is not relevant if you lack proficiency in Arabic.
- T = Time-Bound: Establish a deadline for achieving your goal, such as the last day of the month of Ramadan. This time-bound aspect adds a sense of urgency and structure to your efforts.
Segmenting for Convenience
Efficiently managing your time doesn’t necessitate lengthy sessions; rather, it allows for a pace that suits your comfort. A juz in the Quran spans about 20 pages, providing the opportunity to read four to five pages after each prayer, completing one chapter daily. Dividing this further into five sections and reading a portion after each salah accommodates different font sizes of the text you are reading. Alternatively, an approach could involve reading two pages after every two Rakat of the Taraweeh prayers, achieving a daily total of 20 pages.
Integration into Daily Life
During Ramadan, the dynamics of our body and mind undergo a shift. Incorporating Quran reading as a regular pastime facilitates sustained motivation. While Quran completion is not obligatory, it does yield greater rewards. To seamlessly weave this into Ramadan’s lifestyle, maintain a tracker to monitor daily progress. Similar to the development of the Taraweeh prayer routine, consistent tracking transforms Quran reading into a habit.
Getting a Companion
A reading companion can significantly facilitate the journey. We’re talking about a family member, a group of individuals a Quran teacher at the mosque, online Quran classes, or a dedicated partner. Having someone to share this goal with enhances accountability and serves as an invaluable source of encouragement. Collaborating with a companion not only aids in maintaining proper pronunciation but also contributes to a more profound understanding of the holy text. Even if reading sessions are not simultaneous, staying updated on your partner’s progress and setting daily goals can further motivate both individuals.
Exploring Translations and Listening to Recitations
For those who have already completed reading the Quran in Arabic or are unfamiliar with the language, opting for English translations is a viable option. While reading the Quran in a language other than its original may lack some nuances, it adds value by:
- Allowing comprehension of teachings
- Understanding verse meanings
- Delving more into narratives
Maybe with translation, you can even have a better understanding of the absolute importance of the month of Ramadan in the Quran. Additionally, listening to recitations is a practice commonly observed in mosques after Taraweeh prayers. It complements the reading experience. It is essential to remember that while translations and recitations do not substitute for reading the Arabic text, they serve as valuable aids in developing the habit.
Can Women Read The Quran During Their Menses?
A prevailing consensus asserts that Muslim women, during their menstruation, are deemed impure. As a result, should refrain from holding, touching, or carrying a physical copy of the Quran. This understanding extends to the prohibition of reciting from the Quran during this period, potentially posing a significant challenge for those aiming to complete it within the month of Ramadan.
Some women seek alternatives. These can include using electronic versions of the Quran through websites or apps, reciting from memory, or engaging with the Quran for Tafseer, such as during a class. While other acts of worship remain permissible during this time, the inability to recite from the Quran can indeed feel like a substantial setback.
To compensate for this limitation, consider incorporating an extra 1-2 juz’ during the weekends when you’re not menstruating. Or add 4-5 pages each time you engage with the Quran. Find solace in the realisation that abstaining from these specific actions still aligns with Allah’s will.
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The Takeaway
Whether or not you manage to complete the Quran within Ramadan, there are abundant blessings in reciting the holy book. And over time, it is hoped that Quranic recitation can evolve into a regular, steadfast habit.
Online Quran teaching by our qualified teachers can always be a boost to your goal. Whenever you need help, reach out to Quran Teacher in the UK.