DEAR HĀFIZ

BY SHAYKHUL-ḤADĪTH ḤAḌRAT MAWLĀNĀ MUHAMMAD SALEEM DHORAT

ḤAFIẒAHULLĀH

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED,

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OTHERWISE, WITHOUT THE PRIOR PERMISSION OF AT-TAZKIYAH.

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EMAIL INFO@IDAUK.ORG
 DEAR HĀFIZ

Contents
Foreword iv
The Best of the Ummah 1
A Universal Principle 2
Recognise Your Value 3
The Select People of Allāh S 4
Leaders of the Community 5
6,000 Star Status 6
Who am I, What am I? 7
Valuing How We are Perceived 8
Become Special 9
The True Bearers of the Qur’ān 9
Worship of the Angels 10
Three Juz a Day 12
The Worst of Evils – Not Just for Ḥuffāẓ but also Part-Ḥuffāẓ 13
Barriers are from Shayṭān 14
Striving for Allāh S 15
Key to Success 16
Assess and Change 16
Make a List 17
Discard Sin & Futility 18
Honour or Disgrace: Our Choice 19
The Rights and Etiquettes of the Glorious Qur’ān 21
An Effective Formula for Memorising the Glorious Qur’ān 27
References 31

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Foreword

Allāh S, through His infinite Mercy and Grace, has never left
mankind without guidance. From the time of Sayyidunā Ādam u,
Allāh S has sent Divine Revelation accompanied by Messengers
to steer society out of the dangers of ignorance and sin, towards
the safety of truth and righteousness.
Whenever the message of the previous Messenger would
become distorted or lost, Allāh S would send another to
guide society back to the original pristine message. The Divine
Revelation that would accompany them would sometimes take
the form of a scripture, like the Tawrāh to Sayyidunā Mūsā u
or the Injīl to Sayyidunā ‘Īsā u, and at other times in the form
of scrolls, like those to Sayyidunā Ibrāhīm u. Irrespective of the
different forms, there was one common feature shared amongst
all the previous revelations, they were all limited and specific in
their application to a particular nation.
This sequence of revelation and Messengers, in accordance with
the Divine Plan, culminated with the revelation of the Glorious
Qur’ān to Nabī Muḥammad s; being the final scripture revealed
to the Final Messenger s sent to humanity.
No new revelation or Messenger will now be sent by Allāh S;
therefore unlike the previous revelations, the Qur’ān forms the
basis of guidance for mankind until the Day of Judgement. It is

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thus unique in its universal applicability to all nations until the

end of time.
Furthermore, if it is to be a means of salvation for the latter
generations, in the same manner as it was for the earlier ones,
it must necessarily have another distinct feature not shared by
the previous scriptures and revelations. This distinct feature is
mentioned explicitly by Allāh S Himself in the Glorious Qur’ān,
ُ َ َ َّ ْ ّ َ ْ َّ َ ُ ْ َ َّ
‫الذك َر َو ِإنا ل ٗه ل ٰح ِفظ ْو َن‬
ِ ‫ِإنا نحن نزلنا‬
‘Indeed, We have sent down the Dhikr (the Qur‘ān), and indeed We are
its guardians.’ (15:9)
For the Qur’ān to remain as a means of attaining the Pleasure of
Allāh S, withstanding the influences of time and place from the
moment of its revelation till the final day, it must remain pristine
from every aspect. The responsibility of the preservation of all
the previous revelations was left to the specific nation to whom it
was revealed. Conversely, Allāh S Himself, as stated emphatically
in the above verse, has declared Himself the Guardian of the
Qur’ān; thus promising to assume the responsibility to preserve
it.
The manner in which this promise has been honoured is
only fitting of Allāh S, the Rabb of the worlds. Such is the
comprehensive extent of the Qur’ān’s preservation that not only
have the words been preserved, but the script, the meanings and
even the pronunciation of each letter has been preserved too.
In realising this promise, Allāh S has utilised different means
and groups of people. The role of preserving its mode of recitation
has been fulfilled by the Qurrā. The meaning and message has
been protected by the ‘Ulamā. The words have been accurately

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preserved by the Ḥuffāẓ, who have committed every letter to

memory. This process began from the lifetime of Nabī Muḥammad
s and has continued unbroken, from one generation to the next,
till today. The fact that the Qur’ān has remained unaltered in
all its facets despite the passing of fourteen centuries since its
revelation is a fact even the orientalists concede in acknowledging;
and is one of its greatest miracles and proofs of Divine Origin.
Although all of these different groups of people are undoubtedly
a part of this miracle and each one worthy of admiration, there is
one group where the Intervention of Allāh S in the preservation
process is most noticeable; the Ḥuffāẓ. Often starting at a very
tender age and even more often, without understanding a single
word, students of Ḥifẓ classes throughout the world commit
over 6,600 verses to memory in such a robust and meticulous
manner that even if the written word were to ever be lost, there
are thousands of Ḥuffāẓ who could reproduce every detail of the
Qur’ān simply from their memories.
The reverence with which the Muslims hold the Qur’ān translates
into the respect and esteem the Muslims have for the Ḥuffāẓ. To
this day, every Muslim parent wishes for their child to become a
Ḥāfiẓ of the Qur’ān. Many go on to realise this wish by enrolling
their child in one of the many madāris where they will successfully
complete their memorisation of the Qur’ān, a truly monumental
achievement. Thereafter many are blessed with remaining closely
connected to the Qur’ān and retain what they have learnt till their
final breath. Sadly, however, there is a large minority who, for
whatever reason, do not maintain such a connection, forgetting
either portions, or in the worst case, the whole Qur’ān.

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Memorising the entire Qur’ān is undoubtedly a challenge.

However, retaining it is acknowledged by all as a somewhat greater
one. The dedication and commitment required to retain one’s
Ḥifẓ and the ease with which it can be lost has been eloquently
captured by Nabī Muḥammad s:

‫ �إِ ْن َعا َه َد‬،‫اح ِب ا ْل إِ�بِ ِل الْ ُم َع َّق َل ِة‬ِ ‫ َك َم َث ِل َص‬،‫اح ِب الْ ُق ْر�أ ٰ ِن‬ ِ ‫�إِنَّ َما َم َث ُل َص‬
‫ َو�إِ ْن �أ ْط َلق ََها َذ َه َب ْت‬،‫َع َل ْي َها �أ ْم َس َك َها‬
‘The likeness of the one who memorises the Qur’ān is that of the
owner of a hobbled camel. If he looks after it, he will hold on to
it, but if he lets it free, he will lose it.’ 1
And in another narration:

‫س ُم َح َّم ٍد بِ َي ِد ٖه لَ ُه َو �أشَ ُّد َت َفلُّ ًتا ِم َن‬ ٰ

ُ ‫ َف َوالَّ ِذ ْي نَ ْف‬،َ‫َت َعا َهد ُْوا ٰه َذا الْ ُق ْر�أن‬
‫ا ْل إِ�بِ ِل ِف ْي ُع ُق ِل َها‬
‘Look after this Qur’ān (through regular recitation), for, by the One in
Whose Hand is the soul of Muḥammad, it is more likely to escape than
a hobbled camel.’ 2
A busy lifestyle, sins, laziness, a lack of motivation, not being
able to formulate a realistic and effective routine or simply not
recognising the value of what one has been blessed with are just
some of the reasons a Ḥāfiẓ may lose connection with the Qur’ān
and ultimately forget it.
The booklet in your hands is a transcript of a lecture delivered
by the respected Shaykh in Portugal in 2010 on the occasion of a
Ḥifẓ completion ceremony. The Shaykh has, with great eloquence
and heartfelt persuasion, set out to tackle all of the reasons

1 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, kitāb: ‫ فضائل القر�أٰن‬chapter: ‫ استذکار القر�أٰن و تعاهده‬Ḥadīth: 5018

2 ّ chapter: ‫ ال�أمر بتعاهد القر�أٰن بکثرة التّلاوة‬Ḥadīth: 790
Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, kitāb: ‫الصلاة‬

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mentioned above which lead to neglecting one’s Ḥifẓ. He looks

to instil recognition of the value of the blessing bestowed upon
a Ḥāfiẓ, to acknowledge one’s responsibility towards the Qur’ān
and thereafter to devise a realistic and practical method through
which one can re-learn what has been forgotten and ultimately
fulfil this responsibility.
Whenever society would slack in its relationship with its
Creator, the Messengers u - the shepherds of humanity - would
gently coax the people back on to the Straight Path, with love and
concern for their wellbeing. As mentioned above, no Messenger
will now be sent, thus Allāh S has put a safeguard in place that
performs the duty of the Messengers u; to ensure any danger
facing the correct understanding and implementation of Dīn
does not go unchecked, rather it is addressed and corrected in
the most appropriate of manners. This safeguard is the ‘Ulamā. It
is for this reason Rasūlullāh s has said,

‫�إِ َّن الْ ُع َل َم َاء َو َر َث ُة ا ْل�أنْ ِب َیا ِء‬

‘Indeed, the ‘Ulamā are the inheritors of the Ambiyā.’ 3
The ‘Ulamā inherit the mission and role of the Messengers u
along with all the internal and external qualities required to fulfil
this role, such as knowledge, piety, an acute consciousness of the
Hereafter and most importantly, a burning sense of concern and
responsibility for the ultimate wellbeing of every individual in
society.
The respected Shaykh is a living commentary of this beautiful
Ḥadīth. Adorned with the Prophetic character, a piercing intellect,
a disarming humility, an instinctual consideration for others,

3 Sunanut-Tirmidhī, kitāb: ‫ العلم‬chapter: ‫ ما جاء في فضل الفقه علی العبادة‬Ḥadīth: 2874

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fiercely loyal yet deeply forbearing and someone who despite

an intense timetable has the ability to make every visitor, young
and old, feel they were honoured with time and attention. Muftī
Muhammad Salman Mansurpuri ṣāḥib ḥafiẓahullāh described
him as ‘an embodiment of sincerity’. Regarding his lofty standard
of adab, Mawlānā Qamaruz-Zaman ṣāḥib ḥafiẓahullāh once
commented that if someone wanted to learn adab, he should
go and observe the respected Shaykh. Ḥakīm Akhtar ṣāḥib v
has described the Shaykh’s ability to discover and maximise the
potential within others as,
‘Even if he were to put his hands in soil, he would pull out gold.’
However, perhaps his most striking quality is his almost
tangible heartfelt yearning that the correct understanding of Dīn
is not only conveyed to every individual, but is also practically
implemented in their lives. This yearning has translated into the
respected Shaykh dedicating night and day to the service of the
Dīn; setting up a full time dārul-‘ulūm, a post maktab further
education institute and several other pioneering initiatives,
leading to the likes of the Shaykhul-Ḥadīth of Darul-Uloom
London, Muftī Umar Farooq ṣāḥib ḥafiẓahullāh, describing him
as a manifestation of continuous striving and enthusiasm.
Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā Yūsuf Ludhyānwī ṣāḥib v, after witnessing
first-hand the genuine concern and feeling of responsibility the
respected Shaykh had for the Ummah, said,
‘He is my beloved. I am no longer anxious about what will happen to
the Ummah after my demise.’
It is with this very concern for the Ummah, and the trend of
general neglect towards the Qur’ān, and in particular on the part

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of some Ḥuffāẓ, that led to the topic and contents of this lecture
being inspired by Allāh S to the respected Shaykh. We ask Allāh
S to grant it acceptance.
Having mentioned the above, I feel it increasingly inappropriate
for someone such as myself to be writing anything connected
to this noble work. However, through it, I hope and pray Allāh
S will bring about a positive change in my life and grant me a
connection to the respected Shaykh’s mission and concern.
Finally, may Allāh S guide all those who read this booklet, allow
us all to be a part of the preservation of the Qur’ān and accept all
the efforts of the respected Shaykh hafiẓahullāh, lengthening his
shadow over us with good health so that we may benefit from
him for many years. Āmīn.

‘Excellent in ‘ilm (knowledge) and excellent in

‘amal (practice). These were the people because of
whom afflictions were prevented. These were the
people due to whom adversaries would be brought
to their knees. These were the people through
whose blessed existence barakah (blessings)
would descend. These were the aṣḥābul-Qur’ān
(people of the Qur’ān), these were the bearers of
the Qur’ān.’
Shaykhul-Ḥadīth, Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā
Muhammad Saleem Dhorat ḥafiẓahullāh

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R
‫ َفقَا َل َر ُس ْو ُل اللّٰ ِه َصلَّى اللّٰ ُه َع َل ْي ِه‬:ُ‫ �أ َّما َب ْعد‬،‫ن َْح َم ُد ٗه َون َُصلِّ ْي َون َُسلِّ ُم َعلٰى َر ُس ْولِ ِه الْ َك ِر ْي ِم‬
‫ �أ ْو َک َما َقا َل َصلَّى اللّٰ ُه َع َل ْي ِه َو َسلَّ َم۔‬،)‫ َخ ْي ُركُ ْم َّم ْن َت َعلَّ َم الْ ُق ْر�أ ٰ َن َو َعلَّ َم ٗه ( َر َوا ُه الْ ُب َخا ِر ُّي‬:‫َو َسلَّ َم‬
‫ ُس ْب َحانَكَ َلا‬،‫َر ِّب ْاش َر ْح لِ ْي َص ْد ِر ْي َو َي ِّس ْر لِ ْي �أ ْم ِر ْي َو ْاحلُ ْل ُع ْق َد ًة ِّم ْن لِّ َسانِ ْي َي ْف َق ُه ْوا َق ْولِ ْي‬
،‫ اللّٰ ُه َّم انْ َف ْع َنا بِ َما َعلَّ ْم َت َنا َو َعلِّ ْم َنا َما َي ْن َف ُع َنا‬،‫ِع ْل َم لَ َنا �إِ َّلا َما َعلَّ ْم َت َنا �إِنَّكَ �أنْ َت الْ َع ِل ْي ُم الْ َح ِك ْي ُم‬
‫ اللّٰ ُه َّم‬،‫ َيا �أ ُّي َها الَّ ِذ ْي َن اٰ َم ُن ْوا َصلُّ ْوا َع َل ْي ِه َو َسلِّ ُم ْوا َت ْس ِل ْي ًما‬،‫�إِ َّن اللّٰ َه َو َملَائِ َك َت ٗه ُي َصلُّ ْو َن َع َلى ال َّن ِب ِّي‬
‫ َو َعلٰى �أٰلِ ٖه َو�أ ْص َحابِ ٖه َو�أت َْب ِاع ٖه َو�أ ْز َو ِاج ٖه َو ُذ ِّر َّياتِ ٖه‬،‫َص ِّل َو َسلِّ ْم َو َبا ِر ْك َعلٰى َس ِّي ِدنَا َو َم ْو َلانَا ُم َح َّم ٍد‬
It is indeed a great privilege and honour to be in the company
of those people who have memorised the ultimate Word of Allāh S,
the Glorious Book of Allāh S, the Noble Qur’ān. Rasūlullāh s
has mentioned countless virtues regarding those who read the
Qur’ān, memorise the Qur’ān or a portion of it, and thereafter
understand and bring into practice the teachings of the Qur’ān.

The Best of the Ummah

One such Ḥadīth narrated by Imām Bukhārī v, on the authority
of Sayyidunā ‘Uthmān t, is:

‫َخ ْي ُركُ ْم َم ْن َت َعلَّ َم الْ ُق ْر�أ ٰ َن َو َعلَّ َم ٗه‬

‘The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur’ān and teaches it.’ 1

1 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, kitāb: ‫ فضائل القر�أٰن‬chapter: ‫ خیرکم ّمن تعلّم القر�أٰن و علّمه‬Ḥadīth: 5014

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Reflect over these words of our Beloved Nabī s. The creatures

of Allāh S are innumerable; there are so many creatures that
live in the oceans and jungles which we are not even aware of.
From amongst all these creatures of Allāh S, the human has been
declared ashraful-makhlūqāt (the most noble of all the creatures).
And from amongst the humans, the best group is our Ummah, the
Ummah of Muḥammad s. Alḥamdulillāh. And the best from our
Ummah are those who learn and teach the Qur’ān. They are the
cream of humanity.

A Universal Principle
What a great honour it is that Allāh S granted us the opportunity
and tawfīq (Divine ability) to enrol at a madrasah and become
a Ḥāfiẓ of the Qur’ān. We need to study and thereafter reflect
upon the virtues of this great blessing in order to recognise and
appreciate our own value. If we fail to value ourselves, then we
should not expect others to value us.
This principle applies to everything in life. For example,
imagine I have a very expensive mobile phone which I leave lying
around. Now if I was to give it to someone who was aware of my
carelessness regarding it, do you think he will value it? Of course
not; he will also be equally careless. However, if this person was to
have observed that this mobile phone is something which I regard
as very dear, and it is something I look after with much care, he
will also look after it with great care and due consideration. Thus,
until we ourselves do not realise the value of what we have been
blessed with, we cannot expect anyone else to appreciate its
great value.

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Recognise Your Value

Once, on a visit to Pakistan, the great Shaykh, Shaykhul-Ḥadīth
Mawlānā Muḥammad Zakariyyā ṣāḥib v, was invited to Dārul-
‘Ulūm Karachi. He was requested to impart a few words of advice
to the students and the teachers.
Dārul-‘Ulūm Karachi is one of the most renowned dārul-‘ulūms
in the world, with thousands of students and dozens of teachers.
At the time of the visit by Shaykhul-Ḥadīth v, the Dārul-‘Ulūm
was blessed with great scholarly figures amongst its staff, the likes
of Muftī Shafī‘ v and Mawlānā Saḥbān Maḥmūd v. In addition,
Shaykhul-Ḥadīth v himself was renowned for being an expert
in the Islamic sciences, with a particular mastery in the science
of Ḥadīth.
In such a scenario, one would have expected Shaykhul-Ḥadīth v
to deliver a very intricate and extensive academic lecture, the
norm when ‘Ulamā visit academic centres. However, the lecture
of Shaykhul-Ḥadīth consisted of just one remarkable sentence.
He delivered no formal khuṭbah, no introductory words, no
discussion and no concluding comments. All he uttered was,
‫ِب‬
!‫اطل وملع! اینپ دقر اچہپون‬
‘O students (of sacred knowledge)! Recognise your value!’ 2
This is what we, as Ḥuffāẓ of the Qur’ān, must do. We must realise
our value. We must recognise the immense value we hold in the
Eyes of the Creator Himself, never mind the creation.

2 Iṣlāḥī Khuṭbāt, part 7, p.104

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The Select People of Allāh S

Rasūlullāh s has said,

َّ ‫�أ ْه ُل الْ ُق ْر�أ ٰ ِن ُه ْم �أ ْه ُل اللّٰ ِه َو َخ‬

‫اص ُت ٗه‬
‘Those dedicated to the Qur’ān are truly the friends of Allāh and His
special ones.’ 3
Ahlul-Qur’ān (People of the Qur’ān) includes all those who
have a close association with the Qur’ān. It includes the Ḥāfiẓ
who memorises the Qur’ān, the ‘Ālim (Islamic scholar) who
understands the Qur’ān and those individuals who, despite not
having memorised or formally studied the meaning of the Qur’ān,
recite it frequently in abundance. However, each one of these
groups of people can only be classed as ahlul-Qur’ān (people of
the Qur’ān), in its true sense, when they combine this precious
bond of theirs with practice upon the teachings of the Qur’ān.
Consequently, we may have a person who has memorised the
entire Qur’ān or has such knowledge of the Qur’ān that he can
lecture for hours on tafsīr (commentary of the Qur’ān), or recites
the Qur’ān in great quantity, or is a world renowned Qārī (expert
in Quranic recitation), but due to not practising upon it, none of
them will be considered to be from the ahlul-Qur’ān in its true
sense.
In order to be included amongst the ahlul-Qur’ān, a person
must:
1. Read the Qur’ān regularly with tajwīd (correct pronunciation),
fulfilling all the requisites of recitation;
3 Musnad Aḥmad, kitāb: ‫الصحابة‬ ّ ‫ مسند المکثرین من‬chapter: ‫مسند �أنس بن مالك رضي اللّه تعالی عنه‬
Ḥadīth: 12292; Al-Mustadrak ‘alaṣ-Ṣaḥīḥayn, kitāb: ‫ فضائل القر�أٰن‬chapter:
‫ �أخبار في فضائل القر�أٰن جملة‬Ḥadīth: 2072

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2. Memorise as much of the Qur’ān as possible and keep it

committed to memory through regular recitation;
3. Understand the message of the Qur’ān from authentic reliable
sources;
4. Practice upon the teachings of the Qur’ān; and
5. Endeavour to share this message with others to the best of
one’s ability.
It is such Ḥuffāẓ who are the ahlul-Qur’ān and it is such Ḥuffāẓ
who are classed as the special people of Allāh. In other Aḥādīth,
each of these individuals have been given the title of ḥāmilul-
Qur’ān (bearer of the Qur’ān) and ṣāḥibul-Qur’ān (person of the
Qur’ān).

Leaders of the Community

Shaykh Fuḍayl ibn ‘Iyāḍ v has said:

‫َحا ِم ُل الْ ُق ْر�أ ٰ ِن َح ِام ُل َر�أْ َي ِة ا ْل إِ� ْسلَا ِم‬

‘The bearer of the Qur’ān is the flag bearer of Islām.’ 4
The bearer of the Glorious Qur’ān is indeed a leader of the
Muslim community because he is from the special people of
Allāh S. If somebody reveres him due to the Qur’ān, then in
reality he has revered Allāh S, as the Qur’ān is the Word of
Allāh S. On the contrary, the Ummah has been severely warned
against dishonouring and disgracing him. Being the Ḥuffāẓ of the
Qur’ān, we, alḥamdulillāh, are part of this blessed group.

4 Ḥilyatul-Awliyā wa Ṭabaqātul-Aṣfiyā, part 8, p.92

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If we have a valuable jewel which is kept in a small box, we

will also look after the box as it contains the jewel. As a result of
the jewel, the box also becomes valuable. On the contrary, if the
jewel is not inside, the box is usually discarded, having no value
of its own; it only remains valuable as long as the jewel is inside
it. Similarly, as long as the Qur’ān remains in our hearts, Allāh S
will look after us in this world and the Hereafter.

6,000 Star Status

For a Ḥāfiẓ there is honour in this very world; there will be honour
at the time of death and in the grave; and great honour on the
Day of Qiyāmah when Allāh S will say,

‫ َف إِ� َّن َم ْن ِزلَكَ ِع ْن َد �أ ٰ ِخ ِر �أ ٰ َي ٍة‬،‫ َو َرتِّ ْل َك َما كُ ْن َت تُ َرتِّ ُل ِفي ال ُّدنْ َيا‬، ِ‫ َوا ْرتَق‬،ْ‫اِ ْق َر�أ‬
‫َت ْق َر ُؤ َها‬
‘Read and ascend (the steps of Jannah) and read slowly (with tajwīd)
as you used to recite in the world; for where you finish reciting will be
your abode.’ 5
Shaykhul-Ḥadīth Mawlānā Muḥammad Zakariyyā ṣāḥib v,
explaining this Ḥadīth, says, ‘It appears that the steps of Jannah
(paradise) are proportionate to the number of verses in the
Qur’ān. The more verses a person preserves in this world, the
higher the level of Jannah he will attain.’6 This view is supported
by other Aḥādīth.
We can understand this point by considering the star rating
of hotels. Just as hotels receive a star rating according to their
standard, Jannah also has different levels based on standards.

5 Sunanut-Tirmidhī, kitāb: ‫ فضائل القر�أٰن‬Ḥadīth: 3136

6 Faḍā’il-e-A‘māl, p.279

6
 DEAR HĀFIZ

The rating is proportionate to the number of the verses of the

Qur’ān. Thus, there will be a level of Jannah that has a rating of
more than 6,000 stars, inshā’allāh!
When it will be said to the Ḥāfiẓ of the Qur’ān read and continue
ascending, if he reads one verse he will become deserving of the
“one-star” Jannah, if he reads a second verse he will become
deserving of the “two-star” Jannah, if he reads a third verse he
will become deserving of the “three-star” Jannah. If he is able to
read the whole Qur’ān he will enter the highest level of Jannah. A
Ḥāfiẓ’s status in Jannah will therefore be according to where he
stops reciting the Qur’ān.

Who am I, What am I?
This is why it is important we recognise and acknowledge our
value. From time to time, once a month or even once a week, we
need to ask ourselves, ‘Allāh S has been so kind to me that He
has made me a Ḥāfiẓ of the Qur’ān, a ḥāmilul-Qur’ān, a ṣāḥibul-
Qur’ān, I am from the ahlul-Qur’ān; am I fulfilling the rights of this
blessing?’
We need to reflect, ‘How do people perceive me? How am I
viewed by people around me? When people come to know that
I am a Ḥāfiẓ of the Qur’ān, how do they treat me? They respect,
revere, and honour me as they consider a Ḥāfiẓ to be special.
They feel that because Allāh S has blessed me with the Qur’ān,
I am much better than them.’ The question is, are we in reality
better than those whom Allāh S has not blessed with the Qur’ān?
Yes, we may have memorised the Qur’ān, alḥamdulillāh, but in
implementing its teachings, are we really any better?
We all have our shortcomings and we all slip. However until

7
 DEAR HĀFIZ

we do not ask ourselves these questions and ponder upon the

answers, we face the possibility of a very difficult time in the
Hereafter, when we will be questioned by Allāh S. Allāh S is As-
Sattār (the Concealer); He has concealed and continues to conceal
all our faults. Despite knowing what we are truly like, Allāh S
continues to inspire people to have love for us, to have respect
for us, and to have a soft corner in their hearts for us as Ḥuffāẓ.
But for how long? It is therefore important that we focus on the
Hereafter and continuously evaluate ourselves as mentioned
above. Inshā’allāh, this evaluation, self-assessment and reflection
will slowly but surely bring about a change in our lives and we
will soon gain steadfastness.

Valuing How We are Perceived

We have heard over and over again that Imām Abū Ḥanīfah
v performed the Fajr ṣalāh with the wuḍū of ‘Ishā ṣalāh
continuously for 40 years.7 Do we know how this came about?
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah v was once walking in the street when he
overheard two men talking about him. One said to the other, ‘Do
you know who this man is? This is (Imām) Abū Ḥanīfah (v) who
does not sleep during the night.’
Upon hearing this comment, Imām Abū Ḥanīfah v must
have thought to himself that despite my not staying awake for
the whole night in worship, this is how the creation of Allāh S
perceives me. They assume that I remain in worship throughout
the night. If the creation of Allāh S perceives me to be doing this,
then from today I will behave in that manner. Thus, he began
from that very night. The great Imām lived for a further forty

7 Tārīkh Baghdād, part 15, p.485

8
 DEAR HĀFIZ

years after this incident and for forty years continued to worship
throughout the night and perform his Fajr ṣalāh with the wuḍū
of ‘Ishā ṣalāh. 8

Become Special
Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā Abrārul-Ḥaqq ṣāḥib v used to say that the ṣalāh
of the ‘Ulamā should be in stark contrast to the ṣalāh of the non-
‘Ulamā. So when an ‘Ālim and similarly a Ḥāfiẓ is performing
ṣalāh, he should endeavour to perform it in accordance with the
Sunnah, with a higher degree of khushū‘ (humility) and khuḍū‘
(submission of the limbs). This is because he is a special person
and therefore must behave in a special manner.
Allāh S has made the Ḥuffāẓ special people and so this requires
that they genuinely become special people through practice in
all aspects of their lives. We need to turn to Allāh S, be grateful
to Him for this great honour and favour and fully submit to Him
with total humility.

The True Bearers of the Qur’ān

Whilst reading a book called ‘Layluṣ-Ṣāliḥīn’ (The Nights of the
Pious), I came across the practice of ‘Urwah ibn Zubayr v. He
was a great Tābi‘ī and a great ‘Ālim. He was the son of Sayyidunā
Zubayr ibn ‘Awwam t and Sayyidah Asmā M, the nephew of
Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah M and the grandson of Sayyidunā Abū Bakr
t.9 Such was his illustrious family lineage. It was the habit of
‘Urwah ibn Zubayr v to recite seven and a half juz (sections

8 Siyaru-A‘lāmin-Nubalā, part 6, p.399

9 Siyaru-A‘lāmin-Nubalā, part 4, p.421

9
 DEAR HĀFIZ

of the Qur’ān) daily in tahajjud ṣalāh (optional night prayer),

whilst reflecting deeply upon its meaning. In this way he would
complete the Qur’ān every fourth night.
Such was his love for the Qur’ān that, despite the great
knowledge he possessed, he would study the tafsīr (commentary)
of the relevant portion of the Qur’ān during the day which he was
due to recite in tahajjud ṣalāh that particular night.10 This was to
allow him to recite the Qur’ān with a deeper understanding.
The only night he missed this practice of recitation in
tahajjud was when his foot had to be amputated. As there was
no anaesthetic in those days, a number of people would have
to hold the patient down during an operation until the patient
would lose consciousness. However, the connection of ‘Urwah
ibn Zubayr v with Allāh S was such that he declined any such
procedure. He remained conscious throughout the operation and
did not utter a single word. Coincidentally, one of his four sons
passed away during the same period. During the night the people
of the household heard ‘Urwah ibn Zubayr v saying to Allāh S,
‘O Allāh! You are so Karīm (Generous). I had four sons, You have
taken away only one and left three with me. O Allāh! You are so
Karīm (Generous), You had given me four limbs through which I
work. You have taken away only one and left three with me.’ 11
Such were the true bearers of the Qur’ān.

Worship of the Angels

Uways Qarnī v, another great Tābi‘ī, was the best of the Tābi‘īn.12

10 Mashāhīru ‘Ulamā’il-Amṣār wa A‘lāmi Fuqahā’il-Aqṭār, p.105

11 Ṣifatuṣ-Ṣafwah, part 1, p.350
12 Sharḥun-Nawawī ‘alā Muslim, part 16, p.95

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 DEAR HĀFIZ

Rasūlullāh s instructed Sayyidunā ‘Umar t that if you meet

Uways Qarnī v, ask him to seek Allāh’s forgiveness for you.13
It is mentioned regarding him that his method of performing
tahajjud was unique for he would try to imitate the angels in
tahajjud.14 There are angels of Allāh S who, from the time of their
creation, are engaged only in qiyām (standing position). There
are others who are in rukū‘ (bowing position) only and there are
others who are performing sajdah (prostration) only.
From the time Allāh S has created them, thousands of angels
are in qiyām only, thousands are in rukū‘ only, and thousands are
in sajdah only. On the Day of Qiyāmah, when Allāh S will gather
all of them, they will stand in the Court of Allāh S and proclaim,

َ‫َر َّب َنا َما َع َب ْدنَا َك َح َّق ِع َبا َدتِك‬

‘O our Rabb! We have not been able to worship You as You are worthy
of worship.’ 15
Uways Qarnī v would say, ‘I will definitely worship Allāh on
the earth just as how the angels worship Him in the heavens.’
When the night would come, he would say, ‘O nafs! Tonight is
(for) standing.’ He would then remain standing until the morning
(dawn). On the second night, he would say, ‘O nafs! Tonight is
(for) rukū‘.’ He would then remain in rukū‘ until the morning
(dawn). On the third night, he would say, ‘O nafs! Tonight is
(for) prostration.’ He would then remain in prostration until the
morning (dawn).16

13 Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, kitāb: ‫الصحابة رضي اللّٰه تعالی عنهم‬

ّ ‫ فضائل‬chapter: ‫من فضائل �أویس القرني رضي‬
‫ اللّٰه عنه‬Ḥadīth: 2623
14 At-Tabṣirah, part 1, p.52
15 Shu‘abul-Īmān, kitāb: ‫ ال�إ يمان بالملائکة‬chapter: ‫ في معرفة الملائکة‬Ḥadīth: 166
16 Tārīkh Dimishq, part 9, p.443

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 DEAR HĀFIZ

These were our pious predecessors who are an example for us.

Three Juz a Day

As a Ḥāfiẓ, recognition of one’s value and worth is essential. After
acknowledging this, the first thing we need to ensure is we do
not forget the Qur’ān. Shaykhul-Ḥadīth Mawlānā Muḥammad
Zakariyyā ṣāḥib v would instruct Ḥuffāẓ spiritually associated to
him to recite at least three juz of the Qur’ān daily. Furthermore,
he would advise that the majority of this recitation should be
undertaken in nafl ṣalāh to compel them to read from memory,
ensuring they do not forget the Qur’ān.17
To make it easier, if due to weakness in memorisation, reciting
three consecutive juz a day is difficult, then recite one juz at
night or early in the morning and in the next 24 hours recite that
same juz twice more. If one juz is difficult too, then concentrate
on half a juz, committing it to memory. Thereafter, during the
next 24 hours, recite it five more times. A similar method can be
adopted for a quarter of a juz if required. Using such methods
will enable us to follow the guidance of Shaykhul-Ḥadīth v in
reciting at least three juz a day and, inshā’allāh, slowly but surely,
we will progress in our memorisation and regain the Qur’ān in
our memory.
Unfortunately, we become so neglectful and busy ourselves in
other matters that, never mind three juz, we are unable to even
recite three āyāt (verses) a day! Days and months pass while we
are unable to complete the Glorious Qur’ān! May Allāh S forgive
us and grant us the ability.

17 Prescribed Preliminary Practices, p.10

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 DEAR HĀFIZ

The Worst of Evils – Not Just for Ḥuffāẓ but also

Part-Ḥuffāẓ
Rasūlullāh s has warned those people who forget the Qur’ān
after memorising it. Remember, after memorising the Qur’ān, it
is very easy to become neglectful and lose it from our memory.
Once it is lost, it becomes very difficult to regain it and many a
time we do not even realise what a great blessing we have lost. In
a Ḥadīth narrated in Tirmidhī, Nabī s said that the good deeds
of my Ummah were presented to me, to the extent of a piece of
dirt being removed from the masjid by someone. In addition, the
evil deeds of my Ummah were also presented to me; I did not
see a sin greater than the sin of that person who is blessed with
memorising a sūrah or a verse of the Qur’ān and thereafter he
forgets it.18
This Ḥadīth applies to Ḥuffāẓ and to those who memorise any
portion of the Qur’ān. Many people memorise certain sūrahs
during their childhood and thereafter forget them; the Ḥadīth
applies to them too; it even applies to a person who simply
memorises one verse of the Qur’ān and then forgets it.
According to some Mufassirīn,19 the following verses are
specifically for the one who is blessed with the memorisation of
the Qur’ān and then forgets it through neglect:
َْ ْ ٗ ُ َ ً َ ً َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َْ ْ َ َ
،‫ومن أع َرض ع ْن ذِك ِر ْي ف ِإ ّن ل ٗه َم ِعيشة ض ْنكا َون ْحش ُره ي َ ْو َم ال ِق ٰي َم ِة أع ٰمى‬
َ َ ٰ َ ََ َ ٰ َ َ َ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ َْ َ َ َ َ
‫ قال كذل ِك أت ْتك ا ٰي ُت َنا فن ِس ْي َت َها‬،‫قال َر ِ ّب ل َِم َحش ْرت ِن ْي أع ٰمى َوقد ك ْنت ب َ ِصي ًرا‬
ُْ ْ َ َٰ
‫َوكذل ِك ال َي ْو َم تن ٰسى‬

18 Sunanut-Tirmidhī, kitāb: ‫ فضائل القر�أٰن‬Ḥadīth: 3138

19 Rūḥul-Ma‘ānī, part 16, p.494

13
 DEAR HĀFIZ

As for the one who turns away from My Message (i.e. the Qur’ān), he
shall have a narrowed (difficult) life, and We shall raise him blind on
the Day of Judgment. He will say, ‘O my Rabb! Why did you raise me
blind while I was sighted?’ He will say, ‘Our signs came to you in a
similar manner, and you had ignored them. In the same way you will
be ignored today.’’ (20:124-126)
A person will have all the resources for a good life but due to his
neglecting the Qur’ān, he will neither feel content; nor will he
find peace of mind; something will continue to trouble him at
all times. He will have a tough life in this world and on the Day
of Qiyāmah he will be resurrected blind. He will struggle to walk
and find his destination.
When he will ask Allāh S why he has been resurrected blind,
he will be told that the āyāt (verses) of the Qur’ān came to him
and he was blessed with the ability to memorise those āyāt, but
he neglected and forgot them. So today on the Day of Qiyāmah he
too will be neglected and forgotten.

Barriers are from Shayṭān

My dear Ḥāfiẓ! Remember that Shayṭān will always create
obstacles for you. He will plant negative thoughts in your mind.
He will make you feel that I know that forgetting the Qur’ān is
a big sin and I want to re-memorise it, but it is impossible. How
can I do it when I have forgotten the whole Qur’ān? When you
feel this way, tell yourself that if it was possible to memorise the
Qur’ān initially, it should be more easier the second time round.
Thereafter, resolve and find a teacher or a fellow Ḥāfiẓ, and
agree a timetable with him. Ask him to listen to one rukū‘ or
whatever you are able to prepare every day. In the initial stages

14
 DEAR HĀFIZ

you may only be able to prepare three, four, or five āyāt (verses).
However, if you continue with steadfastness, you will see its
barakah and within a year or two, you will have the full Qur’ān
in control again inshā’allāh. When a person repents, sincerely
turns to Allāh S and makes effort, then he is assisted by Allāh
S with His Help. Allāh S says,
َّ ُ ْ َ َ ْ ّ َ ٰ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ
‫ِلذك ِر فهل ِم ْن ّمدكِ ٍر‬
ِ ‫ولقد يسرنا القرأن ل‬
‘Indeed, We have made the Qur’ān easy to memorise, so is there
anyone to memorise it?’ (54:17)
Therefore, if we still have the Qur’ān committed to memory, we
need to start reciting and revising it so we do not forget. If we
have forgotten it, we need to start re-memorising it, and once we
start, we need to continue with great dedication.

Striving for Allāh S

Through this dedication, we will also gain much barakah in our
time. It was the practice of Sayyidunā ‘Uthmān t20 and Sayyidunā
Tamīm Dārī t21 and the likes of these great Ṣaḥābah y to recite
the whole Qur’ān every night in one rak‘ah.
We need to think as to how such achievements are possible?
Their lives were the same as ours; the same time, the same busy
schedule. So why were they able to do so much? The reason is that
Allāh S put barakah in their time and this barakah was granted
because they were striving for Allāh S with determination and
sincerity.

20 Sharḥ Ma‘ānil-Āthār, part 1, p.206

21 Sharḥ Ma‘ānil-Āthār, part 1, p.241

15
 DEAR HĀFIZ

Key to Success
A tool which will help us retain the Qur’ān is tahajjud ṣalāh.
We should try to read whatever we have revised during the day
in tahajjud ṣalāh, as it contains the key to all success, and in
particular spiritual success. A Ḥāfiẓ should assume tahajjud as
compulsory. We may feel that this is very difficult as one will have
to wake up so early. We shouldn’t let this thought prevent us from
performing tahajjud, as this is Shayṭān misleading us. To begin
with, there is in fact an easy method to performing tahajjud.
Whilst the best time for tahajjud is before the break of dawn,
the actual time for tahajjud begins after performing the ‘Ishā
ṣalāh. We can thus, in the initial stages, perform two raka‘āt nafl
after the ‘Ishā ṣalāh with the intention of tahajjud. Thereafter,
turning to Allāh S, say, ‘O Allāh! I am grateful to You for granting
me the ability to perform tahajjud at this time. O Allāh! I ask You
to grant me the ability to wake up at the more desirable time so
that I may perform tahajjud ṣalāh in the same manner as Your
pious servants and special friends did.’
If we continue with this, inshā’allāh sooner or later, within
a short period, we will begin to wake up at the preferred time
of tahajjud and the quality of our tahajjud will also improve. By
making effort, Allāh S will grant the ability, inshā’allāh.

Assess and Change

With safeguarding the Qur’ān through recitation and revision,
and the observance of tahajjud ṣalāh, the third thing we need
to do is assess our lives. We need to take stock of our lives and
tackle the wrongs we are doing. We normally find ourselves in a

16
 DEAR HĀFIZ

vicious cycle of procrastination. We recognise our shortcomings

and constantly tell ourselves, ‘I am a Ḥāfiẓ of the Qur’ān, I cannot
remain like this. I know it is wrong. I need to change.’ But we
defer it for another time. We say, ‘I am going to change very soon.
Inshā’allāh, I will change by this Ramaḍān.’
When Ramaḍān comes, we tell ourselves, ‘I am going for ḥajj
this year; I will definitely make a fresh start when I return.’ When
we get back, we convince ourselves that we are going to spend
some time in the company of our Shaykh soon and once we do
that, we will definitely turn over a new leaf. We continually make
intentions but make no practical effort to bring about this change.
This is how Shayṭān quietly deceives us. Shayṭān will never let
this thought creep into our minds that we don’t want to change,
because as soon as that thought creeps into our minds, we will
recognise that this is from Shayṭān.

Make a List
My friends! We have to change and in order to do that, we need to
make a list of all the wrongs we are doing. Sometimes we are not
even aware of how many wrongs we are doing. By making a list
of our shortcomings we will be able to assess ourselves. We will
be able to see for ourselves that, despite being a Ḥāfiẓ, our reality
is very poor. Thereafter, a careful study of this list will make
us realise that the majority of these wrongs contain no benefit
whatsoever and many of them are very easy to refrain from as
well. We are only doing them out of sheer neglect.
Cutting out this majority will mean that there will only be 20%
or 30% of sins remaining in our lives which we need to focus on.
Cutting out the majority of sins will also decrease the impact of

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 DEAR HĀFIZ

the remaining sins. Now more nūr (light) will come into our lives
and as a result, the remaining sins will also become easy to leave,
inshā’allāh. In this regard, it is crucial that we develop a strong
relationship with a Shaykh, a spiritual mentor, through whose
guidance and training we will be able to give up those things
which we are struggling with and improve ourselves spiritually.

Discard Sin & Futility

One area which we need to give special attention to is lā ya‘nī;
that is anything that does not benefit us, neither in this world
nor the Hereafter. It is merely a waste of time and ultimately
life. As many Ḥuffāẓ are young, they like to socialise and mix
with friends. This is fine, so long as we limit the time, remain
within the limits of Dīn and constantly be mindful that Allāh S is
watching everything we do.
There are so many sins we can commit when we feel no one is
watching us, for example during the darkness of the night. This is
why the night and the internet are a very dangerous combination
for those who are trying to be religious. Irreligious people do not
have to go on the internet to do wrong; they are already doing
many of these sins openly.
For religious people the combination of the ‘isolation’ of the
night and the ‘private’ nature of the internet can be spiritually
lethal. Initially our intention is just to read the news, but before
we know it we drift away. This continues during the night, and not
only is tahajjud neglected, we fail to perform even the Fajr ṣalāh.
Therefore, we need to discard every sinful activity and every
act of lā ya‘nī. Together with this, we need to practically make
our lives like the Ḥuffāẓ of the past, our pious predecessors. It is

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 DEAR HĀFIZ

we who need to worry and have concern for ourselves. If we do

not have concern for ourselves who else is going to have concern
for us?

Honour or Disgrace: Our Choice

Let us remember that all the virtues that we find regarding
a Ḥāfiẓ are for that Ḥāfiẓ who reads the Qur’ān as it should be
read, who preserves the Qur’ān as it should be preserved, who
understands the Qur’ān as it should be understood and who
practises the Qur’ān as it should be practised, throughout his life
until he breathes his last. If this is not the case, then rather than
reaping the virtues and becoming deserving of honour, such a
person will be a means of great disgrace to himself, his parents
and his teachers on the Day of Qiyāmah.
This is why we always need to hold fast to muḥāsabah (self-
assessment). Sayyidunā ‘Umar t used to say,

‫َح ِاس ُب ْوا �أنْف َُس ُك ْم َق ْب َل �أ ْن تُ َح َاس ُب ْوا َو ِزنُ ْوا �أنْف َُس ُك ْم َق ْب َل �أ ْن تُ ْو َزنُ ْوا َو َت�أ َّه ُب ْوا‬
...ِ‫ض ا ْل� أ ْك َبر‬ ِ ‫لِ ْل َع ْر‬
‘Take account of yourselves (in this world) before you are reckoned (in
the Hereafter by the Creator). And weigh your deeds before they are
weighed. And prepare for the Great Summoning.’ 22
This is where I would like to end. May Allāh S grant us all the
ability. Āmīn.

22 Tafsīrul-Qur’ānil-‘Aẓīm, part 1, p.134

19
 The Rights
and
Etiquettes
of
the
Glorious
Qur’ān
Shaykhul-Ḥadīth, Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā
Muhammad Saleem Dhorat ḥafiẓahullāh
 THE RIGHTS AND ETIQUETTES OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

R
The Rights and Etiquettes of the Glorious Qur’ān
The Glorious Qur’ān is no ordinary book; it is the Word of Allāh S,
the Sovereign of the Universe, and is very much beloved to Him.
Nabī s has said,

‫ض َو َم ْن ِفي ِه َّن‬ ٰ
ِ ‫ات َوا ْل� أ ْر‬ َّ ‫اَلْ ُق ْر�أ ُن �أ َح ُّب �إِلَى اللّٰ ِه ِم َن‬
ِ ‫الس َم َاو‬
‘The Qur’ān is more beloved to Allāh than the Heavens, the
Earth and all who are in them.’ 1
In another Ḥadīth, Nabī s says,

‫ َكفَضْ ِل اللّٰ ِه َعلٰى َخ ْل ِق ٖه‬،‫َفضْ ُل َكلَا ِم اللّٰ ِه َعلٰى َسائِ ِر الْ َكلَا ِم‬
‘The virtue of the Qur’ān over all other words is like the Virtue
of Allāh over all His creation.’ 2
It is the most exalted book revealed by the Almighty through the
most exalted angel upon the most exalted of His creation during
the most exalted night in the most exalted of places. Therefore,
it deserves special treatment unlike any other book and demands
certain etiquettes that must be followed.
Shaykhul-Ḥadīth Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā Muḥammad Zakariyyā
ṣāḥib v writes, ‘… the Noble Qur’ān is the Word of the Master of
masters and Sovereign Ruler of all; it is the Law of the Majestic,

1 Sunanud-Dārimī, kitāb: ‫ فضائل القر�أٰن‬chapter: ‫فضل کلام اللّٰه علی سائر الکلام‬
Ḥadīth: 3401
2 Sunanud-Dārimī, kitāb: ‫ فضائل القر�أٰن‬chapter:‫فضل کلام اللّٰه علی سائر الکلام‬
Ḥadīth: 3399

21
 THE RIGHTS AND ETIQUETTES OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

Omnipotent Emperor who has never been equalled by anyone or

ever will be… The Noble Qur’ān is the word of the beloved and the
King, which is why we should read it with the etiquettes required
for both.’3
Following these etiquettes not only pleases Allāh S, but also
increases one’s connection with Him and helps one to progress in
Dīn. On the other hand, neglecting them can bring the Displeasure
of Allāh S and lead a person to doom. Nabī s has mentioned,

‫ َو َي َض ُع بِ ٖه �أ ٰ َخ ِر ْي َن‬،‫اب �أ ْق َوا ًما‬

ِ ‫�إِ َّن اللّٰ َه َي ْر َف ُع بِ ٰه َذا الْ ِك َت‬
‘Indeed, Allāh exalts many people by means of this book and
degrades many others by means of the same.’ 4
Therefore, I wish to briefly outline below some important rights
of the Qur’ān and the etiquettes of its recitation:

The Rights of the Glorious Qur’ān

1. To believe that it is the Word of Allāh S revealed by Him and
not the word or writing of any of His creation.
2. To revere it with the utmost respect and to abstain from every
form of disrespect towards it.
3. To recite it daily and regularly. The Ḥuffāẓ should recite three
juz and non-Ḥuffāẓ should recite one juz daily. In order to
accomplish this target, it is necessary to stipulate a specific
time. If this target is difficult, then one should start with
whatever little amount possible and work one’s way towards
the aforementioned target.

3 Faḍā’il-e-A‘māl, pp.309-10
ّ chapter: ‫ من یّرفع بالقر�أٰن‬Ḥadīth: 816
4 Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, kitāb: ‫الصلاة‬

22
 THE RIGHTS AND ETIQUETTES OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

4. To understand its dos and don’ts. The Qur’ān is a message from

Allāh S to the believers. Therefore, it is necessary for each
person and every person, whether ‘Ālim or not, to understand
its message. One should regularly attend the durūs of the
Qur’ān, imparted by authentic and reliable ‘Ulamā, in one’s
locality and try to understand what Allāh S is telling us.
5. To accept and practise upon its commands. The Qur’ān teaches
us how to spend our lives according to the Will of Allāh S.
Hence, we should immediately implement what we learn from
the Qur’ān.
6. To spread its message. After understanding and implementing,
the next step is to spread the teachings of the Qur’ān as far and
wide as possible, starting with one’s own family and friends.
Nabī s has said, ‘The best amongst you is the one who learns
the Qur’ān and teaches it (to others).’5
7. Take care of the Qur’ān. The binding and pages of the Qur’ān
are very sacred as they carry the Words of Allāh S. The Qur’ān
should be covered in a nice clean cloth, which should be
washed or changed from time to time, and placed in a clean
and elevated place when it is not being recited.

The Etiquettes of Reciting the Noble Qur’ān

1. The intention should be sincere. One’s intention for reciting
the Glorious Qur’ān should solely be the Pleasure of Allāh S.
2. Maintain the love and the grandeur of the Glorious Qur’ān
whilst reciting.

5 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, kitāb: ‫ فضائل القر أ�ٰن‬chapter: ‫ خیرکم ّمن تعلّم القر�أٰن و علّمه‬Ḥadīth: 5014

23
 THE RIGHTS AND ETIQUETTES OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

3. Recite the Qur’ān with wuḍū. It is necessary to have wuḍū if

a person is reciting the Qur’ān whilst handling it. However,
if a person is reciting it from memory without touching the
Qur’ān, then wuḍū is not compulsory but highly preferable as
it is mustaḥabb.6
4. Use Miswāk. ‘Allāmah Suyūṭī v has stated that it is Sunnah to
clean the mouth with miswāk out of reverence for the Glorious
Qur’ān.7
5. Wear nice and clean clothes and wear Islamic headgear,
preferably with ‘imāmah.
6. Use ‘iṭr (perfume).
7. Hold the Qur’ān with the right hand and carry it respectfully
holding it against the chest.
8. Place the Qur’ān in a high place using a pillow, raḥal (stand),
etc. It should not be placed on the floor or where people tread
with their feet.
9. Sit facing the Qiblah as it is mustaḥabb.8
10. Sit in a respectful manner with dignity. Do not sit carelessly
nor arrogantly.
11. Sit in a clean place. The best place is the masjid.
12. Recite the Qur’ān with full attention and contemplate that you
are reciting the Qur’ān for Allāh S and He is listening.
13. Before beginning recitation read,
‫�أ ُع ْو ُذ بِاللّٰ ِه ِم َن الشَّ ْی َط ِان ال َّر ِج ْی ِم‬
I seek refuge with Allāh from the accursed Shayṭān.

6 Al-Itqān, part 1, p.351

7 Ibid, p.353
8 Ibid

24
 THE RIGHTS AND ETIQUETTES OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

and,
‫بِ ْس ِم اللّٰ ِه ال َّر ْح ٰمنِ ال َّر ِح ْي ِم‬
(I begin) in the Name of Allāh, The Most-Beneficent, The Most-
Merciful.
14. Recite slowly and clearly with tajwīd.
15. Recite audibly when there is no possibility of others being
inconvenienced. If someone close by is busy in work, ‘ibādah
or is resting, then one should recite softly. Furthermore, if
there is fear of riyā (ostentation) or ‘ujb (self-conceit), then
again the recitation should be in a lower tone.
16. Recite in a beautiful voice. Nabī s mentions, ‘Adorn the
Qur’ān with your beautiful voices.’9 In another Ḥadīth Nabī s
mentions, ‘The one who does not recite it melodiously is not
from amongst us.’10
17. Cry whilst reciting. One should cry during the recitation of
the Qur’ān. If one is unable to cry, then he should at least
adopt the behaviour and expression of one crying. Nabī s has
mentioned, ‘The Qur’ān has been revealed with grief (within
it). So when you recite it, cry. And if you are unable to cry then
adopt and imitate the expression of crying.’11
18. Ponder upon the meanings. Those who understand the verses
of the Qur’ān should ponder over its meanings with the
intention of implementing the advices into their lives. When
coming across verses mentioning the Mercy of Allāh S, one
should ask for forgiveness and mercy from Allāh S; and when

9 Sunan Abī Dāwūd, kitāb: ‫الصلاة‬ ّ chapter: ‫یستحب التّرتیل في القراءة‬

ّ ‫ کیف‬Ḥadīth: 1461
10 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, kitāb: ‫ التّوحید‬chapter: ‫ و �أس ّروا قولکم۔۔۔‬:‫ قول اللّٰه تعالی‬Ḥadīth: 7523
11 Sunan Ibn Mājah, kitāb: ‫ �أبواب قیام اللّیل‬chapter: ‫الصوت بالقر�أن‬
ّ ‫ حسن‬Ḥadīth: 1314

25
 THE RIGHTS AND ETIQUETTES OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

coming across verses mentioning the Anger and Punishment

of Allāh S, one should seek the Refuge of Allāh S. When
reciting those verses wherein the Splendour and Greatness of
Allāh S is mentioned, one should say subḥanallāh.
19. One should not talk during the recitation. If necessity arises,
then one should complete the āyah (verse) being recited, close
the Qur’ān and then speak. Thereafter, continue with the
recitation after reciting again.

These are a few important etiquettes of the Qur’ān which, if

followed, will bring great reward and goodness in one’s life.
Spiritual progress will become easier and a sense of connection
with the Qur’ān and its Revealer will be created. May Allāh S
grant us all the ability to implement the etiquettes of the Qur’ān
in our lives. Āmīn.

26
 AN EFFECTIVE FORMULA FOR MEMORISING THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

An Effective Formula for Memorising the

R
Glorious Qur’ān
Hereunder follows an effective formula for bringing the
forgotten parts back to memory. It is for:
a. Ḥuffāẓ who have forgotten the Qur’ān;
b. Who have forgotten parts of the Qur’ān which they
had memorised;
c. Who desire to initiate the memorisation of the Qur’ān; or
d. Who have a weak memory and are concerned.
1. On the night preceding Friday i.e. Thursday night,
perform four raka‘āt nafl ṣalāh reciting Sūratul-Fātiḥah
in every rak‘ah and Sūrah Yā Sīn in the first, Sūratud-
Dukhān in the second, Sūratus-Sajdah in the third and
Sūratul-Mulk in the fourth.
2. After completing the ṣalāh, praise Allāh S and send
durūd upon Nabī s.
3. Thereafter, recite the following du‘ā:
‫ف‬ َ َّ‫ َوا ْر َح ْم ِن ْي �أ ْن �أ َت َكل‬،‫اص ْي �أ َبدًا َّما �أ ْب َق ْي َت ِن ْي‬ ِ ‫اللّٰ ُه َّم ا ْر َح ْم ِن ْي بِ َت ْر ِك الْ َم َع‬
‫ اَللّٰ ُه َّم َب ِد ْي َع‬،‫ َوا ْر ُز ْق ِن ْي ُح ْس َن ال َّن َظ ِر ِف ْي َما ُي ْر ِض ْيكَ َع ِّن ْي‬،‫َما َلا َي ْع ِن ْي ِن ْي‬
‫ �أ ْس�ألُكَ َيا‬،‫ض َذا الْ َجلا َ ِل َوا ْل إِ� ْك َرا ِم َوالْ ِع َّز ِة الَّ ِت ْي َلا تُ َرا ُم‬ ِ ‫ات َوا ْل� أ ْر‬ ِ ‫الس ٰم َو‬ َّ
‫�أللّٰ ُه َيا َر ْح ٰم ُن بِ َجلاَلِكَ َونُ ْو ِر َو ْج ِهكَ �أ ْن تُ ْل ِز َم َق ْل ِب ْي ِح ْف َظ ِك َتابِكَ َك َما‬
‫ اللّٰ ُه َّم َب ِد ْي َع‬،‫ َوا ْر ُز ْق ِن ْي �أ ْن �أ ْتلُ َو ُه َع َلى ال َّن ْح ِو الَّ ِذ ْي ُي ْر ِض ْيكَ َع ِّن ْي‬،‫َعلَّ ْم َت ِن ْي‬

27
 AN EFFECTIVE FORMULA FOR MEMORISING THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

‫ أ� ْس�ألُكَ َيا‬،‫َال َوا ْل إِ� ْك َرا ِم َوالْ ِع َّز ِة الَّ ِت ْي لا َ تُ َرا ُم‬
ِ ‫ض َذا الْ َجل‬ ِ ‫ات َوا ْل� أ ْر‬ِ ‫الس ٰم َو‬َّ
‫ َو�أ ْن تُ ْط ِل َق‬،‫�أللّٰ ُه َيا َر ْح ٰم ُن بِ َجلاَلِكَ َونُ ْو ِر َو ْج ِهكَ �أ ْن تُ َن ِّو َر بِ ِك َتابِكَ َب َص ِر ْي‬
‫ َو�أ ْن َتغ ِْس َل‬،‫ َو�أ ْن َتشْ َر َح بِ ٖه َص ْد ِر ْي‬،‫ َو�أ ْن تُ َف ِّر َج بِ ٖه َع ْن َق ْل ِب ْي‬،‫بِ ٖه لِ َسانِ ْي‬
‫ َو َلا َح ْو َل‬،‫ َف إِ�نَّ ٗه َلا ُي ِع ْي ُن ِن ْي َع َلى الْ َح ِّق َغ ْي ُر َك َو َلا ُي ْؤتِ ْي ِه �إِ َّلا �أنْ َت‬،‫بِ ٖه َب َدنِ ْي‬
‫َو َلا قُ َّو َة �إِ َّلا بِاللّٰ ِه الْ َع ِل ِّي الْ َع ِظ ْي ِم‬
Note: Repeat this practice for three, five or seven Fridays.

The above-mentioned formula is substantiated from the following

Ḥadīth:
Sayyidunā Ibn ‘Abbās t reports that he was once in the company
of Rasūlullāh s when Sayyidunā ‘Alī came in and said, ‘May my
mother and father be sacrificed for you. This Qur’ān leaves my
heart suddenly without notice and I am not able to do anything
about it.’
Rasūlullāh s said, ‘O Abul-Ḥasan! Shall I not teach you some
words through which Allāh will give you benefit and those who
you teach and He will make firm in your heart what you have
learnt?’
He t said, ‘Yes, O Rasūlullāh (s)! Teach me.’ He (s) said, ‘When
the night preceding Friday comes, stand in its third portion, if
possible, for it is a time when angels are present and prayers are
accepted at this time. My brother, Ya‘qūb (u), said to his sons, “In
the near future, I will pray to my Rabb for your forgiveness when
the night of Friday comes.” If you are not able to then stand in the
middle part of the night, and if you are not able to then stand in
the first part of the night.

28
 AN EFFECTIVE FORMULA FOR MEMORISING THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

Then perform four raka‘āt reciting Sūratul-Fātiḥah and Sūrah

Yā Sīn in the first rak‘ah, Sūratul-Fātiḥah and Sūratud-Dukhān in
the second rak‘ah, Sūratul-Fātiḥah and Sūratus-Sajdah in the third
rak‘ah and Sūratul-Fātiḥah and Sūratul-Mulk in the fourth rak‘ah.
When you have completed tashahhud (at-taḥiyyāt), praise
Allāh in an exceptional manner, and send salutations upon me
in an exceptional manner and upon all the Nabīs u and seek
forgiveness for all the believing men and women, and your
brothers who have preceded you with Īmān, then recite at the
end (the following du‘ā):

‫ف َما َلا‬ ِ ‫اللّٰ ُه َّم ا ْر َح ْم ِن ْي بِ َت ْر ِك الْ َم َع‬

َ َّ‫ َوا ْر َح ْم ِن ْي �أ ْن �أ َت َكل‬،‫اص ْي �أ َبدًا َّما �أ ْب َق ْي َت ِن ْي‬
‫ات‬ ِ ‫الس ٰم َو‬ َّ ‫ اَللّٰ ُه َّم َب ِد ْي َع‬،‫ َوا ْر ُز ْق ِن ْي ُح ْس َن ال َّن َظ ِر ِف ْي َما ُي ْر ِض ْيكَ َع ِّن ْي‬،‫َي ْع ِن ْي ِن ْي‬
‫ �أ ْس�ألُكَ َيا �أللّٰ ُه َيا َر ْح ٰم ُن‬،‫َال َوا ْل إِ� ْك َرا ِم َوالْ ِع َّز ِة الَّ ِت ْي َلا تُ َرا ُم‬ ِ ‫ض َذا الْ َجل‬ ِ ‫َوا ْل� أ ْر‬
‫ َوا ْر ُز ْق ِن ْي‬،‫بِ َجلاَلِكَ َونُ ْو ِر َو ْج ِهكَ �أ ْن تُ ْل ِز َم َق ْل ِب ْي ِح ْف َظ ِك َتابِكَ َك َما َعلَّ ْم َت ِن ْي‬
‫ض َذا‬ ِ ‫ات َوا ْل� أ ْر‬ َّ ‫ اللّٰ ُه َّم َب ِد ْي َع‬،‫�أ ْن �أ ْتلُ َو ٗه َع َلى ال َّن ْح ِو الَّ ِذ ْي ُي ْر ِض ْيكَ َع ِّن ْي‬
ِ ‫الس ٰم َو‬
‫ �أ ْس�ألُكَ َيا �أللّٰ ُه َيا َر ْح ٰم ُن بِ َجلَالِكَ َونُ ْو ِر‬،‫َال َوا ْل إِ� ْك َرا ِم َوالْ ِع َّز ِة الَّ ِت ْي لا َ تُ َرا ُم‬ ِ ‫الْ َجل‬
‫ َو�أ ْن تُ َف ِّر َج بِ ٖه َع ْن‬،‫ َو�أ ْن تُ ْط ِل َق بِ ٖه لِ َسانِ ْي‬،‫َو ْج ِهكَ �أ ْن تُ َن ِّو َر بِ ِك َتابِكَ َب َص ِر ْي‬
‫ َف إِ�نَّ ٗه َلا ُي ِع ْي ُن ِن ْي َع َلى الْ َح ِّق‬،‫ َو�أ ْن َتغ ِْس َل بِ ٖه َب َدنِ ْي‬،‫ َو�أ ْن َتشْ َر َح بِ ٖه َص ْد ِر ْي‬،‫َق ْل ِب ْي‬
‫ َو َلا َح ْو َل َو َلا قُ َّو َة �إِ َّلا بِاللّٰ ِه الْ َع ِل ِّي الْ َع ِظ ْي ِم‬،‫َغ ْي ُر َك َو َلا ُي ْؤتِ ْي ِه �إِ َّلا �أنْ َت‬
O Allāh! Have mercy on me by (enabling me) to avoid sins as long as
You keep me alive; and have mercy on me by (enabling me) to avoid
falling into things which do not concern me; and grant me a good
insight in those things that will make You pleased with me.
O Allāh! The Originator of the heavens and the earth! O the Owner of
Majesty, Honour and Might which is unachievable (to others)! I ask You,
O Allāh! O the Most-Beneficent! Through the medium of Your Majesty
and Your luminous Countenance to enable my heart to preserve Your

29
 AN EFFECTIVE FORMULA FOR MEMORISING THE GLORIOUS QUR’ĀN

Book as You have taught me and grant me (the ability) to recite it in

such a manner that will make You pleased with me.
O Allāh! The Originator of the heavens and the earth! O the Owner of
Majesty, Honour and Might which is incomprehensible! I ask You, O
Allāh! O the Most-Beneficent! Through the medium of Your Majesty
and Your luminous Countenance to illuminate my vision through (the
nūr [light] of) Your Book, to enable my tongue to recite it fluently, to
remove grief from my heart with it and to expand (console) my heart
through it, and to wash away (the sins) of my body with it. Certainly,
there is none except You to support me in (attaining) the truth, and
none can give it to me except You. And there is no power (to do good)
and ability (to avoid sins) except with (the Help of) Allāh, the Most-
High, the Magnificent.’
Rasūlullāh s further said to Sayyidunā ‘Alī t, ‘O Abul-Ḥasan!
Repeat this act for three, five or seven Jumu‘ahs. Your prayer will
certainly be accepted with the Will of Allāh. I swear by Him Who
sent me with the truth that it has never failed any believer.’
Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās t says, ‘By Allāh! ‘Alī (t) waited
for (the period of) only five or seven Jumu‘ahs when he came
to Rasūlullāh s in a similar gathering and said, ‘O Rasūlullāh!
Previously I used to learn about four āyāt and when I would read
them to myself, they would leave (my memory) suddenly. And
now I learn about forty and when I read them, it is as if the Qur’ān
is open before my eyes. Previously I used to hear a Ḥadīth and
when I would repeat it, it would suddenly leave (my memory).
And now I hear Aḥādīth and when I narrate them to others I do
not miss a single letter.’
Rasūlullāh s then said to him upon this, ‘O Abul-Ḥasan! By the
Rabb of the Ka‘bah, (you are) a believer.’1

1 Sunanut-Tirmidhī, kitāb: ‫ الدّعوات‬chapter: ‫ في دعاء الحفظ‬Ḥadīth: 3870

30
 DEAR HĀFIZ

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Ibnul-Ḥujjāj, Muslim v, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim. Cairo, Egypt: Dārut-Ta’ṣīl,
1435 AH/2014
Abū Dāwūd, Sulaymān ibnul-Ash‘ath v, Sunan Abī Dāwūd. Cairo,
Egypt: Dārut-Ta’ṣīl, 1436 AH/2015
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