1Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
DOI: 10.55559/sjaes.v2i01.29 | Received: 19.10.2022 | Accepted: 25.01.2023 | Published: 29.01.2023
Abstract
The importance of the Glorious Qur’an cannot be over emphasised, because it encapsulated every aspect of mankind and Jinn which cannot be estimated let alone of quantifying it or think about it. Glorious Qur’an touches every area of humankind, no any area in the field of knowledge which the Glorious Qur’an did talk about it or did not anticipate it. Therefore, Glorious Qur’an is the total life of Muslim. Based on this brief background, this paper intends to explore the importance of the Glorious Qur’an; the paper started by introduction, the paper also analyzes the importance on the moral and historical importance of the Qur’an. Looking at the nature and scope of the article analytical method is employed in conducting the research.
Keywords: Glorious Qur’an, Ilm Al-Tajwid, Value, Importance, Hausaland
|
Electronic reference (Cite this article): Sabo, D. M. K. The Importance of the Glorious Qur’an and how it Places the Value of Ilm-Al-Tajwid in Hausaland. Sprin Journal of Arabic-English Studies, 2(01), 01–069. https://doi.org/10.55559/sjaes.v2i01.29 Copyright Notice: © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Sprin Publisher under the Creative Commons’ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
Introduction
Al-Qur’an is the first and foremost source of Islamic Shari’ah, from which all other sources emerged. It was divinely revealed to Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) in portions, every portion is written and committed to memory as soon as it was revealed. Qur’an was revealed in maximum period of twenty-three years, twelve years at Makkatul-Mukarramah and eleven years at Madinatul-Munawarah. Methods and nature of receiving the revelation include the following:-
Al-Qur’an, the miraculous Holy Book of Allah (S.W.T), the saved and protected from all kinds of fabrications whatsoever and the source and place value of Ilm al-Tajwid was revealed in order to serve a great importance to the mankind in general. However, the importance of the Glorious Qur’an as the place value of Ilm al-Tajwid will be discussed under the following headings:-
The Importance of the Qur’an as indicated by the Qur’an Itself
Al-Qur’an in which there is no doubt whatsoever was revealed in order to serve great purposes to the mankind as earlier mentioned. Whatever is revealed in the Qur’an, Muslims must accept it, believe in it and consequently put it into practice. One of such importance of the Qur’an is that, it serves as a sure guidance to mankind in totality. It is only in the Qur’an that Muslims have their source of guidance. It guides all those who fear Allah (S.W.T) to the straight path, the path of whose who earned the mercy and blessings of Allah (S.W.T). The Qur’an says:-
“This is the Book: In it is guidance sure without doubt, to those who fear Allah (S.W.T)”[1].
This verse clearly declared that, whatever is contained in the Qur’an, there is no doubt of its truthfulness and al-Qur’an is the true guidance to those who fear Allah (S.W.T) by observing what He commanded them to do and abandoning what He protected to them.
Al-Qur’an is also revealed in order for the Muslims to think and ponder ever its signs and it is also full of blessings. In the Qur’an, there are so many signs that need to be thought by the Muslims which will consequently lead to their true believe in Allah (S.W.T) and the purpose of their creation. It is also full of blessings to mankind provide their believe in it (Qur’an) and abide by its teachings. The Glorious Qur’an says:-
“A Book We have revealed it to you, full of blessings, so the people can think over its signs”[2]
Al-Qur’an is also revealed in order to be an admonition to all creatures. It is full of good tidings to those who fear Allah (S.W.T) and do good deeds and warns the evil doers about the punishment that awaits them in the Hereafter. This can be seen from the verse which says:-
“Blessed is He who sent down the criterion to His servant that it may be an admonition to all creatures”[3]
It is obvious that, all such deeds and utterances can lead someone to paradise are fully stated and explained in the Holy Book of Allah (S.W.T). Likewise, all those deeds and utterances that can lead someone to the punishment of Allah (S.W.T) are also clearly stressed in the Qur’an, and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) has completely delivered the message.
Besides, Qur’an also serves as the reliable source from which the most beautiful of stories are received. All history (Sirah) that are received from the Glorious Qur’an about anything are said to be reliable and factual in which there is no doubt whatsoever. The Qur’an says:-
“We do recite unto you most beautiful if stories in that We revealed to you. This (portion of the) Qur’an, before this, you too was among those who knew it not”[4]
Therefore, the most authentic way of acquiring the history of the past important events is only from the Glorious Qur’an. Thus any history acquired nether from the Qur’an nor from the Traditions of the Prophet (S.A.W) may have some defects in it. We must therefore rely on the Qur’an for the facts.
Qur’an was also revealed to the Prophet (S.A.W) so that he may judge between the mankind. There are five hundred verses of the Glorious Qur’an which contained does and don’ts. These verses are called ‘Ayat al-Ahkam’.
Therefore, all these are verses which contained judgement. And all the judgements which are to be carried out by the Prophet (S.A.W) are to be done as guided by Allah (S.W.T) and not whatsoever under his selfishness. Because Prophet (S.A.W) never act on his wish, but as directed by Allah (S.W.T). The Qur’an says:-
“We have sent down to you the Book in truth, that you might judge between men, as guided by Allah. So be not used as an advocate by those who betray their trust”[5]
Qur’an was also not revealed to cause any hardship or distress to the Prophet (S.A.W) whatsoever. But it was revealed as an admonition, but only to those who fear Allah (S.W.T). Surely, Qur’an guides all those who fear Allah (S.W.T) by abiding by His rules and regulations to the straight path which will really leads them to paradise. As regard to this, Allah (S.W.T) mentioned:-
“We have not sent down the Qur’an to you to be (an occasion) for your distress. But only as an admonition to those who fear Allah (S.W.T).”[6]
So, we can see that, the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an to Prophet (S.A.W) is not in any way to cause any hardship to him. But it is revealed for the guidance of all the believers that fear Allah (S.W.T). Fearing Allah (S.W.T) means performing to your possible best the obligations of Allah (S.W.T) with the aim of being obedient to Him and to have His blessings. And keeping away to your possible best from the forbidden acts with the aim of being obedient to Allah (S.W.T) and hoping to escape from His punishment.
Since Qur’an was revealed as a means of guidance to mankind, it is similarly declared in the Qur’an that whatever follows the guidance of Allah (S.W.T) will not lose his way, nor will he fall into misery. And whoever turns away from the true teachings of the Qur’an, verily his life will be narrowed and in the Hereafter, he will be raised up blind. Therefore, whosoever wants to have a successful life here and hereafter must be strict to the guidance provided for him by Allah (S.W.T). The Qur’an says:-
“Whosoever follows my guidance, will not lose his way, nor fall into misery verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgement”[7]
Therefore, from the above quotation from the Glorious Qur’an, one can see that, the importance of the Qur’an cannot be overemphasized and it quite difficult to mention all its importance contained in all the verses of the Qur’an in this project. But we can see that, Qur’an is a source of guidance through which mankind are guided to the straight path. It is also an admonisher, it provide good tidings to the righteous believers and warns the evil doers. It is also a source from which the most beautiful of stories can be acquired. It is also through the Qur’an that Muslims are being judged by Prophet (S.A.W). These are but few basic importance of the Glorious Qur’an. Similarly, it is only in the Qur’an that the rules and regulations of the science of Tajwid are applicable, though one can apply in reciting A Hadith and other books of Fiqh, but it is not all that necessary. Therefore, Qur’an is the place value of Ilm al-Tajwid.
Now that, we touched some of the verses of the Glorious Qur’an which shows the importance of Qur’an as the place value of Ilm al-Tajwid, let us then focus our attention on the A Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W) which also stressed the importance of the importance of the Glorious Qur’an.
A Hadith which Shows the Importance of the Qur’an
Qur’an and Hadith are prime sources of Shari’ah. Literally, Hadith means the tradition of any person but in legal terms, it means the actions, explanations, approvals and deeds of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The word Hadith becomes synonymous to Hadith here. As a source of law, it is second only to the Glorious Qur’an. While the Qur’an gives the Muslims a primary rule of life, still there are matters or issues which require more clarity and guidance for practical living because the Qur’an says nothing about them directly. In such matters, the obvious thing to resort to is the A Hadith (Hadith) of the Prophet (S.A.W).
Therefore, since the Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W) is only second to the Glorious Qur’an as regard to Islamic Sharti’ah, and it is meant to specify what is being generalised or to generalise what is being specified in the Qur’an, we will see that, all the A Hadith which are going to be treated under this sub-heading are only giving more detail to the already verses of the Glorious Qur’an discussed.
In one of such traditions, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) says:-
“Narrated Abi Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (S.W.T) saying: “Recite the Glorious Qur’an, for it will appears on the Day of Judgement as a saviour to its reciter”[8]
As we can see from this Hadith, a great importance is attached to the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an. Because as the Muslim forms the habit of reciting the Qur’an, it will obviously save him from the punishment of Allah (S.W.T) with Allah’s willing. But it must be understood that, a recite can only achieve this benefit if his recitation is in line with the rules and regulations of the science of Ilm al-Tajwid. Therefore, for a Muslim to achieve the benefit of his recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, he must make sure that he recites it properly and correctly, and this can only be done if a Muslim learns Ilm al-Tajwid.
In another tradition, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) says:-
“Narrated Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (S.A.W) said: “There is no entry in Islam except in two cases; A person who is given the knowledge of the recitation of al-Qur’an and stick to it day and night and a person who is given wealth and gives it out as charity day and night”[9]
In this tradition, the importance of having the knowledge of Qur’anic recitation is being stressed. And as far as Islam is concerned, whenever it says something is having the knowledge of the recitation of Qur’an, it basically means that, that person possesses the knowledge of the science of Tajwid. And we know how Islam regarded envy as a grievous act, but yet Islam allows a person to be envy of his brother Muslim who is given the knowledge and ability of reciting the Glorious Qur’an day and night. But this does not mean you should wish the death of the person or the occurrence of any dangerous thing to him. But Islam means that you too should hope to see that Allah (S.W>T) also give you the knowledge and the courage to be abide by it, as given to your brother Muslim.
In yet another tradition, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) mentioned:-
“Narrated Ibn Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace ne upon him) said: “Whoever recite some letters of the Glorious Qur’an he will have a reward for it, and that reward with another ten rewards like it, and I do not mean Alif Lam Mim to be a letter, must Alif means a letter, Lam, means a letter and Mim means a letter”[10]
This tradition clearly shows the importance of al-Qur’an particularly as regard to its recitation. Because even if a Muslim recites Alif, Lam, Mim, he will obviously have thirty god rewards. Then what more of a person who recite the whole chapter two of the Glorious Qur’an which contains about one hundred and eighty-five verses and each verse consists of at least fifty letters. So, you can see that from the analysis, there is no duty you will perform in Islam that will earn you multiples of rewards at a time than to devote your time in the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an. But as earlier mentioned, we should not forget that, the benefit of reciting the Holy Bok of Allah (S.W.T) can only be achieved if it is done in line with the application of the science of Ilm al-Tajwid. If such is not done, the reverse will certainly be the case. Therefore, Muslims should devote their time in acquiring the knowledge of al-Tajwid.
Numerous A Hadith which cannot be all quoted here, clearly stressed the importance of the Glorious Qur’an particularly its recitation. Because it is through the constant recitation of the Glorious Qur’an that our minds are kept fresh with the full remembrance of Allah (S.W.T), and it is by this that our grievances could be wipe off. Therefore, Muslims should form the habit of reciting the Holy Book of Allah (S.W.T) day and night with correct and proper recitation as laid down by the rules and regulations of the science of Ilm al-Tajwid.
A Hadith which Shows the Importance of Teaching the Glorious Qur’an
Apart from the traditions of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) which shows the importance of the Glorious Qur’an itself, there are also a number of traditions which plainly stressed the importance of teaching the Glorious Qur’an. In one of such traditions, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) says:-
“Narrated by Uthman bn Affan (R.A): The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn Qur’an and teach it”[11]
What a good tiding, the tradition clearly stated that, the best among the Muslims are those people who learn Qur’an and subsequently teach it to other generation. However, it should be understood that, those who learn Qur’an means those who learn its correct recitation as well as its correct interpretations and commentaries. And when they learned it in this way, they did not hide the knowledge, but they also devote their time in teaching it to others. These people as described by the Prophet (S.A.W) are the best among the Muslim Ummah.
In another tradition which is similar to this, the Prophet (S.A.W) says:-
“Narrated by Uthman bn Affan (R.A): The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “The superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it”[12].
As earlier mentioned, these two traditions, the former and later almost mean the same. The only difference is that, in the first Hadith, the word ‘best among you’ (Kahirukum) is used and in the second Hadith, the word ‘Most superior among you’ (Afdalukum) is used, but the meaning is almost the same.
In the Hadith, Prophet (S.A.W) stressed that, the most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn Qur’an and later on teach it to others. Thus, we can clearly see that, the duty of learning Qur’an and teaching it to others attained a high status as far as the tradition of the Prophet (S.A.W) are concerned.
In yet another tradition of the Prophet (S.A.W), the importance of teaching the Glorious Qur’an to others can plainly be seen, where the Prophet (S.A.W) made it to be the minimum dowry that will qualify somebody to marry a woman. This can be seen where the Prophet (S.A.W) says:-
“Narrated by Sahl bn Sa’d: A lady came to the Prophet (S.A.W) and declared that, she had decided to offer herself to Allah (S.W.T) and His Apostle (S.A.W). The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “I am not in need of women”. A man said (to the Prophet (S.A.W) “Please marry her to me”. The Prophet (S.A.W) said (to him) “Giver her a garment”. The man said: “I cannot afford it. The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “Give her anything even if it were an iron ring”. The man apologized again. The Prophet (S.A.W) then asked him. What do you know by heart of the Qur’an. He replied I know such and such portion of the Qur’an (by heart). The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “Then I marry her to you for that much of the Qur’an which you know by heart”[13].
We can see how important Sadaq is to marriage which is one of the fundamental principles without which consummation of marriage cannot take place. But because of the importance Islam attaches to teaching of al-Qur’an, the Prophet (S.A.W) declared that, he married the woman to one of his companions as a result of that much of the Qur’an which he knew by heart. This simply means that, he should go and teach her that portion of the Qur’an he knew by heart and that will be her dowry.
Thus, it should be realized that, this ruling of the Prophet (S.A.W) is still applicable nowadays because it was not mentioned that, this order is only restricted to that companions. Therefore even today, if somebody is found very learned and well versed in the Qur’an but cannot afford the minimum dowry which will enable him to marry a woman can be married to him with the condition that, he will teach her that much of the portion of the Qur’an which he knew by heart.
Therefore, the writer is appealing to those who were blessed with the knowledge of al-Qur’an to please endeavour to pass the knowledge to the less opportune individuals because of the great importance Islam attaches to the teaching of al-Qur’an. And we always need to keep in mind that teaching of al-Qur’an involves ts interpretations, commentaries and its correct recitation as regulated by the science of Ilm al-Tajwid.
Moral Importance of the Glorious Qur’an
Islam is a comprehensive way of life that does not leave anything untouched in mankind‟s endeavour. The Qur’an teaches many lessons concerning Muslims behaviours. It wants man to display the best conduct. If everybody behaves according to the rules laid down by al-Qur’an, then the whole world will be in order. There will not be any conflict, chaos, injustice, corruption, murder, theft, fornication, adultery, hypocrite, gambling, and so on. Al-Qur’an emphasizes on moral, ethics and virtue, which Allah wants them to practice mankind to practice and others which he warns then to eschew. The messages come to reform the earth, remove corruption and institute ethically based social order[14].
The Glorious Qur’an itself acknowledged that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) has the best character. Almighty Allah says:
And you (standest) on an exalted standard of character[15].
Also, in another verse Allah says:
You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the final day, and who engage much in the praise of Allah[16].
Historical Significance
The historical importance of the Glorious Qur’an lies in providing the mankind the historical account of the ancient creation or span before them. It gives the account of those who performed well and those who performed wrongly on earth. The importance of this historical account is to draw lessons from it. In addition, to imitate or emulate the style of the righteous one, also to be aware and stay away from the footstep of those who go astray or do injustice to themselves. Allah says that he never does any injustice to anybody; it is mankind that does himself injustice. Al-Qur’an says:
All that we relate to thee of the stories of the messengers with it we make firm thy heart: in them there cometh to thee the truth, as well as an exhortation and a message of remembrance to those who believe.[17]
Also:
These are some of the stories of communities, which we relate unto thee: of them some standing and some have been mown down (by the sickle of time).[18]
Also:
Such were the towns whose story we (thus) relate unto thee: there came indeed to them their messengers with clear (signs) but they would not believe what they had rejected before thus doth Allah seal up the hearth of those who reject faith.[19]
Conclusion
To recap, Islam is a unique religion which is a way of life Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was sent to the entire humanity as a messenger with the Glorious Qur’an as a book of message(s). The message covers everything or at least many important issues. But few were addressed here due to the scope of the paper. It is a universal message to all creatures and it is a guidance that brings people from darkness to light. The message entails spiritual or ritual and emphasizes the Oneness of God. It elucidates the purpose and the reason behind our existence in this world, which is in fact, obeying Allah and worshipping Him alone without associating any partners to Him. Among the importance of the messages is that it guides people and strongly encourages the establishment of justice. Furthermore, morality is one of the messages of which the Prophet himself was considered as an icon. Historical events of the past generations were given in the Qur’an so that mankind can reflect upon and derive the sound judgment.
References:
Abu Y.. (1985). Kitab al-kharaj. Beirut :Dar al-Shuruq.
Al- Baghawi al – Hussain bin mas‟ud, (1976). Sharh al Hadith, n.p: al –Maktah al –Islamiy.
Al-Bukhari, M. I. (2009),Sahih al-Bukhari, Muhsin, M. (trans.): Beirut. Daru al-Arabia.
Al-Ghazālī, A. H. (1964). Nazīhat al–mulūk, Translated by F.R.C.Bagley. London: Oxford University Press.
Alī, „A. Y. (1989). The Glorious Qur’an, text, translation and commentary. Maryland: Amana Corporation.
Asad, M. (1980). The Message of the Qur’an. Gibraltar: Dar al-Andalus.
Cambridge dictionaries online. (2014). Retrieved from http://dictionary.cambridge.org/ Zaheer, S. I. (1992), Tafsir ishraq al-ma„āni, Bangalore: Iqra Welfare Trust.
Chanudhry, M. S. (1988). A Code of the teachings of al- Qur’an. Lahore: Fazal Haque and Sons.
Fazlur Rahman, M. (1999). Major themes of the Qur’an. Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Book Trust.
Haykal, M. H.. (2008). The life of Muhammad, Translated by Ismail Ragi al-Faruqi. Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Book Trust.
Ibn Khathīr, (2003) Tafshīr Ibn Khathīr, Abridge by Shaykh Safiur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri Riyadh: Darussalam Publisher and Distributor.
Izutsu, T. (1964). God and man in Qur’an Tokyo: Keio University.
Izutsu, T. (2004). Ehthico-religious concept of the Qur’an. Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Book Trust.
Khadduri, M. (1984). The Islamic concept of justice. London: The John Hopkins University Press.
Lane Edward W. (1984). An Arabic-english lexion, Cambridge: The Islamic Texts Society.
Mawdūdī, A. (1989) Towards understanding the Qur’an. Translated and edited by Zafar IshaqAnsari, London: The Islamic Foundation.
Ogunbado, A. F. (2011). Mechanism of poverty eradication: An Islamic perspective. The Islamic Quarterly, Vol.55, No.4.
Wordweb online dictionary (2014). Retrieved from http://www.wordwebonline.com/
Yaakob, A. (1993) The Implementation of justice in history of Islam? “ in Islam and Justice. Edited by Aidit Bin Hj. Ghazali Kuala Lumpur, Institute of Islamic Understanding.
[1] Qur’an, 2:2.
[2] Qur’an, 38:30.
[3] Qur’an, 25:1.
[4] Qur’an, 12:3.
[5] Qur’an, 4:105.
[6] Qur’an, 20:2-3
[7] Qur’an, 20: 123-124
[8] Al-Imam Abi Zakariyyah: Riyadu al-Salihin 631-676.
[9]Sahih AL-Bukhari: V.6 by Muhammad Muslim Khan Islamic University Al-Madinah. Publisher Dar-al-Arabia 1785/1405. P.500.
[10] Al-Imam Abi Zakariyya bn Sharif An-Nawawi Al-Dam Shaqiy: Riyadu al-Salihin. 631-676.
[11] Sahih al-Bukhari, Op, Cit.
[12] Ibid,
[13] Ibid.
[14]M. Fazlur Rahman, Major themes of the Qur’an. Kuala Lumpur: Islamic, Book Trust, 1999, P, 24
[15] Qur’an, 68:4
[16] Qur’an, 33:21.
[17] Qur’an, 11:120.
[18] Qur’an 11: 100
[19] Qur’an, 7:101