Reading the Quran in Ramadan: Benefits, Rewards, and Schedule

Ramadan is a month of profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It’s a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and drawing closer to Allah. Among the many acts of worship that flourish during this blessed month, reading the Quran stands out as one of the most cherished and rewarding. The Quran believed to be the literal word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), takes on an even deeper meaning in Ramadan, the month when its revelation began. This article by Qiratul Quran Institute will explore the benefits of reading the Quran during Ramadan, the immense rewards promised for doing so, and a practical schedule to help Muslims make the most of this sacred time.

The Spiritual Significance of Ramadan and the Quran

Ramadan is often described as the “month of the Quran” because it commemorates the first revelation of the holy book to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Jibreel. The Quran itself acknowledges this connection in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185): “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of guidance, and the criterion (between right and wrong).” This verse underscores the intimate bond between Ramadan and the Quran, making it a prime time for Muslims to immerse themselves in its recitation, reflection, and application.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set a powerful example by reviewing the entire Quran with Jibreel every Ramadan. This practice highlights the importance of engaging with the Quran during this month, not just as a ritual but as a means of spiritual renewal and connection with Allah. For Muslims today, following this Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet) offers a pathway to immense blessings and personal growth.

Benefits of Reading the Quran During Ramadan

Reading the Quran during Ramadan brings a multitude of benefits spiritual, emotional, and even physical that enrich the believer’s life. Here are some key advantages:

1. Deepened Spiritual Connection
   Ramadan is a time when the heart softens through fasting and devotion, making it more receptive to the Quran’s message. Reading the Quran helps Muslims feel closer to Allah, as they engage directly with His words. It’s a conversation between the Creator and the created, fostering a sense of peace, purpose, and divine proximity.
2. Guidance and Clarity
   The Quran is a guidebook for life, offering wisdom on how to navigate challenges, make decisions, and live righteously. During Ramadan, when Muslims seek to reset their spiritual compass, reading the Quran provides clear direction. Reflecting on its verses helps believers align their actions with Allah’s will, finding answers to both everyday and existential questions.
3. Purification of the Soul
   The act of reciting and pondering the Quran cleanses the heart of negativity anger, envy, or despair. In Ramadan, this purification is amplified as the barriers posed by Shaytan (Satan) are weakened, allowing the Quran’s healing words to penetrate deeply. It replaces worldly distractions with tranquility and mindfulness of Allah.
4. Strengthened Community Bonds
   Ramadan often brings Muslims together for Taraweeh prayers, where the Quran is recited nightly in the congregation. Joining others to listen or recite fosters unity and a shared sense of purpose. This communal engagement enhances the spiritual atmosphere and reinforces the Ummah’s collective devotion.
5. Emotional Resilience
   The stories of prophets, lessons of patience, and reminders of Allah’s mercy within the Quran uplift the spirit. During Ramadan’s long days of fasting, reading the Quran offers comfort and strength, helping believers endure physical hunger with a heart full of faith.

Rewards for Reading the Quran in Ramadan

The rewards for reading the Quran are substantial at any time, but they multiply exponentially in Ramadan due to the month’s heightened sanctity. Islamic traditions emphasize the following rewards:

1. Multiplied Good Deeds
   The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter” (Tirmidhi). In Ramadan, these rewards are magnified, with some narrations suggesting they increase up to seventy times or more for voluntary acts of worship.
2. Intercession on the Day of Judgment
   The Quran is described as an intercessor for its readers. A hadith states, “Fasting and the Quran will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, ‘O Lord, I deprived him of food and desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ The Quran will say, ‘O Lord, I deprived him of his sleep at night, so let me intercede for him.’ Then they will both intercede” (Ahmad). This promise is especially meaningful in Ramadan, when recitation often accompanies fasting and night prayers.
3. Elevated Status in Paradise
   The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “It will be said to the companion of the Quran: ‘Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last verse you recite’” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi). Reading the Quran in Ramadan, with its multiplied rewards, can elevate a believer’s position in the hereafter.
4. Double Rewards for Effort
   For those who struggle with recitation—whether due to difficulty pronouncing Arabic or learning the text—the rewards are doubled. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The one who recites the Quran and stumbles over it, finding it difficult, will have a double reward” (Bukhari, Muslim). This mercy from Allah encourages every Muslim, regardless of skill, to engage with the Quran during Ramadan.

Crafting a Quran Reading Schedule for Ramadan

To maximize the benefits and rewards, having a practical schedule for reading the Quran during Ramadan is essential. The Quran is divided into 30 juz’ (parts), making it convenient to complete over the 29 or 30 days of Ramadan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating and following a schedule:

1. Set a Realistic Goal
   The most common goal is to finish the Quran once during Ramadan, which means reading one juz’ (approximately 20 pages) per day. However, your schedule should reflect your capacity. If you’re new to reading or have a busy routine, aim for half a juz’ daily and adjust as needed.
2. Divide the Day
   Break your reading into manageable chunks. A popular method is to read 4-5 pages after each of the five daily prayers, totaling 20 pages by the end of the day. For example:

• After Fajr: 4 pages
• After Dhuhr: 4 pages
• After Asr: 4 pages
• After Maghrib: 4 pages
• After Isha: 4 pages

This approach integrates Quran reading into your prayer routine, making it seamless and consistent.

1. Choose Optimal Times
   Early mornings after Fajr or late nights during Tahajjud are spiritually rewarding times for recitation, as the world is quiet and the heart is focused. Alternatively, find a time that suits your daily rhythm perhaps after breaking your fast at Maghrib or before sleeping.
2. Incorporate Reflection
   While completing the Quran is a noble goal, understanding its meaning enhances its impact. Pair your recitation with a simple translation or brief tafsir (explanation) of a few verses daily. Even reflecting on one verse can deepen your connection.
3. Leverage Taraweeh Prayers
   Many mosques aim to complete the Quran during Taraweeh prayers over Ramadan. Attending these prayers allows you to listen to the recitation, which counts as engagement with the Quran, especially if you follow along mentally or with a copy.
4. Stay Flexible
   Life in Ramadan can be unpredictable with family gatherings, work, or fatigue from fasting. If you fall behind, don’t despair double up on lighter days or focus on quality over quantity. Allah rewards intention and effort.

Tips for a Meaningful Experience

• Start with Intention: Begin with a sincere intention to seek Allah’s pleasure, not just to check off a task.
• Create a Peaceful Space: Find a quiet corner free from distractions to focus on the words.
• Recite with Tajweed: Proper pronunciation enhances the beauty of recitation and earns additional rewards.
• Involve Family: Encourage children or loved ones to join you, fostering a household habit of Quran reading.

Conclusion

Reading the Quran during Ramadan is a transformative act that blends spiritual growth, divine rewards, and practical discipline. Its benefits ranging from inner peace to community connection nourish the soul, while its rewards promise blessings in this life and the hereafter. By setting a thoughtful schedule, Muslims can honor the legacy of Ramadan as the month of the Quran, drawing closer to Allah with every verse. As the blessed month approaches, let’s seize this opportunity to immerse ourselves in the words of our Creator, trusting in His promise of mercy and guidance.