By Sheikh Abdul-Muhsin ibn Muhammad al-Qasim – 14 Rabiul Awwal 1437

His Eminence Sheikh Abdul-Muhsin ibn Muhammad al-Qasim, may Allah preserve him, delivered the Friday khutbah entitled, “The Virtue of the Noble Qur’an and Those Who Act on Its Teachings,” in which he talked about the Noble Qur’an, stressing that it is the Word of Allah, Exalted be He. He listed some of the virtues of the Qur’an, as they are stated in the Qur’an itself and in the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as well as some of the statements of the righteous predecessors that show the great extent to which they were influenced by the Noble Qur’an. He also urged Muslims to recite the Qur’an frequently and pay attention to its statements so that they may attain its reward and virtue.

Praise be to Allah. We praise Him and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from our wrong deeds. He whom Allah guides, none can misguide, and he whom Allah sends astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, Who has no partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. May Allah bestow his bountiful peace and blessings upon him and upon his family and Companions.

Now then,
Fear Allah, O servants of Allah, as He should be feared, and be mindful of Him in secret and in your private conversations.

O Muslims!
Our Lord, Glorified be He, is Perfect in His Being and in His Names and Attributes. None is equal or comparable to Him. His Attributes are the loftiest and the best of all attributes. One of His Attributes, Glorified be He, is speech. He speaks whenever He wills, if He wills, and of what He wills, and His words are infinite:

“Say (O Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to humankind): “If the sea were ink for (writing) the Words of my Lord, surely, the sea would be exhausted before the Words of my Lord would be finished, even if We brought (another sea) like it for its aid.” (Al-Kahf: 109)

His speech is the best speech of all, and the superiority of the speech of Allah over that of others is like the superiority of the Creator over His creation. His favours, Glorified be He, to His servants are countless.

One sign of Allah’s wisdom and mercy on His servants is that He sent among them His messengers and sent down upon these Messengers His Books. He sent down the Torah, the Gospel, Zabur (Psalms), and the scriptures of Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham) and Musa (Prophet Moses), and made the last of His scriptures the Great Qur’an, which is the noblest and loftiest of them. Allah, Glorified be He, has praised Himself for sending down the Qur’an. He says:

“All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has sent down to His slave (Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) the Book (the Qur’an), and has not placed therein any crookedness.” (Al-Kahf: 1)

Allah has also glorified His Most High Being for sending down the Qur’an. He says:
“Blessed is He Who sent down the Criterion (of right and wrong, i.e. this Qur’an) to His slave (Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) that he may be a warner to the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinn).” (Al-Furqan: 1)

He has also sworn by the Qur’an itself. He says:
“Ya-Sin [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.]. By the Qur’an, full of wisdom (i.e. full of laws, evidences, and proofs).” (Ya-Sin: 1-2)

The Qur’an is also one of the things which Allah has sworn about. Allah says:
“So I swear by the setting of the stars. And verily that is indeed a great oath, if you but know, that (this) is indeed an honourable recitation (the Noble Qur’an).” (Al-Waqi‘ah: 75-77)

It confirms the scriptures that came before it and it is trustworthy in highness and a witness over them. It also abrogates them and is entrusted with their previous contents. The prophets had told about the Qur’an even before it was revealed:
“And verily, it (the Qur’an, and its revelation to Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) is (announced) in the Scriptures [i.e. the Taurat (Torah) and the Injil (Gospel)] of former people.” (Ash-Shu‘ara’:196)

In his commentary on this verse, Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said, “There is reference to this Qur’an in the scriptures of former people that recorded what was said by their prophets.”

Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham) and Ismail (Prophet Ishmael), peace be upon them, supplicated Allah to send a prophet to recite and teach it. They said:

“Our Lord! And send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allah answered their invocation by sending Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him), who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the Islamic laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophet’s Sunnah – legal ways) …” (Al-Baqarah: 129)

The Qur’an is the Word of the Lord of the Worlds, which He truly uttered in clear, audible sounds. It started from Him, and to Him it will return at the end of times. The best of all angels, Jibril (Gabriel), peace be upon him, heard it from Allah, and brought it down to the greatest of all prophets in the most blessed spot on earth, in the best month, during the best night, the Night of Decree, for the best ummah, and in the best and most comprehensive language. No book is equal to the Qur’an:

“Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? …” (Al-‘Ankabut: 51)
Allah, Glorified be He, has conferred the favour of the Qur’an on this Ummah. He says:

“Indeed Allah conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses (the Qur’an), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and instructing them (in) the Book (the Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah [the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, (i.e. his legal ways, statements, acts of worship)] …” (Al ‘Imran: 164)

It is a sign of honour to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and to his Ummah:
“And verily this (the Qur’an) is indeed a Reminder for you (O Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) and your people (Quraish people, or your followers) …” (Az-Zukhruf: 44)

The Qur’an is the soul of this Ummah, whose true life entirely relies on it. He who turns away from it will become lifeless, even though he may be alive. Allah, Glorified be He, says:
“And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) Ruh (a Revelation, and a Mercy) of Our Command.” (Ash-Shura: 52)

Had Allah sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, it would have humbled itself and rent asunder out of submissiveness and obedience to Allah. A servant’s faith will not be valid until he believes in it as a whole and in parts. Allah, Glorified be He, says:

“O You who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger (Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him), and the Book (the Qur’an) which He has sent down to His Messenger …” (An-Nisa’: 136)

In the heavens, the Qur’an is in records held greatly in honour (al-Lauh al-Mahfuz), exalted (in dignity) and purified, in the hands of honourable, obedient angels. Allah preserved it even before sending it down. He says:
“Nay! This is a Glorious Qur’an, (Inscribed) in Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet)!” (Al-Buruj: 21-22)

Allah also protected it from devils at the time of sending it down. He says:
“And it is not the Shayatin (devils) who have brought it (this Qur’an) down. Neither would it suit them, nor they can (produce it).” (Ash-Shu‘ara’: 210-211)

Allah has also promised to preserve it after sending it down:
“Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).” (Al-Hijr: 9)

In Surat Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious), Allah mentions the Qur’an before His several other favours to mankind and jinn. He says:
“The Most Gracious (Allah)! He has taught (you mankind) the Qur’an (by His Mercy).” (Ar-Rahman: 1-2)

Allah has taught His servants the Qur’an and has made it easy for them to recite, act on its teachings, and commit it to memory. It could be equally memorized by the Arabs and the non-Arabs, the young and the elderly, the men and the women, and the rich and the poor.

It has numerous names and various attributes, and Allah has made it a guidance and reminder to the worlds. It is generally addressed to all humanity, just as the Prophet’s message, peace and blessings be upon him, is universal. Thereby, it is not confined to a particular nation.

The verses of the Qur’an resemble each other and validate each other. Allah says:
“… a Book (this Qur’an), its parts resembling each other (in goodness and truth) (and) oft-repeated.” (Az-Zumar: 23)

Allah has made it straight and upright, without any crookedness in it. It does not contain any inconsistencies or contradictions:
“… Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction.” (An-Nisa’: 82)

It is the best and most virtuous of all statements. Allah says: “Allah has sent down the Best Statement …” (Az-Zumar: 23)

Commenting on this verse, an-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said, “This indicates that it is the best of all the words, whether they were sent down by Allah or not.” Allah has described it as great. He says:

“And indeed, We have bestowed upon you seven of Al-Mathani (seven repeatedly recited Verses), (i.e. Surat Al-Fatihah) and the Grand Qur’an.” (Al-Hijr: 87)

Allah has ordained that this Qur’an should be elevated and held in high esteem. He says:
“And Verily, it (this Qur’an) is in the Mother of the Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), before Us, indeed exalted, full of wisdom.” (Az-Zukhruf: 4)

It is clear both in diction and meaning, and it reveals the truth of all matters. Allah, Glorified be He, says:
“This (the Qur’an) is a plain statement for mankind, a guidance and instruction to those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (Al ‘Imran: 138)

Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Allah has clarified every kind of knowledge and everything to us in this Qur’an.”

It is a wise book. Indeed, wisdom is contained in it and is drawn from it. Allah says: “… These are the Verses of the Book (the Qur’an) Al-Hakim [showing lawful and unlawful things, explaining Allah’s (Divine) Laws for mankind, leading them to eternal happiness by ordering them to follow the true Islamic Monotheism – worshipping none but Allah Alone – that will guide them to Paradise and save them from Hell].” (Yunus: 1)

It is a Noble Book in the sight of Allah. It includes the most sublime moral values. With the Qur’an, the servant of Allah is honoured and is given a high status in the sight of Allah and the sight of His creation. Allah, Exalted be He, says: “… (This) is indeed an honourable recitation (the Noble Qur’an).” (Al-Waqi‘ah: 75-77)

The Qur’an contains guidance as well as mercy for all creation:
“… a guidance and a mercy to a people who believe.” (Al-A‘raf: 52)

It safeguards those who hold on to it from going astray. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Indeed, I am leaving among you that which if you hold fast to, you will not go astray: the Book of Allah” (Reported by Muslim).

The Glorious Qur’an has the loftiest rank of honour. Allah, Exalted be He, says:
“Qaf. [These letters (Qaf, etc.) are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.]. By the Glorious Qur’an.” (Qaf: 1)

Nothing can compete with it in honour, and whoever gets attached to it will definitely obtain honour.

“… And verily, it is an honourable well-fortified respected Book (because it is Allah’s Speech, and He has protected it from corruption.” (Fussilat: 41)

It is an incomparably lofty book, replete with good and benefits. It encompasses all aspects of blessings. Allah, Glorified be He, says: “And this is a blessed Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down …” (Al-An‘am: 155)

He who recites the Qur’an, acts on its teachings, and spreads it all over the world will attain honour, security, and prosperity. Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said, “When Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, became Caliph, the Islamic empire expanded to the far East and far West due to the blessings of his efforts in reciting and studying the Qur’an and encouraging the whole Ummah to commit it to memory.”

The Book of Allah is a source of light; it guides people to see the light in this life and in the afterlife. Allah, Glorified be He, says: “… Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammed, peace and blessings be upon him, and a plain Book (this Qur’an).” (Al-Ma’idah: 15)

Souls survive with the Qur’an, as it is life for those who respond to it. Allah says:
“… Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (peace and blessings be upon him) calls you to that which will give you life …” (Al-Anfal: 24)

Just as it is the life for the soul, it is also the cure for the ills of the body. A man was once stung by a scorpion at the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, whereupon Surat Al-Fatihah (The Opening) was recited to him, so he was cured (Reported by al-Bukhari).

It is a book of admonition and advice, as well as a means to set firm one’s heart in trials, adversities, and hardships. Allah says:
“… Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. …” (Al-Furqan: 32)

If all Muslims act in accordance with the Qur’an, the views of the Ummah will be united and disagreement among its members will come to an end: “And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves …” (Al ‘Imran: 103)

It contains the criterion for solving disputes and for achieving success:

“… (This is) a Book, the Verses whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge), and then explained in detail from One (Allah) Who is All-Wise Well-Acquainted (with all things).” (Hud: 1)

Allah, Glorified be He, has challenged those of old and those of later times of mankind and jinn to produce any speech similar to the Qur’an. Allah says:

“Say: “If the mankind and the jinns were together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.” (Al-Isra’: 88)

No sensible person listens to it but he bears witness that it is the truth. When the jinn heard it, they said to each other, “Listen in silence,” and returned to their people saying: “… “Verily! We have heard a wonderful Recital (this Qur’an)!” (Al-Jinn: 1)

It is the best form of remembrance of Allah, and its recitation increases one’s faith: “The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His verses (this Qur’an) are recited to them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone).” (Al-Anfal: 2)

Its verses brought the greatest of men to tears. Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud, may Allah be pleased with him, once recited to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, a portion from Surat An-Nisa’ (The Women). When he reached the verse:

“How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) as a witness against these people?” (An-Nisa’:41), the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said to him, “Enough for now.” Ibn Mas‘ud said, “When I looked at him I saw his eyes overflowing with tears” (Reported by al-Bukhari).

Whenever Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, led the prayer and recited the Qur’an, the people behind him could hardly hear him due to his weeping. Ja‘far at-Tayyar, may Allah be pleased with him, recited the beginning of Surat Maryam (Mary) to the Negus (King of Abyssinia). On hearing the words of the Qur’an, the Negus wept until his beard was wet and the bishops wept until their scrolls were wet.

Allah commands Muslims to grant protection to those non-believers who seek their protection so that they can hear the Qur’an. Allah, Glorified be He, says:

“And if anyone of the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolater, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the Word of Allah (the Qur’an) …” (At-Taubah: 6)

The Qur’an encompasses the most comprehensive and the most beneficial knowledge, and those who are knowledgeable about its meanings have the true knowledge. Allah, Glorified be He, says: “Nay, but they, the clear Ayat [i.e. the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, written in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (among the people of the Scriptures) …” (Al-‘Ankabut: 49)

Those who teach and learn the Qur’an are the best of all people. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it” (Reported by al-Bukhari).

The Qur’an contains the most truthful information, the clearest proofs, the best stories, the ultimate wisdom, and the most exquisite rhetoric and eloquence. Sheikh al-Islam, Ibn Taimiyah, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said, “The very style of the Qur’an is magnificent and marvellous. It does not belong to any of the known genres of speech, and no one has ever managed to compose anything comparable to its style. It does not belong to the genre of poetry, or rhymed prose, or oratory, or epistolary writing. Its composition is entirely different from anything produced by people, Arabs and non-Arabs alike.”

The miracle of its content is far greater than that of its form. The book of Allah is comprehensive in its rules, just in its legislation, and wise in respect of its commands and prohibitions. It is characterised by magnificence and grandeur, as well as power, effect, and beauty. Its miraculous quality can be seen even in the fewest number of words, and it provides guidance through the simplest evidence. It is an extraordinary sign and a clear miracle.

Whoever acts according to the Qur’an will be rewarded, whoever judges by it has judged justly, whoever adheres to it will be protected, and whoever follows it will receive the mercy of Allah: “… so follow it and fear Allah (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. saved from the torment of Hell).” (Al-An‘am: 155)

It is the most beneficial and the most comprehensive form of remembering Allah. Allah has praised those who recite it, commended those who act in accordance with its dictates, and promised to pay them their wages in full and give them even more. Allah says:

“Verily, those who recite the Book of Allah (this Qur’an), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a (sure) trade – gain that will never perish. That He may pay them their wages in full, and give them (even) more, out of His Grace. …” (Fatir: 29-30)

It is the trade that brings forth manifold profit. Whoever reads a letter of the Qur’an will receive the reward for one good deed, which will be multiplied ten times over.

Learning the Qur’an is better than the wealth of the entire world. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Would any of you not like to go out in the morning to the mosque and learn (or recite) two verses of the Book of Allah? They are better for him than two she-camels, and three verses are better than three (she-camels), and four verses are better for him than four, and the same is true of any number of verses.” (Reported by Muslim)

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, also said, “The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur’an will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angels)” (Agreed upon).

In the places where the Qur’an is taught and learned, tranquillity and mercy descend upon those who teach it as well as those who learn it. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“No group of people assemble in one of the Houses of Allah to recite the Book of Allah, learn it, and teach it but tranquillity descends upon them, mercy engulfs them, angels surround them and Allah makes mention of them to those (the angels) with Him.” (Reported by Muslim)

Listening to the Qur’an brings down mercy. Allah, Glorified be He, says: “So, when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy.” (Al-A‘raf: 204)

It was the advice of the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, to the Ummah to hold firmly to the Qur’an and to recite it. When Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa, may Allah be pleased with him, was asked if the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had made a will, he replied, “He left a will urging Muslims to adhere to Allah’s Book” (Reported by al-Bukhari). Commenting on this hadith, Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said, “What is meant by ‘adhering to Allah’s Book’ is safeguarding its form and content; thus it must be honoured and protected, its teachings must be followed, and it must be continuously recited, taught, and learnt.”

The one who recites the Qur’an and acts upon its teachings is honoured during his life in this world and after his death. In this world, “The one who leads people in the prayer should be the best of them at reciting Book of Allah” (Reported by Muslim). The honour he receives after his death is indicated by the hadith which states that after the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, would have each two martyrs wrapped in one shroud, then he would ask, “Which one of them knew more of the Qur’an?” He would place the one indicated first in the grave (Reported by al-Bukhari).

People who know the Qur’an by heart and act on its teachings are the best companions a person can have. Indeed, “the knowledgeable about the Qur’an were the ones who kept the company of Umar ibn al-Khattab and the ones he used to consult” (Reported by al-Bukhari).

The Qur’an will testify for those who recite it and act on its teachings on the Day of Judgement, and it will intercede for them with the Lord of the Worlds, Who will accept its intercession. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Recite the Qur’an, for it will come as an intercessor on the Day of Judgement for those who recite it” (Reported by Muslim). The one who recites the Qur’an and acts on its teachings will be granted the highest rank of bliss. According to the hadith, “[On the Day of Judgement] it will be said to the one who often recites the Qur’an, ‘Read, ascend, and recite as you used to recite in the world. For indeed your rank will be at the last verse of the Qur’an that you read’” (Reported by Abu-Dawud).

Now then,
O Muslims!
Taking joy in the Great Qur’an and teaching it are among the highest levels of faith. Indeed, no one can dispense with the Book of Allah. Our Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was the most sensible person ever, but it was not this that guided him to the right path; what actually guided him to it was the Qur’an. Allah, Glorified be He, says:

“Say: “If (even) I go astray, I shall stray only to my loss. But If I remain guided, it is because of the Revelation of my Lord to me …” (Saba’: 50)

The happiest of all people are those who are nearest to the Book of Allah, which is the honour and glory of Muslims, the cause of elevation and pride for the various Muslim generations, and the guarantor of safety and blessing for the Muslim society. In it, people can seek the pleasant company, sublimity, and the good pleasure of the Lord of the Worlds. I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Devil:

“O humankind! There has come to you good advice from your Lord, and a healing for that in your breasts – guidance and a mercy for the believers.” (Yunus: 57)

May Allah bless you and me with the Great Qur’an and make us benefit from its verses and wise words. I have said what you have heard and I ask forgiveness of Allah for myself, for you, and for all Muslims, for any sin that we have committed. Ask Allah for forgiveness. He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.