The Qur'an-e-kareem

The Qur'an-e-Kareem is the book of Allah Ta'ala.  It is a sacred and an authentic Kitab (book) which remained unchanged for more than 1400 years.  It is a Kitab that guarantees Hidayah (guidance) and prosperity in general to all those who submit to it and implement it in their lives.

The recitation of the Qur'an-e-Kareem, which is known as Tilawat-ul-Qur'an, yields a lot of Sawab (reward).  Each letter recited yields 10 rewards.  And the more a person recites it with devotion and sincerity, the more reward and benefit are accrued.  To recite the Qur'an-e-Kareem with Ikhlas (sincerity) means to recite it merely for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala.  It is contrary to Ikhlas to recite it in order to gain popularity or to be recognized as a great Qari (reciter).  Not only is there no Sawab in it, but the reciter will receive a painful punishment and be disgraced in the Akhirah.  It is tantamount to selling the Kitab of Allah for worldly benefits which are worthless. Dignified and honourable people do not stoop down to such a level.  We must recite the Qur'an-e-Kareem for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala alone.

*Taking a remuneration to recite the Qur'an-e-Kareem in the houses of people is also included in reciting the Qur'an-e-Kareem for worldly gains.*  The Ulama-e-Kiram (noble scholars) classified it as Haram.  Thus, Tilawat-ul-Qur'aan should not be treated as a commodity.  The practice of remunerating someone to recite the Qur'an-e-Kareem and conveying the reward to a deceased person is in vain.  Neither the person who pays nor the deceased will receive anything.  On top of that, the person who takes a remuneration for reciting the Qur'an-e-Kareem will have to bear the consequences even more.  If we want to benefit someone with our Tilawat, then we should do it for free and voluntarily.

*Similarly, it is also not permissible to make a monetary request to lead Taraweeh and complete the Qur'an (Khatm) therein.*  It is better to request a person to lead Taraweeh while reciting short Surahs (chapters) than requesting a person who takes remuneration to lead Taraweeh while doing Khatmul-Qur'an.  People may say that they do not make any monetary requests, but it is not necessarily done verbally.  There are other ways to know if monetary factor in leading Taraweeh was involved or not.  For example, the Haafiz chooses places or Masjids that pay more, or leads Taraweeh in another locality or abroad while it could be done locally where there may be a genuine need for that Haafiz. However, it is true that this is not the case all the time but monetary factor is prominent in the majority of cases nowadays.  May Allah protect our Huffaz (memorisers of the Quran) and Ulama (scholars).  *Going around choosing a Masjid that pays more for leading Taraweeh, is a clear indication that money was a main factor in finalising the decision.*

It is very clear and explicit in the books of Fiqh (jurisprudence) that it is not permissible to take or give money for reciting the Qur'an-e-Kareem.  The Fuqaha (Jurists) describe it as using the Qur'an-e-Kareem as a means of income and a means of accumulating the Dunya.  There are Ulama who tried to find a way out for those who lead Taraweeh.  That is, they recommend giving him the responsibility of leading one or two Salahs in order to be able to pay that Haafiz.  However, when we take into consideration the amount that the Haafiz Sahâb receives for the few Salahs he leads, it is evident that it is merely a pretext to pay him.  It came to our knowledge that some of such Huffaz receive up to Rs 400,000,while in the meantime, our Imam who performs the Imamat throughout the year will have to lead daily (ie. all 5 daily prayers) for 2 to 3 years in order to acquire that same amount.  So, it is evident that the Haafiz is not being paid for Imamat but rather for leading the Taraweeh.  Otherwise, why is not such a salary given to the regular Imam who serves us throughout the year?

Reciting the Qur'an-e-Kareem is not a commodity or service that is rendered to people.  It is an Ibaadah to accrue Sawab.  So it cannot be recited for monetary gains.  However teaching the Qur'an-e-Kareem remains incumbent and necessary as knowing how to read the Quraan and understanding it (will) depend on its teaching.

The Ulama have observed that people no longer have interest in Deen.  And day by day, people no longer have the will to do the work of Deen.  That is why it seems that the teaching of Deen in general and especially the teaching of the Qur'an-e-Kareem, may be neglected due to the lack of will and carelessness of the Ummah.  Thus, the Ulama found it wise to consent to a salary for the teaching of Deen and the Qur'an-e-Kareem.  Otherwise, it seems quite unlikely that the Ummah will come to know of the Deen.  In due course, Imaamat and giving Azan were also included in this concession when the necessity arose.  

But the rule of taking monetary compensation for reciting the Qur'an-e-Kareem still remains the same. That is, we have no right to give, to take, to ask for or to demand for something where Quran recitation is concerned.  This is all Haram.  Everyone should do his own recitation for his own benefit.  There is no need to go to someone's home to recite the Qur'an-e-Kareem or recite on behalf of someone.  Nevertheless, if a person wants to do so, then it should be for free and voluntarily without demanding for something. 

[English version of “Quraan-e-Kareem” - Al Jamiat Vol.8 No.5]