The Importance of Memorizing the Qur'an and Teaching It to Children

Question:
Before concluding, we would like our Shaykh to speak to us briefly about the importance of memorizing the Qur'an and teaching the Qur'an to young children and boys in the mosques, and after that, prizes will be awarded to some of the top students?

Answer:
In any case, it is not hidden from anyone that caring for the Qur'an—teaching it, studying it, reciting it, attending to it, and reflecting on it—is the obligation of the Muslims, the obligation of every Muslim, and especially fathers with their children. It is obligatory for a parent who cares about teaching his son the Qur'an, or teaching his daughter, or his wife, or anyone over whom he has guardianship, to care about teaching them the Qur'an. Teaching them good, and the Qur'an is all good; learning it, teaching it, and reciting it are all good in this world and the Hereafter. It was mentioned in the hadith: , and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So the Qur'an should be the Muslim's occupation. Always in its recitation, its reflection, its learning, and its teaching. The more one increases in it, the more his reward increases, and the more he benefits from the Qur'an. And the more one distances himself from it and abandons it, the harder his heart becomes, the heavier his deeds become, and his condition changes. So the Qur'an is all good, because it is light, and distancing oneself from light leads to darkness, while approaching light allows a person to see. So it is obligatory that we care for the Book of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) in ourselves, in our children, and in our Muslim brothers, and we should also cooperate with the associations and groups that study the Qur'an, because this is part of cooperating in righteousness and piety. Allah the Exalted said: And Allah the Exalted knows best, and may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and his Companions.