Can memorization and frequent recitations of the Qur'an be combined in Ramadan?
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Question:
Your Eminence, with the blessed month of Ramadan approaching, which is better: being occupied with memorizing the Qur'an and reviewing it, or increasing the recitation of the Qur'an?
Answer:
What appears to be the case, and Allah knows best, based on the guidance of the Salaf, is to increase the recitation of the Qur'an and strive to repeat many recitations of the Qur'an; because it is an opportunity for reflection and understanding. If one adds to this the memorization of what is feasible in other times of the month, one combines the two benefits; one increases the recitation and sets aside a specific time to memorize what is feasible of it; this is good.
However, one should increase the recitation until one completes many recitations, following the righteous Salaf (may Allah have mercy on them) and taking advantage of the opportunity; and because in that lies seeking knowledge and understanding the religion; for in reading the Qur'an lies understanding the religion and seeking knowledge; because it is the Book of Allah, containing guidance and light. And Allah the Exalted said regarding it: [Al-Isra: 9] And He the Exalted said regarding it: [Fussilat: 44] And He the Mighty and Majestic said regarding it: [Sad: 29] And He the Exalted said: [An-Nahl: 89]. So in reading it from its beginning to its end, and increasing in that with reflection and understanding, lies that great knowledge and much good, and remembering the deeds of the righteous and following their example, and remembering the deeds of the deviants and guarding against their characteristics. All of this is achieved by reading the Qur'an and increasing in its recitation. You know the characteristics of the good people, you know the characteristics of the people of Paradise, you know the characteristics of the messengers and their followers; so that you adopt them. You know the characteristics of the people of Paradise so you adhere to them, you know the characteristics of the people of the Fire so you guard against them, you know the characteristics of the disbelievers, the hypocrites, and the criminals so you guard against them. Therefore, increasing in the recitation of this great Qur'an is more preferable than limiting oneself to memorization. And if one sets aside a specific time for memorization in Ramadan and in other times, that is good.
Your Eminence, with the blessed month of Ramadan approaching, which is better: being occupied with memorizing the Qur'an and reviewing it, or increasing the recitation of the Qur'an?
Answer:
What appears to be the case, and Allah knows best, based on the guidance of the Salaf, is to increase the recitation of the Qur'an and strive to repeat many recitations of the Qur'an; because it is an opportunity for reflection and understanding. If one adds to this the memorization of what is feasible in other times of the month, one combines the two benefits; one increases the recitation and sets aside a specific time to memorize what is feasible of it; this is good.
However, one should increase the recitation until one completes many recitations, following the righteous Salaf (may Allah have mercy on them) and taking advantage of the opportunity; and because in that lies seeking knowledge and understanding the religion; for in reading the Qur'an lies understanding the religion and seeking knowledge; because it is the Book of Allah, containing guidance and light. And Allah the Exalted said regarding it:
Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable
إِنَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُSay, "It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure."
قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هُدًى وَشِفَاءٌ[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.
كِتَابٌ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِAnd We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things
وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.