Rights of the Qur’an & Completing it Every Forty Days

Answered by Ustadha Sulma Badrudduja

Question: What is the right of the Quran in regard to reciting it? Is it true that it is the Quran’s right that we complete it every 40 days? If so, is it necessary to do so and how do we prove it to other people?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh,

Allah most High says, “And recite the Qur’an in measured, rythmic tones” [73:4]

There is no specific amount of the Qur’an that one needs to recite (outside of one’s prayer) that is obligatory. Imam al-Ghazali mentions that the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, had different amounts that they would ready daily. Some would finish the Qur’an twice a week, some once a week, and some once a month. It is generally disliked to finish the Qur’an in less in than three days because of the lack of reflection which usually accompanies this. However, many of our pious predecessors were known to do this because Allah granted them the ability to recite this much in a goodly manner. The Prophet, may Allah send blessings and peace upon him, advised some of his Companions to finish the Qur’an once a week. The longest option that Imam al-Ghazali mentions is to finish the Qur’an once a month [Ihya’ `Ulum al-Din].

All of these are honorable goals, and they are reasonable to attain if one remembers (1) to recite consistently with gradual increases and (2) to recite beautifully. As for consistency, the Prophet peace be upon him said, “The most beloved of acts to Allah are the most constant, even if little” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]. As for reciting beautifully and correctly, this is the sunna, and it is more likely to bring about enjoyment and reflection. If these two things are fulfilled, one is more close to fulfilling the right of the Qur’an than one is by simply concerning oneself with quantity.

One should do what once can, be consistent, and strive for improvement.

And Allah knows best.

wassalam,
Sulma

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani