5 Ways to Connect Deeper to the Qur’an This Ramadan
We are less than 40 days away from the most important month of the year, Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, a time of increased recitation, reflection, and purification. Allah says in the Qur’an about Ramadan, “Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed, as guidance for humanity, and clear proof of guidance, and the Criterion. Whoever of you witnesses the month, must fast it. But whoever is sick, or on a journey, then (they can make it up) a number of other days. Allah wants ease for you, and does not want hardship for you, that you may complete the number, and celebrate Allah for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.” (Qur’an 2:185)
In this verse, Ramadan is directly connected to the Qur’an as a source of guidance and a criterion between right and wrong. Yet for many of us, Ramadan just passes by in a ritual manner and we rarely get the benefits out of it that we want. In this brief article, I will share with you five ways in which you can increase your benefits from the Qur’an this Ramadan.
Recite daily, slowly, and purposefully
Make time every day in Ramadan for the Qur’an. This time can be whatever is most convenient for you, but try to choose a time in which your concentration levels are higher like after Fajr or while waiting for iftar. During this time, be alone with the Qur’an. Reduce all unnecessary distractions, and focus entirely on the Qur’an. Recite it slowly with proper tajwid, and take your time with it. Try to recite a Juz a day if possible. If not, try to recite whatever you can with concentration. Renew your intentions daily so that your recitation is purposeful and rewarding. Do this consistently every day of Ramadan, even if it is a small portion.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” (Musnad Ahmad 8600, Grade: Sahih)
Choose the best Masjid for Taraweh
Many of us choose the Masjid with the shortest Taraweh so we can be done with it quickly. In doing so, we miss out on the purpose and benefits of Taraweh. This Ramadan, try something different. Seek out the Masjid with the best recitation and atmosphere. Take time to explore various Masjids in your community to find the one with the best Taraweh. Then commit to praying every night in that Masjid the full Taraweh. A beautifully recited Taraweh in a Masjid with a spiritually powerful atmosphere will go a long way to enhancing the quality of your Ramadan, and your connection with the Qur’an.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Verily, whoever stands for prayer in Ramadan with the Imam until he is finished, it will be recorded as if he prayed the entire night.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 806, Grade: Sahih)
Make time daily for reflection of the Qur’an
I have written in the past about the importance of reflection and contemplation. The Qur’an was revealed to be reflecting on. This specific type of reflection is called Tadabbur. For beginners, tadabbur can be done by making time after reciting Qur’an to focus on one specific verse that feels relevant to your life, then sitting and thinking deeply about the verse until you realize how it connects to your life and helps you deal with your current challenges. This is just one method of tadabbur, there are many others. The key is to make time, without distractions, to be alone with the Qur’an, then to laser focus on a specific Surah or verse, and think about it as deeply as you can.
A blessed Book that We sent down to you, that they may ponder its Verses, and for those with intelligence to take heed. (Qur’an38:29)
Read a translation or tafsir
A turning point in my life is when I spent an entire Ramadan as a teenager reading a translation of the Qur’an. That year, I had just discovered the videos and books of the late Shaykh Ahmed Deedat (RA). In these videos, he highly emphasized the importance of understanding the Qur’an. Upon visiting his home, I received a copy of the Yusuf Ali translation as a gift. Inspired by that gift, I dedicated that entire Ramadan to reciting a Juz a day with translation. That Ramadan transformed my life. I emerged with renewed faith, and a love of the Qur’an. My journey towards understanding the Qur’an deeper and dedicating my life to teaching its meanings began with that Ramadan. If you have not yet dedicated a Ramadan to understanding the Qur’an, make it your priority for this Ramadan. This one decision could transform your life.
“We made the Quran easy to learn. Is there anyone who will benefit?” (Qur’an 54:17)
Join our new Tafsir Intensive Program
This year, we embark on a new multiyear project to understand the Qur’an even deeper, Tafsir Intensive. Tafsir Intensive is available exclusively to paid members of this website. (at any tier level) Learn more about our paid membership system here. Tafsir Intensive will focus on a detailed study of the Qur’an, aimed at mid-level students. It will not be too academic or too basic, but aimed at those with some familiarity with the Qur’an and Islamic Sciences to help them build their understanding of the Qur’an. Over a multiyear period, we hope to achieve the following with Allah’s Permission and Assistance:
- Gain an appreciation and familiarity with the various sources of, authors of, and books of Tafsir.
- Increase the love and appreciation of the Qur’an and Islam in the hearts of every student
- Establish firm conviction in the miraculous nature of the Qur’an and the truth of Islam
- Gain familiarity with authentic approaches to Tafsir and how to utilize them to understand the Qur’an deeper
- Extract practical lessons from the Qur’an to apply in our day-to-day lives
This is the next natural step in our journey to understanding the Qur’an deeper. This Ramadan, let’s dive deeper into the Qur’an together. Become a member of Islamic Self Help today, and access all of our online courses and ebooks, including Tafsir Intensive. We ask Allah for a blessed Ramadan, and to make the Qur’an the light of our hearts and the guidance of our lives.
