Intentions When Reciting the Qurʾān

Rendered into English by Mohammad Ali Mustafa (4th Year ʿĀlim Student, DarusSalam Seminary)

Many of us who recite the Qurʾān only formulate an intention to receive reward and are unaware of many other important intentions that one could be making. O my blessed brother! There are over fifteen different intentions that you can make when reciting it.

(1) Guidance

This is the greatest and most important intention. And it is one of the main reasons for why the Qurʾān was revealed. Allāh says:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ

“The month of Ramaḍān in which the Qurʾān was revealed as guidance for mankind.”

Those who are God-fearing will benefit from it. Allāh says:

ذَلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لاَ رَيْبَ فِيهِ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ

“That book, in which there is no doubt, is a source of guidance for the God-fearing.”

The extent that one recites it while pondering and deeply contemplating is that amount of guidance that he will gain. Allāh says:

يَهْدِي بِهِ اللَّهُ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ رِضْوَانَهُ سُبُلَ السَّلاَمِ

“By which Allāh guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace.”

Ibn Taymiyyah said: “Whoever deeply reflects over the Qurʾān, seeking guidance from it, the path of truth shall become clear to him.”

(2) Seeking the All-Merciful’s Mercy

Mercy is manifest in the Book. Verily, Allāh says:

تَنزِيلٌ مِّنَ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

“Revelation from the All-Merciful, the Most-Compassionate.”

His mercy is not limited to the one who recites it. In fact, it completely encompasses whoever attentively listens as well. Allāh says:

وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُواْ لَهُ وَأَنصِتُواْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

“When the Qurʾān is recited, listen to it and remain quiet; perhaps you may be granted mercy.”

And His mercy encompasses those who sit in gatherings in which its verses are recited, taught, and studied. The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

ما اجتمع قوم في بيت من بيوت الله يتلون كتاب الله ويتدارسونه فيما بينهم إلا نزلت عليهم السكينة وغشيتهم الرحمة وذكرهم الله فيمن عنده

“When people gather in one of Allāh’s Houses to recite His Book, learning and teaching it, tranquility descends upon them, mercy engulfs them, angels surround them, and Allāh mentions them to the angels in His proximity.”

(3) Having an Intimate Discourse with Allāh

The evidence for this is found in a narration discussing Ṣūrat al-Fātiḥah:

قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى قَسَمْتُ الصَّلاَةَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي نِصْفَيْنِ وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ فَإِذَا قَالَ الْعَبْدُ ‏{‏ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ‏}‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى حَمِدَنِي عَبْدِي وَإِذَا قَالَ ‏{‏ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ‏}‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى أَثْنَى عَلَىَّ عَبْدِي ‏.‏ وَإِذَا قَالَ ‏{‏ مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ‏}‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ مَجَّدَنِي عَبْدِي – وَقَالَ مَرَّةً فَوَّضَ إِلَىَّ عَبْدِي – فَإِذَا قَالَ ‏{‏ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ‏}‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ هَذَا بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ ‏.‏ فَإِذَا قَالَ ‏{‏ اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ * صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّالِّينَ‏}‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ هَذَا لِعَبْدِي وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ

“Allāh the Exalted said: ‘I divided the prayer between Me and My servant into two. My servant will receive what he asks for. When he says: ‘Praise be to Allāh, the Lord of the Worlds.’ Allāh says: ‘My servant praised Me.’ And when he says: ‘The Most-Compassionate, the Most-Merciful.’ Allāh says: ‘My servant lauded Me.’ And when he says: ‘Master of the Day of Judgment.’ He says: ‘My servant glorified Me.’ And sometimes He may say: ‘My servant entrusted his matter to Me.’ And when the worshipper says: ‘You do we worship and of You do we ask help.’ Allāh says: ‘This is between Me and My servant; and My servant will receive what he asks for.’ Then, when he says: ‘Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom You have been Gracious, not of those who have incurred Your displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray.’ Allāh says: ‘This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for.’”

ʿAbd Allāh b. al-Mubārak said: “I asked Sufyān al-Thawrī: ‘When an individual stands in prayer, what should he intend while reciting?’ Sufyān replied: ‘He should intend to have an intimate discourse with his Lord.’”

(4) Healing & Seeking Cures

Allāh says:

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“And We send down from the Qurʾān that which is a cure and a mercy for the believers.”

Its verses are a form of treatment for one’s body, soul, and heart. Other medicines are nothing compared to Allāh’s divine words. His words are such that if they were to descend upon a mountain, it would crumble. And if they were to descend upon the earth, they would split it asunder.

Ibn al-Qayyim said: “Allāh has not sent down from the heavens a more universal or effective cure than His Qurʾān.”

(5-6) Gaining Knowledge

The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

خيركم من تعلم القرآن وعلمه

“The best of you are those who learn the Qurʾān and teach it.”

The Prophet (upon him be peace) also said:

ما اجتمع قوم في بيت من بيوت الله يتلون كتاب الله ويتدارسونه فيما بينهم إلا نزلت عليهم السكينة وغشيتهم الرحمة وذكرهم الله فيمن عنده

“When people gather in one of Allāh’s Houses to recite His Book, learning and teaching it, tranquility descends upon them, mercy engulfs them, angels surround them, and Allāh mentions them to the angels in His proximity.”

And he said:

فلأن يغدو أحدكم إلى المسجد فيتعلم أو يقرأ آيتين من كتاب الله خير له من ناقتين، وثلاث خير له من ثلاث وأربع خير له من أربع ومن أعدادهن من الإبل

“If one of you goes to the mosque in the morning and teaches or recites even two verses from Allāh’s Book, that is better for him than two she-camels. And three verses are better for him than three. And four are better than four. And any number of verses is better that that amount of camels.”

(7) Practice

Allāh says:

الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَتْلُونَهُ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِ

“Those whom We have given the Book recite it with its due right.”

Ibn Mas‘ūd said: “I swear by the One who holds my life in His hand, ‘its due right’ is observing that what is mentioned in it as ḥalāl is so and observing that the ḥarām is so. It is that you recite it as it was revealed and not interpolate His Words nor interpret that which does not need to be interpreted.”

The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

يُؤْتَى يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ بِالقُرْآنِ وَأهْلِهِ الذينَ كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ بِهِ في الدُّنْيَا، تَقْدُمُه سورَةُ البَقَرَةِ وَآلِ عِمْرَانَ، تُحَاجَّانِ عَنْ صَاحِبِهِمَا

“On the Day of Resurrection, the Qurʾān and those who practiced according to it in the world will be brought forth. Sūrat al-Baqarah and Āl ʿImrān will come in front of one and pled on his behalf.”

Ibn Mas‘ūd said: “When an individual from us would learn ten verses, he would not continue learning more until he understood them and practiced upon them.”

(8) Being Reminded

Allāh says:

كِتَابٌ أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ فَلَا يَكُنْ فِي صَدْرِكَ حَرَجٌ مِنْهُ لِتُنْذِرَ بِهِ وَذِكْرَى لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“A Book revealed to you, so let there not be in your breast distress therefrom – that you may warn thereby and as a reminder to the believers.”

Allāh also says:

قُلْ إِنَّمَا أُنْذِرُكُمْ بِالْوَحْيِ

“Say: I only warn you through the Revelation.”

And He says:

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِر

“Verily, we have made the Qurʾān easy to remember, so is there anyone who will remember?”

Ibn Kathīr commentated on this verse and said: “Its words and message were made easy for whoever intends to warn and remind the people with it.”

Ibn Saʿdī said: “‘Remembrance’ includes all that those who practice upon it need to be reminded of and warned about, like the ḥalāl and the ḥarām, commandments and prohibitions, recompense, advices, lessons, beliefs, etc.”

(9) Inviting to Allāh

Allāh says:

وَإِنْ أَحَدٌ مِّنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ اسْتَجَارَكَ فَأَجِرْهُ حَتَّىٰ يَسْمَعَ كَلَامَ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ أَبْلِغْهُ مَأْمَنَهُ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَّا يَعْلَمُونَ

“If any of the polytheists seek your protection, grant him protection so that he may hear Allāh’s Words, then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.”

Allāh also says:

وَأَنْ أَتْلُوَ الْقُرْآنَ فَمَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَقُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ

“And to recite the Qurʾān. And whoever is guided is only guided for (the benefit of) himself; and whoever strays, say: ‘I am only a warner.’”

He says:

قُلْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ أَنَّهُ اسْتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ مِّنَ الْجِنِّ فَقَالُوا إِنَّا سَمِعْنَا قُرْآنًا عَجَبًا يَهْدِي إِلَى الرُّشْدِ فَآمَنَّا بِهِ وَلَن نُّشْرِكَ بِرَبِّنَا أَحَدًا

“Say: ‘It was revealed to me that a group of jinn listened and then said: ‘Indeed, we have heard an amazing Qurʾān! It guides to righteousness. We believed in it and we shall never associate anyone with our Lord!’”

He says:

قَالُوا يَا قَوْمَنَا إِنَّا سَمِعْنَا كِتَابًا أُنزِلَ مِن بَعْدِ مُوسَىٰ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْحَقِّ وَإِلَىٰ طَرِيقٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

“They said: ‘O our people! Indeed, we heard a book that was revealed after Mūsā affirming what came before, guiding to the truth and the straight path.’”

The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

بلغوا عني ولو آية

“Convey from me, even if just one verse.”

­­(10-11) Reward & Virtue

This is the most common intention.

Ibn Masʿūd narrated that the Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

مَنْ قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا لَا أَقُولُ الم حَرْفٌ وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ وَلَامٌ حَرْفٌ وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ

“Whoever recites one letter from Allāh’s Book, for him is one reward, and each reward is multiplied by ten. I do not say that alif-lām-mīm is one letter, but rather, alif is one letter, lām is one letter, and mīm is one letter.”

There are different virtues connected to different parts of the Qurʾān that those who transmit, recite, and listen to it may receive. It contains specific sūrahs and verses that have specific virtues. And there is no doubt that these virtues will multiply the reader’s reward if the individual is cognizant of them and formulates an intention.

(12) Seeking that Allāh Elevate One’s Rank

The Qurʾān is itself exalted and lofty.

Allāh says:

وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ

“Indeed, it is, in the Mother of Books with Us, exalted and full of wisdom.”

Elevation in rank happens its recitation. This is mentioned in the narration related on ʿUmar’s authority that the Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْفَعُ بِهَذَا الْكِتَابِ أَقْوَامًا وَيَضَعُ بِهِ آخَرِينَ

“Indeed, Allāh raises entire nations by means of this Book and disgraces others by it.”

This Book elevates one’s status and rank in their life, the grave, and the Hereafter. The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

يُقَالُ لِصَاحِبِ الْقُرْآنِ: اقْرَأْ وَارْتَقِ وَرتِّلْ كَمَا كُنْتَ تُرَتِّلُ فِي الدُّنْيَا فَإِن مَنْزِلَتكَ عِنْدَ آخِرِ آيَةِ تَقْرَؤُهَا

“(On the Day of Judgment,) it will be said to the Qurʾān’s companion: ‘Recite and ascend! Recite as you did in the world; your rank shall be at the last verse that you recite.’”

(13) Seeking His Intercession

When you read the Qurʾān, it is hoped that it will be a means of intercession on the Day of Judgement. The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

اقْرَؤُوا الْقُرْآنَ فَإِنَّهُ يَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ شَفِيعًا لأَصْحَابِهِ

“Recite the Qurʾān! Verily, it will come on the Day of Judgement as an intercessor for its companion.”

Notice that the Prophet said “companion” and not simply “reciter.”

He also said:

الصِّيَامُ وَالْقُرْآنُ يَشْفَعَانِ لِلْعَبْدِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، يَقُولُ الصِّيَامُ: أَيْ رَبِّ، مَنَعْتُهُ الطَّعَامَ وَالشَّهَوَاتِ بِالنَّهَارِ، فَشَفِّعْنِي فِيهِ، وَيَقُولُ الْقُرْآنُ: مَنَعْتُهُ النَّوْمَ بِاللَّيْلِ، فَشَفِّعْنِي فِيهِ، قَالَ: فَيُشَفَّعَانِ

“Fasting and the Qurʾān will both be intercessors for the servant on the Day of Judgement. Fasting will say: ‘O my Lord! I prevented him from food and other desires during the day. So, I am seeking intercession on his behalf!’ And the Qurʾān will say: ‘I prevented him from sleep during the night. So, I am seeking intercession on his behalf!’ Allāh will say: ‘Your intercession is accepted.’”

The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

القرآن شافع مشفع، وماحل مصدق من جعله أمامه قاده إلى الجنة ومن جعله خلف ظهره ساقه إلى النار

“The Qurʾān is either an intercessor or a witness against one. Whoever makes it his leader, it will guide him to Paradise. And whosoever puts it behind his back, it will lead him to Hell.”

(14) The Angels’ Companionship

The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

الماهر بالقرآن مع السفرة الكرام البررة والذي يقرأ القرآن ويتتعتع فيه وهو عليه شاق له أجران

“The one who recites the Qurʾān with expertise is with the righteous and noble angels. And the one who recites the Qurʾān and finds it difficult, doing his best to recite it as accurately as possible, for him is two rewards.”

The angels accompany those who learn and teach the Qurʾān as well.

The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

ما اجتمع قوم في بيت من بيوت الله يتلون كتاب الله ويتدارسونه فيما بينهم إلا نزلت عليهم السكينة وغشيتهم الرحمة وذكرهم الله فيمن عنده

“There is no group of people who gather in one of Allāh’s Houses to recite His Book, learning and teaching it, except that tranquility descends upon them, mercy engulfs them, angels surround them, and Allāh mentions them to the angels in His proximity.”

Some scholars mentioned that being in the angels’ company likens people to them. They do not disobey Allāh’s orders. One who is attentive in gatherings of the Qurʾān, obedience will become easier for him, he will abstain from disobedience, and his character will be rectified.

(15) Peace & Tranquility

al-Barāʾ b. ʿĀzib said:

“A man who would recite Sūrat al-Kahf had his horse tied up with two ropes. A heavy rain came. Then, he took his horse and hurried away. When the clouds disappeared, the Prophet came to him and said: ‘This is how tranquility descends because of the Qurʾān.’”

Ibn Ḥajar defined tranquility (ar. sakīnah). He said “Sakīnah is something that is created and in it is serenity, mercy, and the companionship of the angels.”

Ibn al-Qayyim said: “It is serenity, dignity (ar. waqār), and peace.”

(16) Blessings

Allāh says:

وَهَذَا كِتَابٌ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ

“This is a book that We revealed which is blessed.”

There are many blessings in the Qurʾān that may be found through contemplation, remembrance, and reminding others.

Allāh says:

كِتَابٌ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

“A book that We revealed to you, which is blessed, so that its verses may be pondered over and so you may remind those who understand.”

The Prophet (upon him be peace) said:

اقرؤوا سورة البقرة فإن أخذها بركة، وتركها حسرة، ولا تستطيعها البطلة

“Recite Sūrat al-Baqarah. Adhering to it is a blessing and abandoning it is a cause of grief.”

It is a source of guidance for the reciter, listener, those in attendance at gatherings and in the homes where it is recited. Anything and everything that engages it will find many blessings.

(17) Softening One’s Heart

Allāh says:

إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَذِكْرَى لِمَنْ كَانَ لَهُ قَلْبٌ

“Indeed, in it is a reminder for whoever has a heart.”

Allāh also says:

أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ

“Has the time not come for the believers that their hearts should soften upon remembering Allāh and what He revealed?”

Ibn Masʿūd said: “There was a four-year gap between us accepting Islām and Allāh revealing this verse.”

Spread this message and share the reward with those who intend to recite the Qurʾān. If you do so, you will have the opportunity to feel proud that there are individuals intending what you shared with them, whether it be guidance, treatment, mercy, etc.

We ask Allāh to accept this from us.