Studying the Qur'aan during the Nights of Ramadaan: a forgotten Sunnah

Studying the Qur'aan during the Nights of Ramadaan (1)


From 'Abdullaah bin 'Abbaas (radiyallaahu 'anhumaa) who said: "The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) was the most generous of all the people - and he was even more generous in Ramadaan when Jibreel ('Alayhis-Salaam) would meet him, and he would meet him every night of Ramadaan until it ended. The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) would recite the Qur'aan upon him. So when Jibreel would meet him, he was more generous than a fast wind (sent to bring the rain)." (2)

al-Imaam an-Nawawee said in the explanation of (Saheeh) Muslim: "and in this hadeeth are benefits, from them is: the desirability of studying the Qur'aan." (3)

al-Imaam Ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah) said: "It can be concluded from it studying (the Qur'aan), and that it is desirable for the believer that he study the Qur'aan with one who will benefit and aid him, because the Messenger ('Alayhis-Salaam) studied with Jibraa'eel for benefit, because Jibraa'eel, he is the one who came from Allaah (Jalla wa 'Alaa) and he is the ambassador between Allaah and the Messengers. So Jibraa'eel, he must benefit and increase the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) in matters regarding Allaah ('Azza wa Jal), in regards to establishing the letters (and words) of the Qur'aan, and regarding it's meanings which Allaah intended by them. So if a person studies with one who aids him upon understanding the Qur'aan, and aids him upon establishing its words, then this is sought after, just as the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) studied with Jibraa'eel."

And he (al-Imaam Ibn Baaz) said: "and in it is another benefit, and it is that studying in the night is better than the day, because this studying was at night, and what is well-known is that the night is closer to gathering the heart and it's presence, and desiring more benefit than studying during the day. And also in it from benefits is: the legislation of studying and learning and that it is 'amalun saalih (a righteous, good deed), even if it is in other than Ramadaan, because in it is a benefit for each one of them, even if they are more than two, then there is no problem, each one of them benefiting from his brother and encouraging him upon recitation and inciting him. For it could be that he won't be eager and invigorated were he to sit by himself. But if he had a companion that he studied with, or companions, that would be more encouraging and energizing for him, along with the greatness of the benefit in what occurs between them by way of remembering and reminding, and the study of what might be problematic and difficult for them. All of that, in it is much good." (4)



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1) Adapted from “al-Wasiyyah bi-ba'dis-Sunan shibhun-mansiyyah” of Hayfaa’ bint ‘Abdillaah ar-Rasheed with the checking of our brother, Shaykh Abool-‘Abbaas ‘Aadil bin Mansoor (pg.150-151). Adapted and translated by Aboo Sufyaan 'Uthmaan Beecher on the 3rd of Ramadaan, 1432h/3 August, 2011.
2) al-Bukhaaree (1902) and Muslim (2308)
3) 8/76
4) Majmoo' Fataawaa Ibn Baaz (11/331-333)
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