The Virtue of the Quran
Learning and teaching the Holy Quran holds great significance in Islam. Masruq Ibn Ajda narrates that when Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA) mentioned Abdullah Ibn Masood (RA), he said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Learn the Quran from four people: Abdullah Ibn Masood, Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah, Ubayy Ibn Ka’b, and Mu’adh Ibn Jabal” (Bukhari Sharif, Volume 2, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3758). This hadith indicates that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) placed immense importance on the education of the Quran and encouraged his companions to learn it from specific individuals.
The Virtue of Teaching the Quran
Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (RA) narrates that Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) sent some gold to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) from Yemen. The Prophet (PBUH) distributed it among four individuals. This act symbolized that virtue is granted based on knowledge. When a person objected, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Do you not trust me, even though I am the trustee of the One in the heavens?” (Bukhari Sharif, Volume 2, Book of Expeditions, Hadith 4351).
The Virtue of Reciting the Quran
Al-Bara Ibn Azib (RA) narrates that before the arrival of the Prophet (PBUH) in Madinah, he learned Surah Al-Ala (Bukhari Sharif, Volume 2, Book of the Virtues of the Quran, Hadith 2995). This hadith shows that the education of the Quran had begun even before the Prophet’s arrival and that the recitation and education of the Quran were integral parts of the lives of Muslims.
The Teaching of Quranic Prayers
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) used to teach his companions supplications in the same manner as he taught them the Quran. He would say: “O Allah! We seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell, the torment of the grave, the trial of the Dajjal, and the trials of life and death” (Muslim Sharif, Volume 1, Book of Travelers’ Prayers, Hadith 1909).
The Status of the Quran
Umar Ibn Khattab (RA) asked Nafi Ibn Abd Al-Harith who the governor of Makkah was. Nafi replied: Ibn Abza. Umar asked: Who is Ibn Abza? Nafi said: One of our freed slaves. Umar said: “You have appointed a freed slave as the governor of Makkah?” Nafi replied: “He is knowledgeable in the Book of Allah (the Quran) and practices its obligations.” Umar then said: “Your Prophet (PBUH) said: Allah elevates some people through this Book and lowers others” (Muslim Sharif, Volume 1, Book of Travelers’ Prayers, Hadith 1934).
The Virtue of the Surahs of the Quran
Abu Dharr Ghifari (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best among you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Volume 1, Book of Prayer, and Hadith 1454).
Acquiring Knowledge of the Quran
Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best among you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it” (Jami’ Tirmidhi, Volume 3, Book of the Virtues of the Quran, Hadith 3154).
The Greatness of Reciting the Quran
Abdullah Ibn Masood (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that ‘Alif Lam Meem’ is one letter, but ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Lam’ is a letter, and ‘Meem’ is a letter” (Jami’ Tirmidhi, Volume 3, Book of the Virtues of the Quran, Hadith 3158).
The Virtue of Teaching the Quran
Jundub Ibn Abdullah (RA) narrates that once we were with the Prophet (PBUH) as young boys. We learned faith before we learned the Quran, then we learned the Quran which increased our faith (Sunan Ibn Majah, Volume 1, Book of the Sunnah, Hadith 64).
The Importance of Teaching the Quran
Anas Ibn Malik (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Among people, some are the special servants of Allah.” The people asked: “O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), who are they?” The Prophet (PBUH) said: “They are the people of the Quran who are the people of Allah and His special servants” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Volume 1, Book of the Introduction, Hadith 220).
The Virtue of Reciting the Quran
Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Acquire knowledge of the Quran and recite it. The one who learns the Quran, recites it, and stands in prayer with it is like a container filled with musk, spreading its fragrance all around” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Volume 1, Book of the Introduction, Hadith 222).
The Greatness of Reciting the Quran
Abdullah Ibn Amr (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best among you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Volume 1, Book of the Introduction, Hadith 217).
The Virtue of the Protectors of the Quran
Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Some people from my nation will recite the Quran, but it will not go beyond their throats, and they will leave Islam just as an arrow passes through the prey” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Volume 1, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 176).
The Benefit of Knowledge of the Quran
Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best among you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Volume 1, Book of the Introduction, Hadith 218).
Summary of the Importance of Teaching the Quran
Learning and teaching the teachings of the Quran is a great blessing not only for Muslims but for all of humanity. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of reciting, learning, and acting upon the Quran repeatedly. Those who learn and teach the Quran are considered the best among people. We should recite the Quran, seek its knowledge, and act upon its teachings to succeed in this world and the hereafter.
