Islam and Women
I will also learn the Quran
Umm Milad Attariyyah
Allah Almighty bestowed upon humanity the greatest book, the Noble Quran, as a guidance for mankind. Just as the Quran provides commandments and guidance for men, it also addresses women with specific laws and advice. It is crucial for women to learn, read, and live by the Quran, as it leads to deliverance in the Hereafter and success in this realm.
Although numerous women possess love for the Quran, recite it, and make efforts to embody its teachings, a significant number do not engage with the Quran and remain distanced from its teachings. In fact, there are women who do not know how to read the Quran and do not prioritize learning it. While they find time for worldly matters, they neglect the Quran. It is important to remember that by establishing a close connection with the Quran, not only will one experience its spiritual and enlightening blessings, but their children and future generations will also reap its blessings.
History recounts women who were dedicated to the Book of Allah, reciting it abundantly, despite other commitments. A remarkable example is found in the mother of Shaykh ꜤAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī. She would recite the Quran extensively, to such an extent that Shaykh ꜤAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه memorized 18 parts of the Quran while still in her womb.[1] This incident is a clear example that the blessings and radiances of reciting the Holy Quran also extend to the offspring of those mothers who regularly engage with it.
We should pause and think for a moment if as believers we have thus far been unable to correctly recite the Book of Allah. Let us evaluate our lives and comprehend that we have not found enough time in all these years to learn how to recite the words of our Beloved Lord in the manner He has commanded us. However, there is still time to develop the passion for reciting the Quran with proper pronunciation and articulation.
Moreover, since women also bear the responsibility of educating and nurturing their children, it is incumbent upon them to ensure that their children are not only able to read the Quran correctly but they develop the passion for reciting the Quran too. If only we could succeed in reciting the Quran in a good manner and implementing its commandments!
Those women who are unable to recite the Quran correctly should join Madrasah al-Madina classes for adults in their area, where they can learn how to read the Quran with correct pronunciation and articulation. As for those women who can read correctly, they should try to teach other women. By the will of Allah Almighty, this will result in immense blessings. In addition, it is the duty of all Muslim women to not only make recitation of the Quran a daily practice, but to also develop a habit of reading its translation and commentary. This will help us understand what the Quran is saying to us and what message it conveys from our Lord. We will also become aware of the deeds that Allah Almighty has commanded us with and prohibited us from, and our reverence towards the exalted status of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم will increase in our hearts too.
Reading the reasons for the punishment that befell previous nations will develop the fear of Allah Almighty. Reading about righteous individuals will inspire love for virtuous deeds and pious people. Additionally, it will provide valuable insights into both religious and worldly matters. The most intriguing and accessible commentary of the Quran in this regard is Tafsīr Ṣirāṭ al-Jinān. Likewise, every woman should read the book "Women and the Quran", authored by Mufti Muhammad Qasim Attari دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ, as it includes the translation and commentary of all the Quranic verses related to women. It mentions the biographies of pious women, cites the favours of Islam and the Quran upon women, and explains the religious rulings pertaining to women, as well as beautifully explaining the guidelines given to men concerning women.
May Allah Almighty grant us the honour to learn, teach and act upon the Quran through studying its translation and commentary.
اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ خاتَمِ النَّبِیّیْن صلَّی اللہ علیہ واٰلہٖ وسلَّم
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