The recitation of the Quran is another significant and virtuous act during the blessed month of Ramadan, as one of the distinguishing features of this month is that the Quran was revealed in it. Almighty Allah says: “شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ” Translation: The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed—a guidance for mankind, with clear proofs of guidance and a criterion [to distinguish between right and wrong].
There is no clearer proof of the importance of Quran recitation in this month than the statement of Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), who said: “Jibril would come to the Prophet (PBUH) every night in Ramadan and review the Quran with him.”
This narration indicates the recommendation of frequent Quran recitation during these blessed days and nights, so that the reciter may attain the reward that Almighty Allah has promised for those who recite His words and devote themselves to His Book. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever recites a single letter from the Book of Allah will receive one good deed, and each good deed is multiplied by ten. I do not say that ‘Alif, Lam, Meem’ is one letter; rather, ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Lam’ is a letter, and ‘Meem’ is a letter.”
Reciting the Quran brings light and blessings into a person’s life and grants immense rewards. The Prophet (PBUH) advised Abu Zarr (MABH) to regularly recite the Quran, saying: “Hold firmly to the recitation of the Quran, for it will be a light for you on earth and a treasure for you in the heavens.”
On the Day of Judgment, the Quran will intercede for its reciters and serve as a means of salvation from Allah’s wrath and the Hellfire. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Recite the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its companions on the Day of Judgment.”
The Dedication of the Righteous Predecessors to Quran Recitation
The righteous predecessors (Salaf) always gave special attention to the recitation of the Quran. Whenever Ramadan arrived, they would free themselves from all other engagements and devote themselves entirely to reciting the Quran.
Anyone who studies the lives of the Salaf will realize the immense dedication and deep attachment they had to the Book of Allah. They engaged in its recitation day and night. Some of them completed the entire Quran in three nights. Aswad al-Nakha’i (MABH) completed the Quran every two nights during Ramadan. Qatadah (MABH) completed the Quran once every seven nights. It is narrated that Imam al-Shafi’i (MABH) completed the Quran twice every day in Ramadan. It is also reported that whenever Imam Malik ibn Anas (MABH) entered Ramadan, he would stop teaching hadith and attending scholarly gatherings, dedicating himself solely to reciting the Quran from the Mushaf.
Similarly, it is said that Imam al-Bukhari (MABH) would gather his companions on the first night of Ramadan, lead them in prayer, and recite twenty verses in each rak’ah until he completed the entire Quran.
Undoubtedly, the most valuable moment in a believer’s life is the time spent with the Book of Allah—holding it in their hands, reading its verses, contemplating its meanings and structure, pondering its clear signs and evidence, reflecting on the wonders of its words and compositions, and drawing lessons from the stories of past and future generations. Through the Quran, they gain awareness of the rewards prepared for the righteous believers and the painful punishment awaiting the defiant and sinful.
By 