His Most Elect

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate 

Assalaamu alaykum 

Dear Friends 

I pray that you are well.

ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ

Recite: In the Name of thy Lord who created, [Qur'an Al-Alaq 96:1]

One should strive to recite some Qur'an everyday without fail. Reciting a juz (part) daily is the minimum amount we should strive for. A juz a day is considered to be a moderate amount. It should not be a big deal once you are used to reciting this amount every day, but it is a big deal in terms of its virtues.  

Allah has elect among His creations and people of the Qur'an are the people of Allah, His most elect. 

‘Uthman ibn 'Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others” [Bukhari]

There was a story about some men who came to question ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, during his khilafah about the leadership of Makkah, they asked, “Who do you use to govern Makkah?” He said, “Ibn Abzaa.” They asked, “And who is Ibn Abzaa?” Umar replied, “A freed slave from those we freed.” They remarked, “You left a freed slave in charge of the people of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)!?” So he answered them, “Verily he is a reader of the Book of Allah and is knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven’t you heard the statement of your Messenger: “Verily Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it.” [Muslim]

If you haven't reached to reciting a juz daily, recite whatever amount sustainable for 40 days and gradually increase to another sustainable amount for another 40 days and keep going. Don't let the Shaytan trick you into stopping by making you do too much at once or by making you think that you are doing too little. A page or two a day will amount to a lot in a week, a month or a year. The key is be consistent and don't stop.

We should strive to understand the Qur'an as we go along so we can benefit. Know the key words of the verses you are reciting and try to understand the surah you have memorized for your prayers. And keep improving. Read the translation of the verses you are reciting, if nothing else, and gradually move on to the tafsir of each surah. Always, reflect on what you are reciting and see how it applies to your life or situation.  

ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًۭى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ

This is the Book (the Qur'an), wherein is no doubt, a guidance to the godfearing. [Qur'an Al-Baqarah 2:2]

The reality of the Qur'an is the Speech of Allah. If we seek to find Allah, we will find Him addressing us in the Qur'an. Approach the Qur'an with proper outward and inward manners and strive to live by the Qur'an.

إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌۭ

...Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). [Qur'an 49:13]

The ones who are righteous are those who hold fast to the Qur'an.

 وَٱلَّذِينَ يُمَسِّكُونَ بِٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُصْلِحِينَ

As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular prayer,- never shall We suffer the reward of the righteous to perish. [Qur'an Al-'Araf 7:170]

Strive for excellence in whatever we do. Learn and recite the Qur'an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely. 

هَلْ جَزَآءُ ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنِ إِلَّا ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنُ  

Shall the reward of excellence be other than excellence? [Qur'an Ar-Rahman 55:60]

Don't let the Shaytan give you excuses not to do it--"I don't know Arabic!" or "I am not an Arab!", or "I don't have anyone to take care of my small children", "I hardly have enough sleep as it is--so busy with work/school/exams", etc. 

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

 وَمَا تَوْفِيقِىٓ إِلَّا بِٱللَّـهِ ۚ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ

And my success is not but through Allah. Upon him I have relied, and to Him I turn (repentant). [Qur'an Hud 11:88]

May Allah grant us success and make us among the people of the Qur'an. Ameen. Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.

Wassalaam