how to memorise the

This week’s inspiration is from a young brother whose recitation may have been heard by the majority of you already. A clip of him reciting Soorat Yaaseen touched the hearts of so many of us and is still circulated on the internet today. Here we have a more recent video of him reciting.

By Shaykh Aboo Anas Hamad al-’Uthmaan
Taken from An-Nubadh fee Aadaabit-Talabil-’ilm (pp.61-66), slightly abridged. Al-Ibaanah, vol.1, no. 3.

Knowing One’s Priority

Hudhayfah said:The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) related matters to us. I have seen one of them, and I am waiting for the other. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) informed us: “Trustworthiness was sent down in the depths of the heart of the people, then they learnt it from the Qur’aan, then they learnt it from the Sunnah” (2)

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar (852H) said: “His (`azza wa jall) saying: ‘then they learnt it from the Qur’aan, then they learnt it from the Sunnah’ So it occurs in this narration with the repetition of “then”, which contains and indication that they would learn the Qur’aan before learning the details of the sunnah. And what is meant by the details of the sunnah is anything that they would learn from Prophet (saallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) whether it was obligatory or recommended.” (3)

Al-Maymoonee said:I asked Abu ‘Abdullaah Imaam Ahmed which is more beloved to you, that I should I begin teaching my son the Qur’aan or the hadeeth He said: “No! The Qur’aan.” I said: Shall I teach him all of it? He replied: “Unless that is difficult, in which case teach him some of it.” Then. he said to me: “If he begins reciting first, then he will learn correct recitation and will persevere in it.” (4)

Ibn Muflih said: “Upon this are the followers of Imaam Ahmad right up until our time.” (5)

Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 718H) said: “As for seeking to memorize the Qur’aan then this is to be given preference over many of the things that the people consider to be knowledge, but are -in reality – either totally useless, or having little benefit. It is also to be given precedence in learning especially by those who wish to acquire knowledge of the Deen, its principles and its particulars. Since what is prescribed for such a person at this time is that he should begin by memorizing the Qur’aan, as it is the foundation of the branches of knowledge of the deen. This is contrary to what is done by many of the people on innovation, in that one of them will preoccupy himself with superfluous parts of knowledge; such as kalaam (rhetorical speech) and argumentation; or very rare matters of differences; and blind following, which there is no need for; or very strange and rare ahaadeeth which are not established, nor of benefit; and many discussions do not establish proofs. And he abandons memorizing the Qur’aan which is more important than all of this.” (6)

Muhammad ibn al-Fadl said: “I heard my grandfather say: I asked my father for permission to study under Qutaybah, so he said: “First learn the Qur’aan and then I will give you permission.” So I memorized the Qur’aan by heart. Then he said to me: “Remain until you have led the people in prayer with it (i.e. for taraweeh prayer).” So I did so, and after the “eed prayer he gave me permission, so I left for Marw.” (7)

Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr (d. 463H) said: “Seeking knowledge is of levels and is of different stages which should not be skipped over. Whoever skips over them altogether, then he has overstepped the path of the Companions and those that follow them. Whoever deliberately takes a path other than this has seriously deviated. However, whoever oversteps due to an ijtihaad (a knowledge-based judgment that a qualified scholar makes, intending to reach the truth), then such a person has erred So the first knowledge is memorization of the Book of Allaah and seeking to understand it. And it-is obligatory to seek everything which will aid in understanding it. However, I do not say that it is obligatory to memorize all of the Qur ‘aan but I do say that it is obligatory and essential for anyone who wishes to become a scholar – not that it is something obligatory in itself.” (8)

Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d. 463H) said: “It is fitting for a student that he begins with memorization of the Book of Allaah -since it is the greatest of the branches of knowledge and that which should be placed first and given precedence.” (9)

Al-Haafidh an-Nawawee (d. 676H) said: “The first thing he should begin with-is memorization of the mighty Qur’aan, which is the most important of the branches of knowledge. And the Companions and those that follow them did not use to teach hadeeth or fiqh except to one who had memorized the Qur’aan When he has memorized it, let him beware of preoccupying himself from it with hadeeth, fiqh or other things, to the extent that it leads him to forget anything of the Qur’aan, or makes that likely.” (10)

Seeking knowledge in due proportions (11)

Allaah (`azza wa jall) said:

وَقُرْآناً فَرَقْنَاهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُ عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلَى مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنَاهُ تَنزِيلاً

“And it is a Qur’aan which We have divided into parts, in order that you may recite it to men at intervals. And We have sent it down in stages.” (12)

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said to `Abdullaah ibn `Amr ibn al-`Aas: “Read the Qur’aan in every month.” I said: I find that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “Recite it in every twenty nights.” I said: I find that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “Then recite it in every seven days and do not increase upon that.” (13)

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-’Aas also related from the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) that he said: “He does not understand the Qur’aan who recites it in less than three days ” (14)

Umar ibn ‘Abdul-Waahid, a companion of al-Awzaa’ee said: We read in al-Muwattaa to Maalik (d. 179H) in forty days, so he said: “A book that took me forty years to compile, you take from me in forty days! How little you understand of it.” (15)

Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee said: “It is fitting that he takes care in acquiring knowledge and that he should not take too much in one go. Rather, he should take a little at a time, such that he can bear it., memorize it and be able to understand it. Because Allaah says which means:

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ الْقُرْآنُ جُمْلَةً وَاحِدَةً كَذَلِكَ لِنُثَبِّتَ بِهِ فُؤَادَكَ وَرَتَّلْنَاهُ تَرْتِيلًا

“And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur’aan not send down to him all at once? Thus (is it sent down in parts) that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages.”(16)” (17)

Al-Khateeb also said: “And know that the heart in an organ from the organs. It is able to bear somethings and unable to bear others—just like the rest of the body. Thus, some people are able to carry one-hundred pounds, whereas others are unable to carry even twenty. Some people are able to walk a number of miles in a day without tiring, whereas others are unable to even walk a mile a day before they become tired… So let each person limit himself to what he is able without expending all his energies, because that will better aid him in learning with a good mind, from a firm and proficient teacher.” (18)

Supplicating for an Increase in Knowledge

Allaah (`azza wa jall) said which means:

وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا

“Say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Soorah Taa-Haa 20:114)

Umm Salamah said:Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate in the morning prayer: “O Allaah! I ask you for beneficial knowledge, righteous action and pure sustenance.” (20) Anas bin Maalik (be) said: I heard Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) supplicate: “O Allaah! Benefit me with knowledge. Teach me that which will benefit me, and provide me with knowledge from which I can derive benefit.” (21)

Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Ja’far said: I heard Ibn Khuzaymah (d. 311H) being asked: From where did you acquire this knowledge? So he said: “Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “Zam-zam water is that for which it is drunk.” (22) So when I drunk zam-zam water, I supplicate to Allaah for beneficial knowledge.” (23)

Shaykhul-lslaarn Ibn Taymiyyah said: (24) “The reality of this matter that the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance, and of what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allaah and turning towards Him, Allaah guides such a person—as He said which means: “O My servants! All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I guide. So seek your guidance from me.” (25)

And as the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to say: “O Allaah! Lord of Jibreel, Meekaa ‘eel and Israafeel. The Originator of the heavens and the earth. Knower of the Unseen and the apparent. You judge between Your servant in that which he differs. So guide me in that which I differ from the truth—by Your permission. Indeed, You guide whomsoever You please, to a Path that is straight.” (26)

Footnotes

1. From An-Nubadh fee Aadaabit-Talabil-’ilm (pp.61-66), slightly abridged.

2. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 7086)

3. Fathul-Baaree (13/39)

4. Related by Ibn Muflih in Al-Aadaabush-Shar’iyyah.

5. Related by Ibn Abee Ya’laa in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (1/41).

6. Fataawaa al-Kubra (2/54-55).

7. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/722).

8. Jaami’ Bayaanul-’llm wa fadlihi (pp. 526-528)

9. Al-Jaami’ li-Akhlaaqir-Raawee wa Aadaabis-Saami’(1/106).

10. From the introduction to Al-Majmoo’ Sharhul-Muhadhhab (1/38)

11. From An-Nubadh (pp.67-69)

12. Soorah al-lsraa 17:106.

13. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5052) and Muslim (no. 1159) and the wording is from Muslim).

14. Saheeh: related by Abu Daawood in his Sunan (no. 1394) and it was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood (no. 1294).

15. Related by Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr in at-Tawheed (1/77)

16. Soorah al-Furqaan 25:32.

17. Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/101).

18. Al-Fapeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/107).

19. An-Nubadh (pp. 97-99).

20. Hasan: related by Ahmad (6/305) and atTiyaalasee (p.224). It was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hair in Nataa’ijul Aflkaar (2/313).

21. Related by Haakim (1/510) and he said: “It is authentic upon the condition of Muslim.” Adh-Dhahabee also agreed.

22. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/721).

23. Hasan: It has been narrated by many different ways. Refer to al-MaqaasidulHasanah (no. 928) of as-Sakhaawee for its authentication and sources.

24. Majmoo`ul fataawaa (4/39)

25. Related by Muslim (no. 2577) form Abu Dharr.

26. Related by Muslim (no. 770) from `Aaishah.

Its time for our wednesday weekly inspiration and this week we share with you the story of a young girl named Baraa’ah who memorised the Qur’aan and was afflicted with trials that many adults amongst us would not be able to cope with. We came across her story on a blog and felt compelled to share her story with you all.

This is her story:
This story is of a little girl named Bar`ah who is 10 years old, her parents were doctors who moved to Saudi Arabia in search of better life.

At this age, Bar`ah memorized the whole Quran with tajweed, she was very intelligent, her teacher use to tell her she should be in middle school not primary school.

Her family was small and committed to Islam and its teachings…. suddenly one day the mother started feeling sever abdominal pain, after tests and checkups she found out that she has cancer, but in its late stages.

The mother thought she should tell her daughter, specially if she wakes up one day and didn’t find her mother beside her… so she told her: “Bar`ah I will go to paradise ahead of you, but I want you to read the Quran you memorized every day since it will protect you in this life…”

The little girl didn’t really understand what her mother was trying to tell her… but she started feeling the change in her mother’s status, especially when she was transferred to stay in hospital on a permanent bases. The little girl use to come to the hospital after her school and recite the Quran for her mother till the evening when her father used to take her home.

One day the hospital called the husband and informed him that the his wife’s condition was very bad and he needed to come as fast as he can, so the father picked Bar`ah from her school and headed to the hospital, when they arrived he asked her to stay in the car… so that she wouldn’t get shocked if her mother passed away.

The father got out of his car, with tears filled in his eyes and while crossing the road to enter the hospital, he was hit by a speeding car and died in front of his daughter who came crying to her father…!

The tragedy of Bar`ah is not over yet… the news of her father’s death was hidden from the mother, but after 5 days the mother passed away leaving Bar`ah alone in this life. She become alone without her parents, and her parents’ friends decided to find her relatives in Egypt so that they can take care of her.

Suddenly, Bar`ah started having sever pain like her mother, after a few tests and checkups it was confirmed it was cancer… at the surprise of every one she smiled and said: “Alhamdu Lillah, at last, I will be seeing my Baba and Mama soon.”

All of the family friends were shocked and surprised, this little girl being faced with calamity after calamity and she is patient and satisfied with what Allah ordained for her!

The following is a short video clip from a television program on al-Haafidh channel where children of all ages call in to recite on the live programs. In this clip, the young Baraa’ah calls to recite some verses from Soorah as-Saaffaat and the Shaykh is overcome with emotion when he asks about her health and well-being, so much so that he is driven to tears. The clip ends with the Shaykh supplicating to Allaah to cure her.

Bara’s tragic story became known in Saudia Arabia then an anonymous Saudi Man, a good Samaritan, decided to send Bara’a to London for medical treatment. While Bara’a was being treated in the hospital in London she was interviewed by an Egyptian TV station, called al-Hafiz TV. She was asked to recite verses from the holy Quran aired for a special program dedicated to Quran recitation. Her recitation was powerful and heavenly sweet and brought tears to the program anchor. I am certain it will bring tears to anyone who listens to her beautiful recitation (see link below).

The cancer has taken its toll on Bara’s health and she went through a lot of pain and suffering in the hospital. She was going into commas periodically. During these difficult times, another TV station interviewed her in the hospital and asked her to recite a song about the Mother and orphans. She made millions crying in the Arab world while she was singing .

Days past and she continues living at the mercy of the cancer which by now has spread to her legs which doctors decided to amputate in an attempt to limit the spread of her cancer. During these difficult times she has continued to go into comma periodically but when she is awake she begins to recite Quran to keep her spirit alive. Days passed, the cancer spread to her brain and doctors decided to perform brain surgery to remove the cancer cells. She is still in the hospital fighting for her life. So please remember her in your Du’a and May Allah the most High save her life.

Below are some more clips of her reciting, some of which she was reciting whilst lying on hospital beds;

And finally here is a clip of her supplicating for her parents and singing a nasheed about the Mother and orphans;

Original source: (http://feeqalbee.wordpress.com/)