How to develop your family ties with the Quran

One of the greatest gifts of Allah SWT to mankind is the revelation of The Noble Quran and it is a Muslim’s source of guidance in our lives. By reading, listening, learning and reciting we can truly benefit in this life and the next. Therefore it is important for every Muslim to utilise their time and make reading the Quran a daily and family activity, for indeed The Qur’an will testify for you or against you onThe Day of Judgment. But how can we practically integrate the Quran into our day today lives and especially with our families?

• Quran and the Family

Make the Quran a family event, and a cherished part of the day – not a chore. Build excitement and enjoyment around the time you and your family spend with Quran. Days get so busy and fly by so set a time of a day that you will spend with yourfamily and The Quran, even if it is just reading 2 pages after Fajr at first and then you can increase once you’ve established a routine.

• Reading, Reciting, Memorizing, Understanding, Implementing the Qur’an

Reading The Qur’an improves our intelligence as for many of us we will be reading in a script not familiar to us, and thus this challenges and pushes our mind. It is also an enjoyable activity to gather as a family to recite The Qur’an and help and test each other’s memorization. One can supplement this activity by reading a good translation or tafsir to understand the ayaat; and moreover, one can pick up a lesson or two from what was read and come up with a list as a family of how to implement the ayaat in our daily lives (eg. Spreading the salaams, feeding the poor, etc.). After all, TheQur’an was meant to be recited and acted upon and lived – our Prophet (Peace be upon him) was like a walking and living Qur’an.

Some children (and adults) struggle to read The Qur’an, but the reward is abundant even if we are struggling – and the reward is even greater when we are patient and persevere in sha’ Allah. The solution is simply to read more and practise, even though it might be difficult at the beginning – the more you/the child reads, the more familiar you/the child will become with Arabic and the vocabulary, and over time the reading will improve tremendously.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

He (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:
“The Qur’an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]

This hadith emphasizes the importance placed on the Quran in our lives as it will act as a guide for us in this world and an intercessor on the Day of Judgment when we will all be accountable for our deeds. If you neglect the Quran and do not acknowledge its importance then you have been warned about the consequences.

• Teach the Noble Quran in the Community

Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others”. [Al-Bukhari]

If you are qualified, you can teach the Quran – for example you can volunteer at an Islamic school or a masjid to teach the Arabic letters, or tajweed, or memorization.The rewards are many.

• Give your children Islamic knowledge from an early age

Enrolling your children in Quranic classes and Islamic studies can help them to acquirethe knowledge they need for success in this life and the hereafter, and perhaps give them the chance to teach it to others when they get older in sha’ Allah. Have high aims for your child – set them on the path to be a Hafiz. From an early age my parents sent me to the mosque to attend Quran classes and this has helped me today as a mother when I have to teach my children the Quran. Giving your child knowledge of Islam and The Quran is truly one of the best (if not the best) gifts you coul give your child.

Seeking knowledge at a young age is like engraving on a stone. – Hasan al-Basri

But it’s never too late – I have heard of seniors embarking on Hifz; so regardless ofyour age, seek out Hifz, tafsir or other Islamic studies classes.

• Encourage participation in Quran Recitation Competitions

Submerge your child in a fun Islamic environment where they are encouraged to excel in their deen, let them compete for good deeds. Some children who are confident may like to focus their time on competitions, but instead of focusing all their time on meaningless ones (eating contests, for example) you could encourage your child toparticipate in Quran Recitation competition. This will not only help them to learn new surahs but it will also encourage them to read out aloud and build their confidence in reciting Quran beautifully with eloquence. This will increase your child’s excitement insha’ Allah.

(Notes: If your child is shy, don’t force him into a stressful situation for him/her where they will be uncomfortable and put off. Also make sure this isn’t a source of riya (showing off) or upset – every reciter of Quran at the event should be honoured).

• Provide motivation and incentives for your children

Giving your children motivation and creating incentives can help build confidence and also make them feel special. If they have memorized a Surah to the best of their ability then ensure that you give them the praise they deserve and encourage themwith their achievements and learning. If children feel that they are being encouraged, they will be more likely to want to learn more and further their Quranic knowledge within the community. Why not show your approval and the pleasure that is attachedto the deen by planning a family outing or cooking their favourite meal for their good efforts.

The Qur’an is our healing, our mercy, and our guide – how can we truly be successful if we turn away from the very fountain of wisdom, guidance, and success?We should all strive to engage our family in beneficial activities to work towards theMercy of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.