[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In our previous blog posts, we highlighted how the Quran was ultimately revealed as a source of guidance for the whole of humanity, governing our everyday actions and relationships with those around us, allowing us to increase in God-consciousness. In this next blog post, we will explore the many blessings and merits of specific ayats in the Quran and how these can be used to fill our lives with endless amounts of Barakah.
“(This is) a Book (the Quran) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.”[38:29]
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest blessings of the Quran is that when recited in the correct manner whilst reflecting on the meaning and acting upon it, the Quran changes the life of an individual for the better. However, we often forget this and instead limit the beautiful ayats of the Quran to the walls and doors of our homes, thinking we can reap the blessings by using the Quran as a form of adornment alone.
Just as healthy food has to be consumed to extract the numerous vitamins and minerals, the Quran has to be recited and incorporated into our daily routine in order to fill our lives with countless amounts of Barakah and blessings.
A form of protection
The custom of displaying Quran ayats in order to ward off evil is very common in many Muslim communities. However, if we look into the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we find clear evidence that actually reciting specific Surahs from the Quran, including the last three Surahs; Surat al-Ikhlas, Surat al-Falaq, and Surat al-Nas; and the last verses from Surah al-Baqarah, hold powerful protective properties.
A’isha (May Allah be well pleased with her and her father) said, “Each night when the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) retired to his bed he would gather his hands together, puff in them, and then recite in them [Surat al-Ikhlas, Surat al-Falaq, and Surat al-Nas] and then wipe over with his hands whatever he could of his body, beginning with his head and face and the front of his body. He would do this three times.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
The Prophet was also known to recite the last verses of Surah al-Baqarah at night as a form of protection, which some interpretations of the hadith mentioning that it is adequate enough for a believer to read these last verses at night without the need to engage in the night prayer.
It was narrated that Abu Mas’ood al-Badri (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The last two verses of Surah al-Baqarah, whoever recites them at night, they will be sufficient for him.” Narrated by Bukhaari, 4008; Muslim, 807. al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “With regard to the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ‘they will be sufficient for him,’ it was said that it means they will suffice instead of praying qiyaam al-layl; and it was said, they will suffice him against the Shaytaan, or against harm. It may be understood as meaning all of these things.’”
A shining beacon of light
Friday, Jumu’ah, is regarded as a very blessed day for Muslims and considered like Eid whereby we are encouraged to make ghusl and adorn our best clothes for Jumu’ah prayers. Part of our Jumu’ah routine should focus on reciting Surah al-Kahf, and authentic Hadiths highlight that one of benefits include having a light stretching out between them and the Kabah!
Narrated by Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri who said: “Whoever reads Surah al-Kahf on the night of Jumu’ah, will have a light that will stretch between him and the Ancient House (the Ka’bah).”
From the time we wake up to the last thing we do at night before resting our head on the pillow, the Quran should become an intrinsic part of our lives. Then and only then, will we find our lives filled with endless amounts of Barakah!
In the next blog post, we will focus on effective methods to connect and reflect with the Quran, despite Arabic not being the native language for many of us.
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