Reciting the Qur’an Properly and With a Beautiful Voice
Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: I hope this question finds you a state of good health and iman. I just wanted to know, “Does Allah (swt) specifically mention loving those whom Allah (swt) has given a beautiful Quran recitation voice?”
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.
No. Rather, there are numerous mentions of the deep reverence, which is due, and the high rank of the scholars, from amongst which are the people of the Qur’an.
The mention of Scholars (`ulama) in the Qur’an
“…Those truly fear God, among His Servants, who have knowledge: for God is Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving. Lo! those who read the Scripture of Allah, and establish worship, and spend of that which We have bestowed on them secretly and openly, they look forward to imperishable gain” [35:28-29]
As Ibn Ashur mentions in his exegesis on the Qur’an, al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir, what is intended by the those ‘who have knowledge’ (`ulama) are the ones who recite the Qur’an.
In a different variant of Qur’anic recital, the meaning is that the ones who have deep reverential respect for their Lord are the scholars (`ulama) because they are the most knowing of their Lord; therefore, it is incumbent upon people to have veneration and respect for them.
[Ibn Ashur, al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir; Sawi, Hashiyat al-Sawi `ala al-Jalalayn]
I asked Sh `Ali Hani, a leading scholar in Qur’anic exegesis, and he, too, confirmed that the scholars (`ulama) referred to those who actually recited the Qur’an, consistently, and then acted upon it, as the present tense verb in the verse indicates, and moreover, established worship by reciting it in their prayers.
Beautifying one’s Voice
With regards to beautifying one’s voice, this is conditioned by reciting the Qur’an with proper, correct tajwid. Without a strong grounding, one will not be giving the Qur’an its due. Mistakes are serious matters with the people of the Qur’an.
Please see the following related article: https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/general-counsel/the-sunna-method-of-reciting-the-quran-and-the-legal-status-of-reciting-with-tajwid/
A Note on Striving
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘…Be avid for what benefits you, seek the assistance of Allah and do not deem yourself incapable…’ [Muslim] Strive to seek knowledge from the scholars of the next life, have deep love for them and one will, insha’Allah, be with them on the final day; as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘A person will be with whom he loves.’ [Bukhari]
“The people of the Qur’an are the folk of Allah and His chosen ones.” [Ibn Majah; al-Hakim] We ask Allah that we be from amongst them. Amin.
And Allah knows best and He alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani
