The Qur'an is the delight of the heart

Allah, the Exalted, revealed the Qur'an, to be a beacon of light that cannot be extinguished. It is a methodology and way of life that is perfect in all respects. In it is strength that cannot be equaled or repelled. It is the foundation of Emaan (Faith) and the spring of knowledge. Allah willed that the Qur'an be what quenches the thirst for knowledge. It is the delight of the people of wisdom. The Qur'an is the greatest cure for all ailments. It is Allah's Rope that cannot be severed. It is the Wise Reminder and the truly Straight Path.

In the Qur'an are the parables of those who were before us, a prophesy of that which will be after us and a criterion to judge between us. It is Truth with certainty that was revealed to us. The one who lives according to its dictations will be rewarded. The one who judges according to it will be just. The one who calls to it is on the Straight Path. Allah raises and lowers people's status based on their adherence to it. The Qur'an, on the Day of Judgment, will intercede on behalf of those who recited it.

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The one who reads a single letter from the Book of Allah will be rewarded with one good deed. (Know that) A good deed is multiplied ten times over. I do not say Alif Laam Meem is one letter. Verily, Alif is one letter, Laam is one letter, Meem is one letter." [At-Tirmithi]

The Book of Allah to mankind's guidance is like the soul in relation to the body. Therefore, he who abandons its recitation and does not act in accordance to its laws is in a state of spiritual death. Allah Almighty says (what means): "And is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge there from?" [Qur'an 6:122]

A person without Qur'an is like a person without water, air and medicine. Allah, the Most Exalted, says (what means): "And We send down of the Qur'an, that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss." [Qur'an 17:82]

The Quran is a healing for the body and the soul. Whenever life becomes hard and complicated, the Light of the Qur'an will always brighten the way. It will be a source of solace and tranquility. It will be a defender to you when you are powerless and in need. When the Muslim recites the Qur'an, he will feel matchless tranquility in his heart and being. This causes him only to fear Allah alone.

Allah Almighty says (what means):

"Those to whom people [i.e. hypocrites] said, “Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.” But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, “Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.” So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the Possessor of great bounty. That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers." [Qur'an 3:173-175]

Sadly, many have not taken this Qur'an into consideration and have neglected its recitation and implementation. They sought the worldly life and neglected the Hereafter. Allah says (what means): "And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying." [Qur'an 6:116]

Tragically, there are those who recite the Qur'an in its entirety and finish with little more than with what they began with in terms of contemplation and action. Some are so concerned with how they sound, they beautify their voice without ever listening to what is being ordered or prohibited. Truly, there are many reciters of the Qur'an that the Qur'an is free from them and their evil. They recite the Qur'an and are oppressive to themselves and others by not following its orders or forbidding its prohibitions.

Nothing is more valuable to a Muslim in his worldly life and in the Hereafter than reciting the Qur'an and reflecting and trying to comprehend its meaning. In doing so, an individual will become acquainted with what is good and what is evil. He will see the effects of disobedience of Allah and its punishment in the parables of those who have come before us. An example of such a punishment is the flood that was sent upon the people of Nooh (Noah) may Allah exalt his mention and others similar to it. It is a source of inspiration and it strengthens one's belief in Allah. For this reason, Allah says (what means):

" … and when His (Allah's) verses (Qur'an) are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely." [Qur'an 8:2]

This Book was sent and revealed from above the seven Heavens so that it could be comprehended and implemented, it is not just to be recited while the heart is pre-occupied. Allah Almighty says (what means):

"[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded." [Qur'an 38:29]

What has happened to our hearts? Why are our hearts locked out and unresponsive to the Qur'an? Why do the words enter from one ear and exit out the other? Why have our hearts hardened? Let us comprehend the Qur'an and implement it in our lives. Let us be from those who implement the Qur'an in our days and recite it during our nights.