Part 18

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¢... And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.

A mu’ min not only believes in the Qur’an as a comprehensive guide, but also follows its commandments and heeds its prohibitions.

Unlike previous scriptures, Allah has guaranteed to preserve the Quran. He did not entrust this task to human beings, but rather promised that He Himself would protect it. Allah (4%) says,

indeed, it is We Who sent down the message [the Qur’an], and indeed, We will be its guardian.) (Quran 15: 9)

A testimony to the truth of this is that the Qur’an has been preserved in both written and oral form. The written book has never been altered, and millions of people around the world have memorized the Qur’an by heart.

The purpose and goals of revelation include teaching the creation about Allah, His oneness and His attributes. It answers the basic questions of humans such as “Who is my Creator and God?”, “What is my relationship to Him?” and “Why did He create me?” This knowledge can never be learned from any other source. The more one knows about Allah, the more one will love and fear Allah, while hoping for His all-encompassing mercy and forgiveness.

-Connecting children to revelation

Children should learn to love the Qur’an, Allah’s speech and revelation to humankind. This love is connected to one’s love for

126 The books and revelation

Children should have the correct belief that the Qur’an is revealed from Allah and that it is the speech and word of Allah. They should have no doubt that everything stated in the Qur’an is true and perfect. They should be pleased with it and submit to it completely. They must understand that to ridicule, doubt or reject even one verse of the Qur’an is a very serious matter. In fact, rejection of one verse of the Qur’an entails negation of belief in Allah’s revelation.

Respect and reverence for the Qur’an should be taught from a young age, through modelling and direct instruction. Children should learn the appropriate manners for reciting the Qur’an. This includes choosing the proper time for recitation, particularly when one will be free from distractions and interruptions. A proper place and atmosphere for recitation should also be chosen, such as a special place in the home where one is less likely to be disturbed. They should sit in a way that gives respect to the Qur’an, including facing the direction for prayer. It would be appropriate to make ablution and the proper intention before reading. And one should always seek refuge from Satan, as mentioned in the Book:

4So when you recite the Qur’an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy]. (Quran 16; 98)

Love of the Qur’an must not be only with the heart and tongue, but also shown in actions toward the Qur’an. Children should recite, study, and memorize the Qur’an on a regular basis. Memorization of

> A reliable hadith narrated by Al-Bayhaqi and Abu Nu‘aym

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Along with recitation and memorization, children should begin to study explanations of the Qur’an to comprehend the meaning of the verses. Recitation has limited benefit without the understanding that must accompany it. It is for this reason that it should be read under the most appropriate circumstances for learning. The purpose of reading the Qur’an is to ponder over it and to absorb the wisdom and guidance that it contains, as Allah (#) mentions,

> Bukhari * Bukhari > Bukhari and Abu Dawood

128 The books and revelation

Some scholars even say that reading less of the Qur’an with concentration and understanding is better than reading more while not comprehending. The goal should be to understand, believe completely, and then apply it in one’s life.

It must be made clear that the Qur’an should be given full attention while reading, as this was the method of the Prophet (3). When the reader comes across a verse regarding a matter or an order that they have not fulfilled properly, they should ask Allah for forgiveness and assistance to improve in this aspect. When s/he reads a verse concerning Allah’s mercy, s/he should respond by asking Allah for such mercy. When Allah’s punishment is mentioned, s/he should seek refuge in Allah from that. Reading in this manner will increase faith in one’s heart. The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and they rely upon their Lord.} (Quran 8: 2)

Learning the Arabic language, of course, is an absolute necessity and an obligation upon parents to teach their children. A person can never truly connect with the Qur’an without knowing and understanding its language of transmission. Translations of the meanings of the Qur’an are useful, but fall short in conveying the beauty, intensity, and magnificence of the Arabic text. Arabic is a unique language that is superior to any other language in the world. It is an honour for Muslims to be blessed with such an incredible gift. A

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child who learns this language from birth will carry the gift throughout his or her lifetime.

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by an authentic hadith in which ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ood said, “When one among us learned ten verses, he would not go beyond them until he knew their meanings and he acted upon them.” Parents, of course, - provide the best model in this regard.

Teaching your child the Qur’an means that you are giving them the greatest blessing of a lifetime. It will set them apart from other people and make them special in the eyes of Allah.

tye 4B ahs 5 a5 Gee KG Uy aly indeed, We have sent down for you a Book in which there is your honour and distinction [for the one who follows it]. Will you not then