Seven Responsibilities of Muslims toward Quran
These seven points have been elaborated by Hojat-ol-Islam Seyyed Javad Beheshti, a Quran researcher from Iran. Here is a summary of his remarks:
Reading and reciting the Quran
Reading the Quran is the first demand the divine book mentions. The name “Quran” refers to something that should be read. The question is how and when we should read it. “Therefore, recite from the Quran as much as is easy (for you).” (Al-Muzzammil, verse 20) According to narrations, Muslims are advised to read at least 50 verses every day.
The next question is when we should read the Quran. The time of reading can affect the quality of the action.
Believers have been advised to read the Quran at dawn and midnight. “Surely, the Koran recital at dawn is witnessed.” (Surah Al-Isra, verse 78) “They recite the words of God in prostration at night.” (Surah Al-Imran, verse 113)
The second responsibility is recitation. This means reading all the verses from the beginning to the end of the book. The Quran is comprehensive as it contains knowledge about this world and Akhirah, about spirituality, politics, economics, family, etc.; therefore, we need to read all the verses not just a few selected ones.
Tarteel is the third responsibility of Muslims towards the Quran. Tarteel refers to reading the Quran with care and focus. Sometimes, we may read the Quran hastily or without attention, however, the best type of reading is when you have read a book several times with extra eagerness and you are advising others to do the same.
Reflecting upon Quranic verses
Reflecting on the verses is the fourth responsibility of Muslims. This book has been revealed with the aim of guiding mankind. So one should reflect upon all of its verses. The stories told in the Quran do not seek to entertain us, rather, they are offering lessons that we should draw and use in our lives.
The fifth demand from Muslims is to listen to the Quran. “Whenever the Quran is recited (to you), listen to it quietly so that you may receive mercy.” (Surah Al-A’raf, verse 204). This listening should be accompanied by attention.
Teaching and influencing
Teaching the Quran is the next defined responsibility. Everyone should teach whatever they know about the Quran, including recitation, translation, tafsir, etc. to others. These teaching sessions can start from the family circles and then extend to wider populations.
The seventh demand of the Quran from us is to influence others. It is not enough just to read and increase our information, rather, we should influence others and make others feel the sweet taste of the verses, encouraging them to read and reflect on the Quran. “When God is mentioned, the true believers begin to feel fear of Him in their hearts and when His revelations are recited to them their faith strengthens. In God alone do they trust.” (Surah Al-Anfal, verse 2)
