Foreword
Translation:
Translation: All praise be to Allah Ta’ala Who created man, gave him the gift of speech and revealed the Qur-aan Shareef to him, which is a source of advice, healing, guidance and mercy for those who have Imaan. The Qur-aan Shareef contains nothing that is doubtful or crooked. It is absolutely straight, an authority and Noor (enlightenment) for the believers. Abundant Salawaat and salaam be on Rasulullah ﷺ (blessing and peace from Allah Ta’ala be upon him), the person who is the best of all creation, whose Noor illuminated the hearts of the living and their graves after death, whose appearance was a bounty for the whole universe. Peace be upon his descendants and Sahaabah, who are the stars of guidance and propagators of the Qur-aan Shareef, and also upon all the Muslims.
Translation: After this praise and salaam, I (the author), Zakariyya, son of Yahya, son of Isma’il, state that these hurriedly written pages contain forty Ahaadith (Plural of Hadith, sayings of Nabi ﷺ ), which, I have collected on virtues of the Qur-aan Shareef, in obedience to such Foreword people whose words are law for me and following those people is most valuable to me.
One of the special favours of Allah Ta’ala, which He blessed the Madrasah of Mazahir-ul-Ulum, Saharanpur with, has been the annual jalsah (gathering) of this Madrasah for the purpose of briefly mentioning the progress of the Madrasah. For this jalsah at the Madrasah, not much effort is made to invite speakers, preachers and the famous people of India, but more attention is paid to invite men whose hearts are full of love for Allah Ta’ala and the Mashaaikh (saintly people) who prefer to live unknown. Those glorious days have passed when ‘Hujjat-ul-Islam’ (a title meaning a great authority on Islam) Moulana Muhammad Qaasim Nanotwi Saahib رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ and ‘Qutbul Irshad’ (a title meaning a great servant) Hadhrat Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi Saahib (nawwarAllahu marqadahu) used to honour this jalsah with their presence and enlighten the hearts of all who attended. The scene has not yet disappeared from the eyes when the spiritual descendants of those revivalists of Islam, Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , Hadhrat Shah Abdur Rahim Raipuri رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , Hadhrat Moulana Khalil Ahmad Saahib Sahaaranpuri رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , and Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi Saahib (NawwarAllahu marqadahu) used to assemble at the annual jalsah of the Madrasah. Their presence was a fountain source of life and noor for deadened souls and quenched the thirst of those who sought the love of Allah Ta’ala. Although the present annual jalsah lacks the noor of such sources of guidance, the pious people who succeeded them still honour these jalsahs with their presence and enrich the audience with bounties and blessings. The people who attended the jalsah this year are witnesses to this. Only those who possess eyes that see, can experience the noor, but people like us who cannot see also feel something unusual. At the annual jalsah of this Madrasah, if a person comes to listen to polished speeches and forceful lectures, perhaps he will not return so happy as one whose heart seeks spiritual upliftment.
Translation: “All praise and thanks are for Allah Ta’ala.”
This year, on 27th Zul Qadah 1348 Hijri, Hadhrat Shah Haafiz Muhammad Yasin Naginwi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ had visited the Madrasah. His coming was like a shower of affection and kindness and I can not adequately thank him for this. As he is one of the Khulafaa of Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , there is no need of mentioning his fine qualities of devotion and piety and his Anwaaraat (Plural of ‘Noor’ enlightenment and blessings). When this jalsah was over, he returned home and honoured me with a kind letter asking me to compile forty Ahaadith regarding the virtues of the Qur-aan Shareef and send them to him along with their translations. He also wrote to me that if I did not carry out his wishes, he would ask the successor to my Shaikh, my respected uncle, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas Saahib رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , to order me to fulfill his request. He made it known to me that he certainly wanted me to do this job. Incidentally, I received that honoured message when I was out on my travels and my uncle was present (at Saharanpur). On my return, my uncle gave me this letter, ordering me to carry out this task. Now, there was no way I could make any excuses nor could I plead that I was unable to carry out this task. Although I had an excuse that I was busy with the commentary of ‘Mu’atta’ (a book of Ahaadith) of Imam Maalik رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , I had to postpone that work for a few days and comply with this urgent request. I beg for forgiveness for my shortcomings because I am incapable.
Translation:
Translation: .ضِعَافًا يُعْمَلُ بِهَا فِي الْفَضَابِلِ. فَلِلّهِ دَرُّا
Translation: Foreword
Translation: I have done it in the hope of being raised together on the day of Qiyaamah with such people who were mentioned by Rasulullah ﷺ when he said: “Whoever will preserve for my Ummah forty Ahaadith concerning important matters of their Deen, Allah Ta’ala will raise him, on the Day of Qiyaamah, as an Aalim and I will intercede on his behalf and stand witness in his favour.”
Alqami رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says that the word ‘preserve’ in this Hadith is used in the sense of securing something and guarding it against loss by either memorising it without recording it, or by recording it in black and white without memorising it. Therefore, anyone writing them in the form of a book and passing them on to others will also be included in the blessings mentioned in this Hadith.
Munaawi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ is of the opinion that “preserve for my Ummah” means reporting of a Hadith along with its chain of narrators. According to some, “preserve” includes even those who are reporting it to other Muslims without memorising it or even without knowing its meanings. The expression “forty Ahaadith” has been used in a general sense, i.e., these Ahaadith may be all sahih (authentic), hasan (correct) or even da’if (weak) to the degree that can be acted upon because of their virtues.
Allahu Akbar! (How great Allah Ta’ala is!). Many are the facilities provided in Islam. Commendable indeed has been the role of the Muhadditheen and Ulama who took great pains to explain the finer points or meanings of various expressions. May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with perfection in Islam.
It is important to note that whenever I have quoted a Hadith without mentioning the name of the book, it should be considered to have been taken from one of the five books, viz. Mishkaat, Tanqih-ur-Ruwat, Mirqaat, Sharhul-Ihyaa and At-Targhib of Imaam Munziri, on which I have relied and from which I have drawn extensively. Whenever I have quoted from any other book, the reference has been mentioned. It is necessary for the reader of the Qur-aan Shareef to respect the Qur-aan.
Before proceeding further, it is necessary to mention some of the requirements of respect for reading the Qur-aan Shareef because we admit that;
Translation: “One who is devoid of respect is deprived of Allah Ta’ala’s special favour.”
In brief, the essence of all the rules of respect is to consider the Qur-aan Shareef as the words of Allah Ta’ala, Whom we worship, and as the Word of One Whom we love and seek. Those who have experienced love will know how worthy of respect a letter or the speech of the beloved is. The delight caused by such a communication is beyond all rules and laws of teaching love because, as it is said:
Poetic Translation: “Love itself will teach one the rules of conduct in love.”
While reading the Qur-aan Shareef, if we attempt to imagine the real beauty and limitless bounty of our Beloved Allah Ta’ala, our hearts will feel the immense love of Allah Ta’ala. At the same time, the Qur-aan is the Word of the Master of all masters and the commands of the King of all kings. It is the law set out by the most powerful King, Who remains unequalled forever. Those who have served at the courts of kings know by experience, while others can only imagine the extreme awe inspired Foreword by the king’s orders. The Qur-aan Shareef is the word of our Beloved Rabb, Who is also the Supreme King. We should therefore read the Qur-aan Shareef with the feelings of love and awe. Whenever Hadhrat Ikrimah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ opened the Qur-aan Shareef, he would become unconscious and fall down. He would then say:
Translation: “This is the Word of my Allah! This is the Word of my Allah!”
The above-mentioned incident briefly explains the spirit of the requirements of respect as written in great detail by the Ulama. It will further be explained in the following paragraphs. In short, a Muslim should read the book of Allah Ta’ala not just as a servant, but as a slave in the spirit of complete humility towards his Rabb, Master and Benefactor. The Sufia have written that, if a person feels he has shortcomings in showing respect and reverence while reciting the Qur-aan Shareef, then he will continue to progress towards gaining the nearness of Allah Ta’ala. But a person who regards himself to be perfect or with pride, will not progress.
After cleaning the teeth with a miswaak and making wudhu, one should sit in a quiet place with grace and humility and face towards the Qiblah. Then, with an attentive heart, deep concentration and love, one should recite, all the time being mindful that one is reciting to Allah Ta’ala. If one understands the meaning, one should pause and reflect on the aayaat of promise and mercy and should beg Allah Ta’ala for His forgiveness and compassion. On the aayaat of punishment and warnings, one should seek His protection, as there is no Helper besides Him. On the aayaat relating to His Majesty and Greatness, one should say “Subhanallah” (Glory be to Allah Ta’ala). If one does not naturally shed tears while reading the Qur-aan Shareef, one must try to make oneself weep a little.
Translation: “For a lover, the moments of greatest pleasure are those when, in the presence of his beloved, he is shedding tears profusely due to his weakness.”
One should not read fast unless one desires to memorise it. The Qur-aan Shareef should be placed in a slightly high position on a stand or a pillow. One should not talk to others during recitation. If one is forced by necessity to speak to someone, it should be done after closing the Book, and then recite Ta’awwuz (seeking refuge of Allah Ta’ala against shaytaan), before reading again. If there are people nearby busy in their work, then it is suggested to read in a low voice, otherwise reading loudly is more rewarding. The Ulama have mentioned six external and six internal rules of respect for reading the Qur-aan Shareef which are given below:
Translation: 1. After cleaning the teeth with a miswaak, perform wudhu whilst sitting respectfully facing the Qiblah. 2. Do not read fast but rather at a medium speed with correct tajweed (pronunciation). 3. Try to weep (cry) even if you have to force yourself to do so. 4. When reading the Aayaat of mercy or of punishment, do as explained above. 5. Read in a loud voice. However, if you fear showing off or if others will be disturbed by your recitation, then read softly. 6. Read in a sweet voice because there are numerous Ahaadith that emphasise this.
Translation: 1. The heart should be full of the glory (greatness) of the Qur-aan Shareef. 2. The Qur-aan Shareef is the revelation of Allah Ta’ala, so keep in mind His Greatness, Majesty and Magnificence.
Foreword 3. The heart should be free from distractions and doubts. 4. Ponder over the meaning and enjoy reciting it. Rasulullah ﷺ once spent the whole night repeating the following aayah over and over:
Translation: “If You punish them, they are Your servants, and if You forgive them, You are the Mighty, the Wise.” (Surah Maaidah- Aayah 118)
Once, Hadhrat Sa’eed ibn Jubair رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ spent the whole night repeating the following aayah;
Translation: “And separate yourselves today (from the Mu’mineen), O you criminals!” (Surah Yaaseen – Aayah 59)
5. If you understand the meaning, you should stop and think about the Aayaat of mercy and beg Allah Ta’ala for forgiveness and compassion. On the Aayaat of punishment and warning, you should seek the protection of Allah Ta’ala, as no one can protect us except Him.
6. The ears should be made attentive as if Allah Ta’ala Himself is speaking and the reader is listening to Him.
May Allah Ta’ala, out of His mercy and kindness, grant us all the ability to read the Qur-aan Shareef with respect. Aameen.
AN IMPORTANT RULE (MAS-ALAH)
It is compulsory on every Muslim to memorise that much of the Qur-aan which is needed for performing Salaah. Memorising the entire Qur-aan is Fardh-e-Kifaayah, i.e. such an act, though obligatory, but it can be fulfilled by few individuals. If there was not a single Haafiz (may Allah Ta’ala forbid), all the Muslims would be held responsible for this sin. Mulla Ali Qari رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ has reported from Zarkashi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ that, if in a town or a village, there was no Haafiz to read the Qur-aan Shareef, the entire Muslim community of that place would be considered sinful. In this age of darkness and ignorance, when the Muslims have become misguided in respect of many aspects of Islam, it is generally considered useless and foolish to memorise the Qur-aan Shareef and a total waste of time and mental energy to repeat its words without understanding its meaning. If this was the only thing that we disliked about our Deen, then something in detail could be written about it. But today all our acts are full of faults and all our thoughts are leading us astray. For how many people should we cry and about how many should we keep complaining about.
Translation: “So to Allah Ta’ala do we complain and from Him do we seek help.”