Human beings, like all other living creatures, are affected – both positively and negatively – by their environment. When the heat is extreme, humans are at risk of suffering from heat stroke or dehydration. Conversely, if it is too cold, people may suffer from hypothermia.
Fortunately, Allah Ta‘ala has blessed the human being with the ability to manipulate his environment to some extent, to make the condition more comfortable, conducive and favourable. Hence, during the scorching heat-waves of summer, we use air conditioners to keep our homes cool, and in the freezing cold of winter, we use heaters to stay warm.
The temperature, as a factor affecting our environment, is not a physical object that can be seen and touched, but it is certainly perceived and experienced, and can even be gauged and measured. Similarly, there are other factors influencing our environment, and these can also be perceived and experienced, though not touched and held. Among these is the factor of noor (light), barakah (blessings) and sukoon (tranquillity).
When a person’s home is filled with noor, barakah and sukoon, then happiness, peace and understanding prevail in the home. The angels frequent the home and the inhabitants of the home enjoy safety and security. There is a perceivable improvement in the environment of the home and the home becomes a sanctuary of peace, happiness and tranquillity, enjoyed by one and all.
In this regard, one of the most effective ways to charge the environment of the home with noor, barakah and sukoon is to enliven the home with the recitation of the Quraan Majeed.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “The home in which the Quraan Majeed is recited, becomes comfortable for its members, its goodness increases, the angels descend upon them and the shayaateen leave the home. However, the home in which the Quraan Majeed is not recited, then life therein becomes constrained and the home is void of goodness. The angels leave the home and the shayaateen take up residence in it.” (Musannaf Ibni Abi Shaibah #30650 and Sunan Daarmi #3352)
There are just over two months remaining until the commencement of the blessed month of Ramadhaan. Being the month of the Quraan Majeed, we all aspire to recite the Quraan Majeed abundantly during this auspicious month. However, in order to do so, we should commence a daily routine of reciting some portion of the Quraan Majeed from now. If we do so, then when the moon of Ramadhaan is sighted, we will already be in the habit of reciting daily and will thus find it easy to recite lengthy portions.
Furthermore, if we commence a programme of daily recitation from now, and we are committed and continue until and throughout Ramadhaan, then insha-Allah we will acquire the bounty of istiqaamah (steadfastness). After being punctual on daily recitation for three months, it is hoped that it will be our second nature to take out the time daily to recite the word of Allah Ta‘ala. In this manner, we will be able to continue enjoying the immense blessings of reciting the Quraan Majeed in our homes throughout the year – not just in the month of Ramadhaan.
May Allah Ta‘ala fill our hearts and homes with the noor of the Quraan Majeed, aameen.