AL Qur'an is the fourth and final Divine Scripture and holy book of Islam. Despite it being in Arabic, most of the Muslim can read it in Arabic. However, since Arabic is not the mother tongue of majority of Muslims, these Muslims read translation of the Qur'an to understand the meaning of Qur'anic verses.
Today we share an oft asked question by many a believer: Do we get reward for reading translation of Qur'an other than the Arabic in which it has been revealed? And I started looking for answers and found a large number of posts about reward for reading Qur'an.
The Quran does mention the reward of reading or reciting the Quran and there is no single verse that explicitly states the reward for reading the Quran. However, there is a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provide a clearer explanation. For instance:
Sahih Muslim: "Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will receive a reward, and that reward will be multiplied by ten."
Although, there are a lot many posts that talk of reward of reading Qur'an, whether in Arabic or its translation, there are no clear verses from Qur'an or Hadiths, other than the one quoted above, that speak of REWARD of reading Qur'an. In its stead, there is much more written in Qur'an about it being a BOOK of GUIDANCE. To find a definite answer, I started looking for answer from scholars of Islam and came across a very convincing answer from a very short video clip of one of the very eminent scholars of Islam, Javed Ahmed Ghamidi. I am sharing the video at the end of this post (unluckily, the video is in Urdu language which may not benefit my readers who do not know Urdu language - but I am sharing what is being said herein under).
The eminent scholar gives a very convincing answer to this oft asked question, which other scholars may not subscribe too. But listening to his argument, one tends to understand the real logic behind his answer. Perhaps this misunderstanding of seeking reward by reading Qur'an, whether in Arabic or its translation, for seeking reward only that we go utterly wrong. Most of the Muslims read Qur'an for seeking reward, AND NOT GUIDANCE which is the sole purpose of the Qur'an.
The plain answer is that Qur'an is a Divine Book of Guidance so that believers could seek guidance and find out how to live their lives as per the Divine commandments contained in the Qur'an. Although, be reading Qur'an, which is otherwise a must for every Muslim, one pleases Allah for knowing Allah's guidance as how to live one's life, and those who conform their lives as per the Divine guidance will surely be rewarded. But reading Qur'an for the only purpose of seeking reward is not the purpose of reading Qur'an, whether in Arabic or its translation in any other language.
As for rewards, the eminent scholar goes on to explain that there are many acts that if undertaken by Muslims will be rewarded as promised by Allah. These include acts of charity, building or participating building of masjids, helping the needy to ease the sufferings and hardships of life, showing Compassion and forgiveness towards the less privileged and many other acts that I have listed down as mentioned in the Qur'an.
Now let us see what is written in the Qur'an about Guidance and Rewards:
Qur'an as a book of Guidance
the Quran is considered the ultimate Book of Guidance for Muslims. It is regarded as the word of Allah (God) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel). The Quran provides guidance on all aspects of life, including beliefs, worship, ethics, personal conduct, and social justice. This guidance is not only for spiritual matters but also covers practical aspects of life in this world, helping individuals to live in accordance with Allah's will.
Specific Verses from the Quran
- Guidance for those who seek it:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2): "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah."
- This verse explicitly states that the Quran is a source of guidance, but it is especially for those who are conscious (or have fear) of Allah. The Quran guides those who approach it with sincerity, seeking to understand and follow Allah’s commands.
- Guidance for all aspects of life:
- Surah An-Nahl (16:89): "And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as a guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims."
- This verse affirms that the Quran is not just a spiritual book but is a comprehensive guide for all things—whether they are related to personal behavior, societal norms, legal rulings, or worship.
- Guidance for decision-making:
- Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:48): "And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion (for judgment)."
- The Quran serves as a standard or a criterion (Furqan) for discerning right from wrong, allowing Muslims to make informed decisions based on divine guidance.
- The Quran's role in leading to salvation:
- Surah Al-Isra (17:9): "Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most suitable…"
- This verse highlights that the Quran leads to the best and most correct way of life, a life that leads to success in both this world and the Hereafter.
The Sunnah (Hadith) about the Quran as a Guide: The Sunnah, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), further emphasizes the Quran’s role as a guide:
- The Prophet’s description of the Quran as a guide:
- In a famous Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The Quran is the best of guidance for you. It is a light that will illuminate your path in this world and the next” (Sahih Muslim).
- This Hadith affirms the Quran as the ultimate source of guidance, light, and wisdom in all aspects of a Muslim's life.
- The Quran as a means of healing:
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "In the Quran there is a cure for what is in the chest (i.e., the heart)." (Sahih Muslim)
- This indicates that the Quran not only provides guidance but also serves as a remedy for spiritual and emotional ills, offering peace and comfort to the believer.
- The Quran as a criterion:
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The Quran is a proof for you or against you." (Sahih Muslim)
- This Hadith highlights the Quran’s role as a guide that can either lead to salvation if followed or become a means of regret if ignored.
Thus, the Quran is indeed the Book of Guidance. It provides clear instructions on how to live a righteous life, guides individuals toward success in this world and the Hereafter, and serves as the final criterion for all human conduct. The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) supports this understanding, reinforcing the Quran’s role in guiding the believer’s thoughts, actions, and decisions. Therefore, Muslims are urged to reflect on the Quran, understand its message, and apply it in their daily lives to achieve both spiritual fulfillment and worldly success.
Rewards "ثواب" (thawāb)
Now coming over to the rewards for various human acts for Allah promises immense rewards. In the Quran, Allah promises rewards for various acts of righteousness, sincerity, and good deeds that align with His commands. Some of these acts are particularly emphasized, and the rewards promised are described in detail. Here are some key acts for which rewards are promised in the Quran:
1. Faith in Allah (Iman)
- Belief in the oneness of Allah and faith in the Prophets, the Day of Judgment, and the unseen are the foundation of Islam. Those who have faith are promised immense rewards.
- “Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds – they will have the highest place in Paradise.” (Quran 98:7)
2. Charity (Sadaqah)
- Giving to those in need is highly rewarded, and charity purifies wealth and the soul.
- “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that grows seven ears, and in each ear, there are 100 grains.” (Quran 2:261)
- "Whoever does a good deed will have ten times the like thereof."(Quran 6:160)
3. Prayer (Salah)
- Performing the five daily prayers is one of the most important acts of worship and devotion in Islam. The reward is immense.
- “Indeed, the prayer is for the believers a timed obligation.” (Quran 4:103)
- “And establish the prayer, give the zakah, and obey the Messenger, that you may receive mercy.” (Quran 24:56)
4. Fasting (Sawm)
- Fasting during the month of Ramadan is an act of worship that purifies the soul and is rewarded greatly.
- “Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it.” (Quran 2:183, Hadith)
- “Indeed, the fasting person will have two moments of joy: one when they break their fast and one when they meet their Lord.” (Quran 2:185)
5. Gratitude and Patience (Shukr and Sabr): Being patient during hardship and grateful for Allah’s blessings is greatly rewarded.
- “And We will reward them for the best of what they used to do.” (Quran 16:96)
- “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Quran 2:153)
6. Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar): Those who repent sincerely and seek Allah’s forgiveness will be rewarded with mercy and forgiveness.
- “And your Lord would not have punished them if they had sought forgiveness.” (Quran 8:33)
- “And He it is who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons misdeeds.” (Quran 42:25)
7. Honoring Parents: Being kind and respectful toward one’s parents is an act that Allah highly rewards.
- “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him with hardship upon hardship.” (Quran 31:14)
- “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.’” (Quran 17:24)
8. Tawheed (Monotheism) and Following the Prophet
- Upholding the belief in the oneness of Allah and following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a source of great reward.
- “Say, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.’” (Quran 3:31)
9. Helping Others and Maintaining Family Ties
- Helping others, especially relatives, is highly encouraged in Islam and is rewarded greatly.
- “And give the relative his right, and the poor and the traveler.” (Quran 17:26)
10. Good Conduct and Honesty: Speaking truthfully, being honest, and acting with good moral conduct brings immense rewards.
- “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them.” (Quran 49:11)
- “And speak to people good [words].” (Quran 2:83)8
11. Making Dua (Supplication)
- Praying and asking Allah for guidance and help is an important part of a Muslim's life and is rewarded by Allah.
- “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” (Quran 40:60)
12. Showing Compassion and Forgiveness
- Showing mercy and forgiving others earns Allah's mercy and forgiveness.
- “But if you pardon, overlook, and forgive – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 64:14)
13. Jihad (Struggle in the Way of Allah)
- Striving in the cause of Allah, whether through personal sacrifice, knowledge, or other forms of effort, is rewarded.
- “Those who strive in Our cause will surely guide them to Our ways.” (Quran 29:69)
14. Serving the Rights of Neighbors
- Taking care of and being good to neighbors is another act of righteousness that brings rewards.
- “And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the neighbor who is a relative, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion at your side.” (Quran 4:36)
You may now listen to the video I mentioned above:
In summary, the Quran promises rewards for acts of faith, worship, kindness, charity, patience, good conduct, and more. These deeds not only benefit individuals spiritually but also help to create a just and harmonious society.
I hope I have been able to clear the ambiguity that lurches in the minds of many who cannot read Arabic and read translation of Qur'an and also those who think that they earn reward "ثواب" (thawāb) of reading Qur'an. Yes while reading Qur'an does have a reward, but the aim should be to seek Divine Guidance from it and shape our lives accordingly, for a life as lived by acting upon Divine Guidance ensures us a far greater reward both in this world and the Hereafter, In Sha Allah.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Disclaimer: This is one view point based on the research by one of the eminent scholar of Islam. Readers may or may not agree with this view point. But it does leave much to ponder upon the logic of seeking guidance or reward from the Qur'an.
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