Khatm-ul-Qur'an during the month of Ramadan

Al Hakim Abu Abdullah reports that during the month of Ramadan, Imam Bukhari (Rahmatullahi Alayh) used to lead his companions in Salah and recite 20 verses of the Qu'raan in every Rak'at.  He continued doing this until he completed the entire Qur'an.  In addition to this, he used to recite one third to half of the Qur'an at the time of Sehri (pre-dawn meal).  The amount he used to recite at that time, would allow him to make a Khatmul Qur'an every three days at the time of Sehri.  Besides that, he used to make a Khatmul Qur'an daily which he would complete at the time of Iftar (breaking fast).  (Hadyussaari Muqaddamah Fathul Bari)

According to Al-Itqan of Allamah Jalaluddeen As-Suyuti (Rahmatullaahi Alayh), the highest number of Khatm-ul-Qur'an that was practised by the Salaf-e-Saaliheen, is eight Khatm per day; 4 during the day and 4 during the night.  Doing 2, 3 or 4 khatm was quite normal.  But most of the Sahabah-e-Kiram (Radhi Allahu ‘anhum) did one Khatm in 7 days.

According to Al-Azkar of Allamah An-Nawawi, Hazrat Mansur Bin Zaazan  used to make a Khatm between Zohr and Asar and another one between Maghrib and Esha.

This clearly demonstrates the importance that our Salaf-e-Saaliheen used to attach to the month of Ramdhaan. The Tilawat-ul-Qur'an in itself is a very great Ibaadah that brings Nur (light) and tranquillity into the heart.  It is an Ibadah that can be done easily at home, in the Masjid or even at the work place.  There are people who organise activities during the month of Ramadan to kill time. Instead of organising such activities, it is better for one to engage in Ibadah such as Dua, Istighfar, Zikr and Tilawat-ul-Qur'an in particular.  More time should be dedicated to Tilawat-ul-Qur'an, thereby allowing us to complete the Qur'an-e-Kareem several times during the month.  This will allow us to spend our time in Ramadan more efficiently and with ease.

Barakah in time

Accomplishing many things in a very short span of time is the result of the presence of barakah in time. This sort of barakah is also something that can be noticed in our lives at times.  Sometimes, a lot of work is achieved in a very short span of time while at other times, it takes us longer to complete a very easy task.  Our Salaf-e-Saaliheen have accomplished an innumerable amount of work in a very short time and yet they did not live for long.  Some of them only lived for about 50 to 60 years, yet we remain amazed at the volume of work they managed to accomplish during their lifetime.  This in fact is the very same barakah in time that allowed them to complete up to eight Khatm in a day.

[English version of ”Khatmul-Quraan dans le mois de Ramadhan" - Al Jamiat Vol.8 No.5]