11 Merits of the Qur’an that Serves as Life Hack for You
This is a Book (the Quran) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember. — Qur’an 38[Sad]:29
Verily, the noble Qu’ran is Allah’s word, not His creation. It’s a guided scripture revealed to the blessed prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over a period of twenty-three years. The only book whose recitation is a form of worship and source of reward. This definition can be applied to no other book or speech. The Qur’an is as well a singular scripture which thousands of people have committed to memory.
The exploits and merits derived from this holy book can not be overemphasized. From protection to healing, it’s chapters and verses serve numerous purposes which has been beneficial to the believers over time. Here are specific mention of chapters and verses useful and beneficial to the believers.
- Al-Fatiha is the most superior chapter of the Qur’an: The first chapter of the Qur’an is called Al-Fatiha and it meaning is the opening. It consists of seven beautiful verses that eulogize Allah’s supreme Lordship and ends with a beautiful prayer on guidance. Every faithful Muslim encounters these verses on a minimum of seventeen times daily.
Abu Sa’eed narrated Allah’s Messenger PBUH said: ‘shall I not teach you the most superior surah in the Qur’an before you leave the mosque?’ He took me by the hand. When we were about to leave, I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, you said you would teach me the most superior surah in the Quran.’ The Prophet PBUH said, “Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds” [Surah Al-Fatiha]; it is the seven repeatedly recited verses and the magnificent Qur’an which was given to me.’ — Bukari
2. Rejoice with the two lights sent down as blessings: Among the uniqueness of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was that Allah blessed him with things that were exceptionally exclusive for him and his ummah. One of such is distinctive verses revealed for special purposes.
Abdullah Ibn Abass (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) narrated: “While Gabriel was sitting with the Prophet PBUH, he heard a creaking sound above him, and raising his head he said, ‘This is a gate opened in Heaven today which has never been opened before.’ Then when an angel descended through it, he said, ‘This is an angel that came down to earth who has never come down before.’ He gave a salutation and said, ‘Rejoice in two lights brought to you which have not been brought to any prophet before you: Fatihatul Kitaab and the last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah. You will not recite a letter of them without being given the blessing it contains.’ — Muslim
3. Missile against the devils? Al-Baqarah: Besides the Qur’an being the word of Allah, it also serves as a healing and protection for mankind. Certain verses of the Qur’an can be invoked for protection against the evils of mischief doers. One of such is suratul Baqarah, the second chapter of the Qur’an.
Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet PBUH said: “Do not make your houses into graveyards. The devil flees from the house in which surah Al-Baqarah is recited.” — Muslim
4. The ‘Verse of the Throne’ is the greatest of all: Ayatul Kursiyy is a household name when mentioning famous verses of the Qur’an. Here comes the verse which shaytan told Abu Hurayrah whoever recites it at night before going to bed, Allah appoints an angel to guard him till he wakes. This was affirmed by the prophet when he said: “He (shaytan) really spoke the truth, although he is an absolute liar.”
Ubay bin Ka’b narrated: “Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: ‘‘AbulMundhir, do you know which verse of Allah’s Book you have is greatest? I replied, ‘Allah — there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence.’ [Qur’an2:255] Thereupon he struck me on the breast and said: ‘May knowledge be pleasant for you, Abul-Mundhir.’” — Muslim
5. The last two verses of Al-Baqarah suffices: There are many rulings, stories, injunctions and supplications in suratul Baqarah. It encapsulates great verses which many Muslims recite daily. One of such is the last two verses popularly known as “Amana Rasul”.
Abu Masu’d al-Badri narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “If anyone recites the last two verses of Surah al-Baqarah at night, it will be sufficient for him.” — Bukhari and Muslim
6. The Qur’an as an intercessor: In one of the narrations, it’s reported that Allah will honor and elevate the one who reads and memorize the Qur’an. He will be asked to read as he does in the world. The more he reads, the higher his elevation in paradise.
Abu Umamah narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) say: “Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite it. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqarah and al-Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades or two flocks of birds in ranks pleading for those who recite them. Recite surah al-Baqarah, for reading it produces blessing, and abandoning it produces regret. And magicians are unable to recite it.” — Muslim.)
7. Protection from the Anti-Christ: The anti-christ is real. In fact, it’s one of the things the Messenger warned us against extensively. Massih Dajjal is the false messiah who will appear before the end of time. He will torment the people and lead multitude astray. The trial of that time will be difficult to overcome, save the one Allah wills. Here’s the antidote as prescribed by the prophet.
Abu Darda narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.” In another version, he said: “…at the end of Surah al-Kahf.” — Muslim.
8. Need weekly illumination?: Many wonders why Muslims read the surah al-Kahf every Friday. It serves as a light that illuminates between one Friday to the next.
Abu Sa’eed Al Khudri narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “If anyone recites surah al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine brightly for him until the next Friday.” — al-Hakim and al-Bayhaqi)
9. One-third of the Qur’an is al-Ikhlas: The noble Qur’an has one hundred and fourteen chapters. Reciting every one of these chapters may be cumbersome overnight. Hence, the prophet (PBUH) simplified this for his followers thus:
Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said regarding, “Say He is Allah, The One” (i.e. Surah al-Ikhlas. “By Him in whose hand is my life, this surah is equal to one-third of the Qur’an.” And in another hadith: “The Prophet (PBUH) said to his companions, ‘Is it difficult for any of you to recite one-third of the Qur’an in one night?’ This was difficult for them, so they said, ‘Who among us has the ability to do so, O Messenger of Allah?’ The prophet (PBUH) replied, ‘“Say, He is Allah, the One! Allah, the Eternal, Absolute!!” [i.e., Surah al-Ikhlas] is equal to one-third of the Qur’an.’’ — al-Bukhari
10. The Nightly Supplication: The time of sunset is a period when the jinn and shayateen roam. Hence, the prophet (PBUH) ordered us to seek refuge in Allah, close our doors, cover the vessels and keep kids indoor. In adendum to this, there’s also a recommended therapy when retiring to bed at night: Aishah narrated: “When the Prophet (PBUH) went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over them after reciting surah al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and an-Nas. He then rubs his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to; starting with his head, face, and front of his body. He used to do that three times.” — al-Bukhari and Muslim.
11. A cure and healing for mankind: The Quran is a source of guidance, inspiration, healing and cure. In fact, it’s well proven as a medicament for black magic and the evil eye.
Abdullah bin Yusuf said that Malik reported from Ibn Shihab from Urwah that Aishah narrated: “Whenever Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) became sick, he would recite the mu’awwidhatayn [i.e., surah al-Falaq and an-Nas] and then blow over his body. So when he became seriously ill, I used to recite them and rub his hands over his body hoping for their blessings.” — al-Bukhari
We ask Allah to bless us with the blessing of the Quran. Shower upon us His light with the light of the Quran and honor us among those who recite, memorize and implement the teachings of the Qur’an. Amin!
