Ramadan Mubarak from Masjid al-Haram and Balad al-Ameen

Ramadan Mubarak from Masjid
al-Haram and Balad al-Ameen

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Makkah al-Mukarramah: Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Greetings from the Masjid al-Haram and the Balad al-Ameen to all of you, especially to all the readers of the Islamic Monitor blog: May this holy month bring barakah, and Allah's boundless mercy upon the believers and harmony and tolerance for the world. The Supreme Judicial Council of Saudi Arabia called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent of the lunar month of Ramadan on July 30 (Saturday) evening. But the lunar moon was not sighted at sunset Saturday evening. So the holy month of Ramadan begun on Monday, 1st of August, 2011.

I welcome Ramadan, the month of Mercy and Repentance, the month of the Qur’an, of laylatul qadr (the night of power) and of repentance and forgiveness. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of the Islamic faith. It was declared an obligatory duty (Fard) in the second year of the Hijrah upon each and every mukallaf (one capable of carrying out religious duties, i.e. a sane adult).

Allah the Almighty made Ramadan fasting compulsory for Muslims. Allah said, “O those who believe, the fasts have been enjoined upon you as were enjoined upon those before so that you be God-fearing.’ [Surah Baqarah, 183]. Literally, Sawm means ‘to abstain’. In the terminology of Islamic law, Sawm means ‘to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse: with the conditions that one abstains continuously from dawn to sunset, and that there is an intention to fast.’ Therefore, should one eat or drink anything even a minute before sunset, the fast will not be valid. Similarly, if one abstained from all these things throughout the day but made no intention to fast, there will be no fast here too.

Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an “…And eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread…” (Al-Qur’an, 2:187) Literally defined, fasting means to abstain “completely” from foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking, before the break of the dawn till sunset, during the entire month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year.

Fasting in Islam is based on the lunar calendar and is tied to the sightings of hilal, the crescent, or new moon. Allah the Almighty stated: “They ask you concerning the new moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time… (Al-Qur’an, 2:189). And the Traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Eat until you see the crescent and break not until you see the crescent. If it is cloudy calculate the period of the month.” (Muslim and others).

Fasting in Ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications, e.g. mentally and physically fit, adult full of age which is normally fourteen and fairly certain that fasting is unlikely to cause any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst etc.

The said qualifications exclude the following categories: children under the age of puberty and discretion; men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardships; sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast; travellers may break the fast temporarily during their travel; pregnant women and women breast-feeding their children may also break their fast and women in the period of menstruation (of a maximum of ten days or of confinement (of a maximum of forty days. They must postpone the fast till recovery and then make up for it.

The holy month of Ramadan is the month of mercy, forgiveness, and seeking release from the Hell-fire. It is the month of repentance and acceptance of prayers. It is the month when the devils are chained, the gates of Hell are looked and the gates of Paradise are opened. That’s why; Muslims welcome Ramadan each year with energy and happiness, and are saddened only when the month departs. Fasting is for the living, not for mourning.

Ramadan is a month of worship. Muslims should welcome the month with repentance and seeking Allah’s pardon. We should keep away from committing sins; worship Allah sincerely and spending the night and day in prayer, supplication and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

Fasting is a shield which helps prevent many sins and with which Muslim protects himself from Hell-fire. Fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. It also means to abstain from any falsehood in speech and action, from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing and quarrelling. Therefore, fasting helps to develop good behaviour.

Fasting inculcates a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, as a Muslim feels and experiences what his needy and hungry brothers feel. This gives Muslim a new sense of togetherness and association.

Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an: The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (between right and wrong). (Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 185) As Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, every Muslim should prepare himself to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan by strengthening his relationship with the Qur’an. A Muslim is encouraged to complete one recitation of the Holy Qur’an during Ramadan.

We should engage more and more in the recitation of the Qur’an, in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), perform extra Salah (ritual prayers) at night and renew identity with one another in our obedience to Allah.

Ramadan is called the month of charity and sympathy; a month of giving in charity and sharing meals to break the fast together. Many Muslims also pay Zakah in the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to bring about permanent improvement into our lives. We can do this by making a goal to remove a harmful trait from our character or speech, whether it be argumentation, backbiting, making false promises, or resentment against a fellow Muslim, or a sinful matter from our lives. Insha’Allah by the baraka of this month, this effort will result in change that will benefit us in this world and the next.

I would again like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a blessed Ramadan. May this blessed month bring unadulterated peace to everyone in the world. May Allah make this Ramadan a month of increasing nearness to Him, and May He accept all of our fasts and worship. Ameen.

Thus Ramadan becomes a blessed month of physical, moral and spiritual renewal through fasting, charity and worship. This is the moral and spiritual gifts of Ramadan. “We can say that Ramadan gives us the great gift of Taqwa (Piety). Taqwa is the sum total of Islamic life. It is the highest of all virtues in the Islamic scheme of things. It means God-consciousness, piety, fear and awe of Allah and it signifies submission to Allah and total commitment to all that is good and rejection of all that is evil and bad,” said Dr. Muzzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).

King Abdullah and Crown Prince
Greet Muslims on Ramadan
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the Crown Prince Sultan, deputy Premier greeted Muslims in the Kingdom and the rest of the world on Sunday on the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan. In a joint address read out by the Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja, the King and the Crown prince said, “We pray to Almighty Allah to make the advent of this month an opportunity for the Muslim Ummah to learn more, to strive to reject disunity and to achieve the ideals of brotherhood. That is when the strong stands by the weak, the wealthy supports the needy and the oppressed forgives the oppressor. Thus, they will build a tolerant society where people coexist peacefully preserving the rights and respecting the rights of others.”

British Foreign Secretary sent
very best wishes to Muslims
The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, M.P. sent his “very best wishes to Muslim communities in Britain and across the world”. In his Ramadan Message, Mr. Hague said, “Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection. Its importance is emphasised in prayer and as a time when families and friends gather to remember those less fortunate. Its values remind us of the principles that we hold in common – tolerance, justice, progress and the dignity of all human beings. The key messages of selflessness, charity, and compassion are values that unite Muslims and non Muslims alike.”

Imams lead Taraweeh Prayer at Grand Mosque
Imam of Taraweeh prayers at the Grand Mosque of Makkah was announced. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Awwad Al-Juhani will lead the first 10 rak’as of Taraweeh and Witr prayers, while Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais will lead the last 10 rak’as at the Grand Mosque, it was announced Saturday.

Dr. Saud Al-Shuraim and Sheikh Maher Bin Hamad Al-Muaiqli will lead the prayers in even nights during the last ten days of the holy month. During this period Al-Juhani and Al-Muaiqli will lead the Taraweeh prayers and Al-Shuraim and Al-Sudais will lead the Tahajjud (voluntary night) prayers.

On the night of the Khatm (completion or conclusion) of the Qur’an, the congregation will be led by Sheikh Al-Sudais. Ramadan Friday sermons will be delivered by Sheikh Saleh Bin Muhammad Aal Taleb, Dr. Osama Bin Abdullah Khayyat, Dr. Saleh Bin Abdullah Bin Humaid, and Dr. Saud Bin Ibrahim Al-Shuraim, respectively.

King Abdullah: Double efforts in
serving Umrah pilgrims
King Abdullah has directed all agencies to spare no effort in providing quality services for Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the two Holy Mosques. The Grand Mosque is already full of worshippers and Umrah pilgrims. Over 4.5 million Umrah visas have been issued to this year’s Ramadan. Authorities have devised elaborate plans to provide all comfort to visitors to the holy city. The General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has a special Ramadan plan in place to ensure millions of worshippers and Umrah pilgrims can perform their rituals in ease and comfort.

Hand out Ramadan meals
Close to 500 new officials including supervisors are appointed to ensure the hand out the free Ramadan meals at the courtyards of the Grand Mosque.

Makkah Health Plan for Ramadan Pilgrims
The General Health Directorate in Makkah has worked out an integrated plan to provide comprehensive health services to the Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque. There will be 36 health and first aid centres at the Grand Mosque for Umrah pilgrims and visitors this Ramadan said Dr. Khaled Obaid Zafar, Director General of Health affairs in Makkah region. The centres are Ajyad Al-Sufli Gate, Ajyad Al-Alwi Gate, Gate 94, Gate 64 and Nadwa Gate. The directorate plans to operate three new first aid centres at the Grand Mosque plazas in addition to 29 permanent first aid centres, the official said.

There are 29 permanent primary healthcare centres in Makkah. All Makkah hospitals have been prepared to work at full capacity in Ramadan.

120 units of blood donated for pilgrims
Pilgrims who come for Hajj and Umrah sometimes face tough challenges. King Fahd Medical City (KFMC) organised Blood donation campaign in view of the forthcoming month of Ramadan to alleviate some of the problems by donating blood for pilgrims coming to Saudi Arabia on Umrah. About 150 people participated and donated 120 units (50 litres) of blood that would be delivered to blood banks in Makkah and Madinah.

Improved Zamzam water coolers
The Holy Mosques General Presidency has launched new improved Zamzam water coolers in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque during Ramadan. The new coolers are easy to move and distribute, can maintain the water temperature, and are made of materials resistant to bacteria. It will guarantee a high-level of cleanliness and preserve the purity of water. They can be sealed so that only workers can open them for filling or washing, it is reported.

Prophet’s Mosque ready to welcome worshippers
The Presidency of the Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque has initiated a new operational plan to enable worshippers and visitors to perform their prayers at ease and comfort during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The plan includes an increase in the number of female inspectors, preachers conducting religious sessions and cleaning personnel, as well as an expansion of facilities and services provided to those who visit the Prophet’s Mosque, it is reported. The presidency has hired 1,000 seasonal female inspectors to help its staff deal with the growing number of female worshippers and visitors, which it is thought will reach more than three million, he said. More preachers have also been engaged to hold religious teaching sessions to meet the demand of worshippers who seek to increase their understanding of Islamic issues.

The Blessed month of Ramadan in the Holy City of Makkah in 2010

The Blessed month of Ramadan
in the Holy City of Makkah in 2010

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Makkah al-Mukarramah: In Ramadan, the Holy city has taken a different colour. It is learnt that Saudi Arabia has issued for the first time many Umrah visas just in nine months. The Holy site of Makkah and Madina has attracted a record high of more than four million pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia. Authorities have prepared to take a special measure in different areas, such as security, health, cleaning etc. But let us start first with the sighting of the Moon.

With the sighting of the Crescent moon of the holy month of Ramadan, the start of the holy month of Ramadan was marked by Sergeant Mastour Al-Nahari firing seven bullets from the “Ramadan Canon” situated on top of Al-Medf’a Mountain in Makkah. The firing of the canon is an annual event every Ramadan. Muslims all over the country gather together to congratulate each other and share their happiness, and to prepare for the voluntary work that will take place in almost every mosque in Saudi Arabia.

Just a few hours after the announcement of the sighting of the Crescent moon, both the Haramain in Makkah and Madina turned into beehive of activity as hundreds of thousands of visitors started pouring into the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina to attend the first night of Al-Taraweeh prayers.

During the holy month of Ramadan the holy city of Makkah comes alive in a way that does not happen in other places in the country. It is a city that does not sleep during this time. Makkah’s people start preparing for this special time during the last week of Sha’ban.

Iftar and Suhour
The start of Iftar and Suhour is marked by the firing of the canons. The canons all over the country are shot when the sun sets and at breakfast time to coincide with the Adhan. In addition two capsules are shot at 2 A.M. to inform people in Makkah to take their Suhoor and before the dawn Adhan another two capsules are shot marking the end of Suhoor time. Each bullet contains 1.5 kg of ammunition powder.

Makkah’s people prepare food for Ramadan like vegetables, sambosa and sweets. In the old days, soup, beans and sambosa were the main dishes for breaking the fast in Ramadan. Sobia has been the favorite drink of Makkah’s people throughout the years. The sweets are the favorites of Makkah’s people. The Suhoor table was not complete without sweets such as muhallabia, al-almasia, and kuchaf al-zabib. For Iftar, Makkah’s people cooked vegetables or meat in various forms such as kabob.

Multicultural gathering of millions at Iftar
What a wonderful scene! Millions of people, men, women, children, young and old, black and white, of different cultural backgrounds of all the continents, almost of all the countries, are united under one platform, within the precincts of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, inside and outside, sitting with delicious food in front of them, waiting for the call to break the fast. Not a single person, boys or girls, men or women, did touch the food to eat without the permission of Allah the Almighty. What a wonderful scene of discipline! What a marvelous sight of belief and faith! In Islam there is no distinction, whether you are poor or rich, black or white, because all people are the same in the eyes of God. This is the philosophy reflected when millions of people gathered together inside and outside of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah in the evening of every day of the blessed month of Ramadan to break their fast.

It’s a crowd of disciplined, faithful, God-fearing people, who are united, not to show their strength of power, but to show and demonstrate the humbleness, humility, commitment and dedication to abide by the Orders of the Creator, Allah the Almighty. There is no arrogance, no haughtiness.

Even in the women’s pockets of the gathering, females of different cultural backgrounds of various countries, wearing Hijabs of different shades, colours and styles, but all are showing their modesty in dress and behavour, no vulgarity, no indecency and rudeness.

Taraweeh
There are twenty rak’ats prayed in Taraweeh in Haramain. In the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, four Imams, such as Sheikh Abdur Rahman al-Sudais, Sheikh Saud al-Shuraim, Sheikh Maher al-Mu’aqily and Sheikh Abdullah al-Johani led the Taraweeh prayers. The first ten rak’at prayers are led by one imam and the second ten rak’at Taraweeh are led by another Imam.

Qiyam al-Lail
The Qiyam al-Lail prayers (night prayer) of the last ten nights have already started with the first chapter of the Holy Qur’an. The ten rak'ats Qiyam al-Lail prayers led by two Imams, first six rak’ats by Sheikh Saud al-Shuraim and the second four rak’ats by Sheikh Abdur Rahman al-Sudais who also made dua (supplication) after the Bitr prayer.

Friday prayer
Last Friday, on 27 August, 2010, over two million people offered Jumah prayers in the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina. At the Prophet’s Mosque, more than half a million worshippers performed Friday prayer. Here the authorities are introducing a set of integrated services with the efforts of about 15,000 cadres from security bodies.

I’tikaf
There is I’tikaf in the last ten days. 40,000 Mutakifs are expected by the Prophet’s Mosque Affairs, to be sitting in seclusion (I’tikaf) in Haram for the rest of holy month. The authorities said a program for Mutakifs has been completed.

Preparation of Haram for Ramadan
Last Thursday 26th of August 2010 International Airport received 39 international flights carrying tens of thousands of visitors who are being offered round-the-clock medical services through 10 health facilities. The authorities have drawn up integrated plans to provide the highest standard of services to Umrah pilgrims so that they can perform their rituals in ease and comfort. Over 50,000 security officers from various agencies and from the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Makkah Mayoralty and other government bodies have been deployed to ensure safety and security for up to 1.5 million visitors and pilgrims to the holy city during Ramadan.

Healthcare
An intensive healthcare systems plan was in place at the Grand Mosque for the millions of pilgrims coming here during Ramadan. Five dispensaries inside the Grand Mosque have been fully equipped to offer full medical services. Health centres have been established in the Haram. There are five health centers on the second floor of the Holy Haram which provides medical services all day. The centers are located on lower Bab Ajyad, the upper Bab Ajyad, Gate 94 in the new expansion, Gate 64 at King Fahd Expansion and Bab Al-Nadwa. These centers provide first aid and emergency services in addition to 29 permanent health centers in different parts of the holy city including those around the Grand Mosque to offer prompt medical services to pilgrims.

Clean-up
The Makkah Mayoralty has assigned 8,500 cleaners with 810 cleaning machines and equipment for clean-up operations. There are also seven temporary stations for the collection of waste and garbage to keep the holy city clean around the clock.

Women team
For the first time, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the authorities at the Holy Haram has teams of women who will be available to help critically-ill women pilgrims at the Mosque’s health centers.

Women officials
The General Presidency of Two Holy Mosques Affairs has appointed 300 women officials to cope with the increasing number of women pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque in Ramadan. They instruct the visitors on how the visitors should conduct themselves in the mosque. They also take the women entering the mosque to the place reserved for women.

151 women guides were working in four shifts at various locations in the mosque including the courtyards. They checked the women visitors at the gates both day and night. While 20 guides supervised the cleaning operations in the women’s area including the toilets in two shifts, 10 guides took care of the copies of the Holy Qur’an kept in the women’s section. Another 20 guides worked in the courtyards to see that women did not pray on passages and walkways, it is reported.

Makkah Clock
"The Makkah Clock started with the order of King Abdullah ... one minute after midnight on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan," the Saudi Press Agency said. A giant clock on a skyscraper in Islam's holiest city Makkah began ticking on Wednesday, 11th of August, 2010, at the start of the fasting month of Ramadan, amid hopes it will become the Muslim world's official timekeeper. The Makkah Clock, which Riyadh says is the world's largest, has four faces measuring 43 meters in diameter. It sits 400 meters up what will be the world's second-tallest skyscraper and largest hotel, overlooking the city's Holy Grand Mosque, which Muslims around the world turn to five times a day for prayer. Over 90 million pieces of colored glass mosaic embellish the sides of the clock, which has four faces each bearing a large inscription of the name "Allah". It is visible from all corners of the city, the state news agency said.

The clock is positioned on a 601-meter tower, which will become the second tallest inhabited building in the world when it is completed in three months' time.

The clock tower is the landmark feature of the seven-tower King Abdulaziz Endowment hotel complex, being built by the Saudi Binladin Group, which will have the largest floor area of any building in the world when it is complete. Local media have said the clock tower project cost $3 billion. Around 2 million Muslims visit the holy city each year for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a once-in-a-lifetime requirement for able-bodied Muslims, and 3.5 million pilgrims visit Makkah at other times of the year.

Makkah al-Mukarramah
5th September 2010

Ramadan: The Month of the Qur'an

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Noble Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan (Al-Qur’an, 97:1-3.). The Qur’an was sent down in the month of Ramadhan on the Night of Power Lailatul Qadr. (Al-Qur’an, 91:1-3.).

It is the month of Ramadhan that Allah has honoured by revealing the Qur’an. Because of this strong relation between the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to read the Qur’an to Archangel Jibreel every Ramadan. I think this is the right place to discuss the purpose and objective of the revelation of the Qur’an, its importance, the campaigns against it and the do’s and don’ts of the Qur’an.

First of all, Allah the Most High, created mankind and gave him the gift of expression. For the guidance of mankind Allah sent Prophets to every single community. In the words of the Qur’an, "There has been no community to which God’s messengers have not come" and "Muslims should make no distinctions between them." So it is the duty of a Muslim to honour all the prophets equally.

The Qur’an represents the culmination of all other earlier Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the last of the Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the first religious book in the world, which requires the belief in other revelations, a part of its Faith. This Sacred Book was revealed to the last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the month of Ramadan. Allah Himself said in the Qur’an: “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to Mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).” (2:185).

Allah the Most High has especially mentioned the exact date and month of the revelation: “We have indeed revealed This (Message) in the Night of Power.” (97:1) So the purpose of the revelation of the Qur’an was for guidance of Mankind.

The Qur’an is emphatic in proclaiming that Islam is the religion of Jesus, Moses, Abraham and the Prophets Jesus and Moses were not Jews but Muslims. "Surely those who believe (in that which is revealed to Muhammad Peace be upon him) and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabaeans – whoever believes in Allah, and the Last Day and does good, surely their reward is with their Lord, and there is no fear for them nor shall they grieve." (2:62). "A Guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and judgement (between right and wrong)." This is the most important characteristic of the Qur’an, the Book that Allah has revealed in the month of Ramadhan. It is guidance for mankind. It is clear proof, clear proof of guidance and of judgement.

Before the revelation of the Qur’an, it was preserved and guarded from corruption in the "Mother of the Book". Allah Himself said: "Nay this is a Glorious Qur’an (inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved" (85:21-22). When Allah wanted to give this Trust to someone, the Heavens, the Earth, and the Mountains, i.e. other creatures of Allah, besides man, refused to undertake this Trust or responsibility. They preferred to submit their will entirely to Allah’s Will, which is All-Wise and Perfect, and which would give them far more happiness than a faculty of choice, with their imperfect knowledge. Allah says in the Qur’an: "We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it: He was indeed unjust and foolish." (33-72).

So it is the human beings who took the responsibility of the Trust without realising its importance. This Sacred Book was revealed to the last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the month of Ramadhan. The Qur’an is the revealed book of God which has been in existence for more than four hundred years and the Word of Allah is available in its original form. There has not been an iota of change in this unique historic record. Its originality and authenticity has been guaranteed by no other than Allah the Almighty who challenges in the Qur’an itself.

Allah said, "This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah: on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelation) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt – from the Lord of the Worlds." (10:37). In another verse of the Qur’an Allah challenges, "Or do they say, "He forged it?" Say: "Bring then a Surah like unto it; and call (to your aid) anyone who can, beside Allah if it be you speak the truth!" (10:38). "Or they may say, "He forged it." Say, "Bring you then ten Suras forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever you can, other than Allah! – if you speak the truth!" (11:13).

Allah said in the Qur’an, "And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant then produce a Sura like thereunto, and call your witness and helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your are truthful." (2:23) Allah places many verses before you. Can you produce one like it?

The world is challenged to produce a Book like it and has not produced one. It is the only Revealed Book whose text stands pure and uncorrupted today. Allah said, "Say: "if the whole of mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support." (17:88)

Since the revelation of the Qur’an, the enemies of Islam have been trying to distort it. Firstly, they said, it is not revelation, it is written by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Then they started attacking its authenticity and originality. In spite of their conspiracy, the Qur’an has been preserved in its original form.

The Qur’an is the only Book in the world which has remained for the past fourteen centuries pure without any interpolation or change and will remain so till the Last Day as Allah has guaranteed its purity. (15:9).

The purity, preservation and propagation of the Qur’an were maintained by two methods: memorization of Qur’an in Qur’anic schools and the recitation of the complete Qur’an in Ramadan. In the month of Ramadan every year the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked by Archangel Jibreel to recite the whole of it twice. It was a Muzakira between the two.

Abu Huraira reported that Jibreel used to repeat the recitation of the Qur’an with the Prophet once a year, but he repeated it twice with him in the year the Prophet (peace be upon him) died. The Qur’an was recited in the Taraweeh for the first time during the era of Caliph Omar.

So far as the memorization of the Qur’an in Qur’anic schools is concerned, many Huffaz and Islamic scholars have been killed in different parts of the world at different times. But still there is no dearth of Islamic scholars who can recite the complete Qur’an from memory. Severe campaigns have been launched against the Qur’anic schools, which teach the study, recitation and memorization of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the main Book of the Muslims; it is the duty of the Muslims to learn Qur’an, which contains their code of life and ethical values whose benefits have been experienced by mankind throughout the ages.

I have already mentioned the objective and importance of the Qur’an and how its originality and purity have been maintained. Our Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions dedicated their days and nights for worship. Their lives revolved completely around the Book of Allah, the Qur’an, reciting it in and out of Salah.

The Qur’an is the basis of the religion of Islam, and on the preservation and propagation of the Qur’an depends the very existence of this Faith. Hence the virtue of learning and teaching the Qur’an is self-evident and does not need further elucidation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Bukhari, Daud and Tirmidhi).