Of Memorizing The Noble Qur'an

How fulfilling and accomplishing if each of us Muslims would manage to memorize the whole Qur'an Al'Kareem. To be a 'Haafidh' or a 'Haafidha'. But, then: memorizing is one thing and practicing the very noble commands in The Book, is another. Like performing the Hajj: how many fulfill being elated and becoming better humans after performing the Pilgrimage? Or, like fasting now: how many attain morally and spiritually during this holiest of months?

It is during Ramadhan, that many of us increase our reading Al Qur'an Al Kreem. And it is during this month that many competitions for those who have managed to memorize the whole of The Book, are held in many parts of the Muslim world. Ever watched: 'Koran by Heart' the documentary? It is the story of two boys - one from Senegal and the other from Tajikistan; and a girl from the Maldives. All three travel to Cairo, Egypt for one of the most known Qur'anic competitions in the world. Imagine not knowing Arabic and still be able to memorize the whole of The Book. A very difficult feat indeed. That's what these three in the film manage to do.

Though the Noble Qur'an is shorter than the Christian Bible's New Testament, most of us Muslims do not accomplish memorizing it. At the same time: it is not the memorizing that matters most; it is the appreciation of the very beautiful verses and following what we are commanded in them, that is. Even though some of us Muslims haven't fully memorized the Noble Qur'an, one can at least try and understand the Surahs (Verses) in it; like some of the Companions of the Founder of Islam who never memorized the whole Noble Qur'an - but they understood it's concepts and teachings. Excerpts from the Noble Qur'an:

Of God:

‘All praise be to God alone,
the Lord of all the worlds,
the All-Merciful, the Ever Mercy-giving,
the Master of the Day of Judgement.
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Guide us on the Straight Path,
The path of whom You have blessed, not of those who incur You anger,
Nor of those who go astray.’ ~ Al Fatihah ~ 01: 1-7

‘Say: He is God, the One and Unique;
God, the Eternal source and support
Of everything;
He begets not, and neither is He begotten;
And none is His equal.’ ~ Al Ikhlaas ~ 112: 1-4

On humility:

‘The true servants of the Most Merciful are those who behave gently and with humility on earth, and whenever the foolish quarrel with them, they reply with [words of] peace.’ ~ Al Furqaan ~ 25: 63

On making and keeping promises:

‘And be true to every promise- for, verily you willl be called to account for every promise which you have made.’ ~ Al Isra ~ 17: 34

On justice:

‘Never let your enmity for anyone lead you into the sin of deviating from justice. Always be just: that is closest to being God-fearing.’ ~ Al Ma’idah ~ 05:8

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor...” ~ Al Nisa ~ 04:135

On wealth and helping the poor:

‘The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is that of a grain, out of which grow seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains.’ ~ Al Baqarah ~ 02: 261

Give the kinsman his due, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and squander not (thy wealth) in wantonness. ~ Al Isra ~ 17:26

Hast thou observed him who belieth religion? That is he who repelleth the orphan, And urgeth not the feeding of the needy. ~ Al Moun ~ 107:1 - 3)

Of men and women:

For Muslim men and women,- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise,- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. ~ Al Ahzaab ~ 33:35

And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect. ~ Al Roum ~ 30:21

"Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: Ye are members, one of another.... ~ Al Imraan ~ 03:195

"He that works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof: and he that works a righteous deed - whether man or woman - and is a Believer- such will enter the Garden (of Bliss): Therein will they have abundance without measure. ~ Al Ghafeer ~ 04:40

Of racism and equality of Mankind:

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). ~ Al Hujraat ~ 49:13

 Of responsibility, leadership; and those with ranks and subordinates:

"And O my people! give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due: commit not evil in the land with intent to do mischief. ~ Hud ~ 11:85

He it is Who hath placed you as viceroys of the earth and hath exalted some of you in rank above others, that He may try you by (the test of) that which He hath given you. Lo! Thy Lord is swift in prosecution, and Lo! He verily is Forgiving, Merciful. ~ Al Ana'am ~ 06:165

There are many verses in the Noble Qur'an on: justice, mercy, kindness, humility, leadership and many other aspects of human behavior and yet: how many of us Muslims follow them? How many of us follow our Founder's way of humility; and the kind, just and respectful treatment of women, children, orphans, the elderly, neighbors and those whom we meet everyday? For a Muslim, to memorize the Qur'an Al Kareem is very accomplishing and fulfilling. But, it is much more rewarding; much more fulfilling, if - however few verses we memorize - we are: good, gentle, humble, generous, just, kind, merciful, honest, respectful and unconditional in these - to/with our: parents, spouses, relatives, neighbors, workmates and those who we meet everyday. And caring and kind to all animals and God's other creatures here on Earth.