Innovations regarding the Qu’ran

Source: Bida’ an-Nas Fil-Qur’an, by Abu Anas, Ali ibn Husain Abu Loaz, published by Dar al-Watan.

All praises are due to Allah, we thank Him and seek His Help and Forgiveness. We repent to Him, and seek refuge with Him from the evils of our souls and deeds. Whomever Allah guides, there is none who can lead him astray, and he whom Allah leads astray, there is none who can guide him. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of being worshipped but Allah Alone without associates, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, may peace and prayers be upon him, his family and his Companions.

Allah Almighty said: “(This is) a Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” (Saad 38:29)

Yes verily, this Qur’an has descended only for this great purpose, which is contemplation, remembrance and judgment.

Nowadays, many people have abandoned this great Book and remember it only on certain occasions:

Some people read it only during Ramadan.

Others know it only during funeral ceremonies for the deceased’ souls.

Others use it as amulets to safeguard themselves.

Others listen to it as they listen to songs and music on cassettes and cd’s, whenever there is an occasion.

Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) has honored this nation with news of the past, and news of the future i.e. Qur’an; and it is a judge, and a decisive statement, not a thing for amusement. He who abandons it due to arrogance, Allah will definitely destroy him, and he who seeks guidance through other means and books, Allah will mislead him. It is Allah’s strong rope, a wise reminder and the straight path. With it, people are guided, the most knowledgeable, learned people, i.e. the scholars do not, get enough of it and its miracles are endless. When the Jinn heard it being recited, they said:

“Verily! We have heard a wonderful Recital (this Qur’ân)! It guides to the Right Path, and we have believed therein.” (Al-Jinn 72:1, 2)

He who speaks its words says the truth; he who acts according to its teachings  is rewarded; he who judges by it’s ruling will have ruled in justice; and he who calls to its teachings has been guided to the straight path. [Kitab at-Tibyan fiee Adaab al-Qur’an by Imam Nawawi]

Allah Almighty has sent the Qur’an as a good advice [i.e. the Qur’an orders all that is good and forbids all that is evil]. It was sent as a healing for what is in the breasts (of diseases, doubts, hypocrisy, etc.) and as a guidance and mercy for the believers; so that it is the perfect proof and argument for the people. It is a light and an insight for him whose heart is opened to it; for those who recite it; for those who worship Allah by it; for those who contemplate it and learn from it, i.e. the Islamic creeds, the acts of worship and the Islamic way of dealing. It has not been sent to be hung on walls as a decoration, nor as a charm or amulet to be hung in houses and shops as a means of protection from thieves and fire, nor other beliefs that some people have, especially the innovators.

So whoever has sought to benefit from the Qur’an through the real purpose that it has been sent down, is on a clear proof (evidence) from his Lord and he is on the guidance and clear path. He who writes its verses, or even a chapter, on walls or on fabric to be hung as a decoration, as to protect the people and the furniture, has strayed from Allah’s Book, from the path of guidance, and he has invented in the religion what neither  Allah  nor His Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) have  permitted by deeds or words. [The Book of Fatawa of the prominent scholars regarding the Qur’an no. 2078]

Many innovations related to reading the Qur’an have spread among people nowadays, such as:

• Reciting the Qur’an in congregation (simultaneously, with one voice), whether in the mosque or in the house.
• Reading the Qur’an during the funeral for the deceased and during the days of condolence.
• Praying for the deceased and giving the reward of the reading to the dead, as well as reading it at the graves.
• Writing some verses on paper and putting them in water that is later drunk, thinking specifically that this will make it easy to memorize the Qur’an.
• Selecting some chapters of the Qur’an and calling them the “Saviors” or “Safeguarding” Surahs.
• Carrying around some verses for protection.

These, as well as other innovations, have spread among Muslims these days, from east to west. We ask Allah for safety and well-being.

Some Fatawa (legal verdicts) to show some of the innovations concerning the Qur‘an, and show its invalidity, and the correct Sunnah regarding them.

Assembling together to recite the Qur‘an

1) The verdict of reading the Qur‘an in congregation:

Reciting the Qur’an is an act of worship and one of the best ways to bring us closer to Allah Almighty, and it should be in the manner that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and his Companions used to do it. It has not been proven that he or his Companions used to read it together in unison (in one voice); rather, they used to read it alone, or one would read and the others who were present would listen.

The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “You should follow my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs after me.” [Abu Dawoud]

‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) reported Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) as saying: “He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason) (commits sin) and these are to be rejected.” [Muslim], and in another version: “He who did any act for which there is no sanction from us, that is to be rejected.” [Muslim]

It was narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) once ordered ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) to read the Qur’an to him. ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said (to me): ‘Recite the Qur’an to me.’ I said: ‘Shall I recite (it) to you while it has been revealed to you?’ He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘I like to hear it from another person.’ So I recited Surat an-Nisa’ (the Women) till I reached the verse: ‘How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)) as a witness against these people.’ (4:41) Then he said to me: ‘Stop!’ Thereupon I saw his eyes overflowing with tears.” [Al-Bukhari]

2) Assembling in the mosque or a house to recite the Qur‘an:

If the intention is to read together in one voice (simultaneously, stopping together and reading the same verses), then it is unlawful, or in the least disagreeable (or disliked, Makrooh), because it was not reported that the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) or the Companions did that. However, if the reason for it is for learning, then we hope that it is permissible.

If the intention is to get together and read the Qur’an all together in order to learn or memorize, whereby one person reads while the others listen, or that each one reads to himself (not in unison with the others); then it is permissible.

The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Those persons who assemble in one of the houses of Allah (mosques), to recite the Book of Allah and learn and teach the Qur’an (among themselves), there will descend upon them tranquillity, mercy will cover them, the angels will surround them and Allah will mention them in the presence of those near Him.” [Muslim] [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 4994]

3) Supplication after the completion of the Qur‘an:

Supplication (Du’aa) after the completion of the Qur’an is permissible, provided that it does not become a habit and that it is not restricted to a specific form or manner as if it is were a Sunnah (to be followed) – because it has not been confirmed by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), although some of his Companions (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum)did it. In addition, to invite those who attend the recital to a dinner is permissible, on the condition that it does not become a habit. [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 3861]

4) Distributing parts of the Qur’an among the people present:

Distributing parts (of the Qur’an) among the people who are present so  that each one can recite a part, or several parts, would not be considered as if the whole Qur’an has been recited by each of them. Reciting the Qur’an with the intention of getting the blessing only, is deficient (one will not be rewarded completely), because reciting the Qur’an should be for the purpose of seeking nearness to Allah, to memorize, contemplate and understand its verdicts, to gain the reward, to train the tongue to read, as well as other benefits. [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 3861]

5) Gathering to read the Qur‘an for a deceased person or for the host:

Gathering people to recite the Qur’an in order to benefit the deceased by presenting the reward of the recitation to him is an innovation, as there is no evidence (proof) for that. And all innovations are misguidance.

Moreover, if the people who recite are getting paid to do so, as is the case in many instances, then there is no reward for them as they are not reciting to worship Allah Almighty, they are merely reciting for the wages. All acts of worship that are performed only for wages are not rewarded by Allah, because the person’s intention is to get a worldly gain and that invalidates that deed.

What benefits a person is the recital of the Qur’an if it is done with the intention of drawing closer to Allah. It will benefit both the one who recites and the one who listens, with the condition that it should be in a legal form that has not been innovated by some ignorant people. Such recital, as mentioned, that is presented to the deceased or to the living, is an innovation and there is no reward for it.

So the Muslim should abandon doing such acts, and if he wants to benefit the dead, he should benefit them with acts that are prescribed, such as asking for mercy and forgiveness for them, supplicating to Allah for them, giving charity, and performing Hajj and ‘Umrah on their behalf. These are deeds that have a proof of their validity and that will benefit both the dead and the living. [Fatawa Shaikh al-Fozan, Noor alad-Darb]

6) Reciting the Qur’an in congregation after the Fajr (morning) and after the Maghrib (sunset) prayers:

It is an innovation to recite the Qur’an after the Fajr (morning) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers (or any other prayers) in congregation and in one voice. It is also an innovation to supplicate Allah Almighty in congregation after the prayer. However, if each one reads individually or studies it (recites the Qur’an), whereby each time one finishes reading, the other starts and everyone else listens, this is considered the best way to get closer to Allah Almighty.

7) Reciting the Qur‘an in congregation on Friday, all in one voice, before the Imam arrives:

It is not permissible to recite aloud altogether in one voice particularly on Friday before the Imam arrives. It is an innovation. [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 6364]

8) Reciting the Qur‘an on Friday before the congregational prayer, using the loudspeakers:

The verdict of reciting the Qur’an using the loudspeakers on Friday before the noon prayer is an innovation.

Also supplicating and reading the Qur’an using the loudspeakers before the call to Fajr (dawn) prayer is an innovation.

There is no proof or evidence that it ever happened during the era of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) or that any of his Companions did it. This also applies to the supplications that preceed the Fajr (dawn) prayers that are broadcast over the speakers. These are all innovations and every innovation is a misguidance. [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 5316, 9908 and 2775]

9) Reciting the Fatiha (opening chapter of the Qur’an) after the Du’aa and other occasions:

Reciting Surat al-Fatiha before supplication, after reciting the Qur’an, or before marriage is an innovation. There is no evidence that either the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) or his Companions did it.

It is affirmed that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “He who does any act for which there is no sanction from us, that is to be rejected.” [Muslim]

10) Reciting the Fatiha after the obligatory prayers:

Reciting the Fatiha after the obligatory prayers individually or in congregation is not a Sunnah. [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 9509]

11) Reciting Surat al-Fatiha after the Witr prayer for an unlimited number of times:

The Qur’an is the Word of Allah Almighty, and the Grace of His Words to those of the people is like the Grace of Allah over His creatures. None but Allah Almighty knows the great merits of reciting the Qur’an. The one who recites should not specify a Surah or a verse to be recited at a certain time or for a specific occasion except what the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) specified, such as the Fatiha for Ruqyah (healing), or in each Rak’ah while performing prayers, reciting Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) before going to sleep hoping that Allah will protect him from the devil, or reciting Surat al-Ikhlas, and the Mu’awithatain: Surat al-Falaq and Surat an-Nas (Chapters 112, 113 and 114).

One should also not constantly repeat a Surah or a verse for a fixed number of times, except if it is based on something that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) did, because reciting Qur’an is an act of worship which should be based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Therefore; based on the above, repeating Surat al-Fatiha a certain number of times after Witr prayers is an innovation, even if the number of repetitions is not fixed, because the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) did not do it, nor did the rightly-guided Caliphs after him do it.

If one is seeking the good from his recitation, he should not restrict it with Surat al-Fatiha, nor particularize the time after the Witr for recitation. What is prescribed is to read the Holy Qur’an (Surat al-Fatiha and others) as much as possible at all times without specifying a time or a number, except in what the Islamic law has prescribed. [Fatawa no. 7012]

12)  Reciting Surat al-Fatiha after supplication:

It is not affirmed that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) recited the Fatiha after supplication; therefore, doing this is an innovation.

13) Reciting Surat al-Fatiha by school boys and girls in the morning line-up:

The habit of reciting Surat al-Fatiha by the students in the morning line-up is an innovation and it should be avoided. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “He who does a thing which is not warranted by our religion, it shall be rejected.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

However, there is no harm in reciting various verses in the line-up at times, some verses of the Qur’an at times, including al-Fatiha or Hadiths, proverbs, and Islamic nasheed. [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 8777]

14) Reciting the Qur’an out loud in congregation and invoking Allah to broaden the provision for the host:

Reciting the Qur’an and contemplating over its meaning is one of the best ways to get closer to Allah. Invoking Allah, seeking His Help for success and for abundant provision is a lawful act of worship, but reciting the Qur’an by distributing certain Surahs of the Qur’an among several people so that each one can read a part and then invoke Allah for provision and so on, is an innovation. It is not known that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) or his Companions or our righteous predecessers (Allah have Mercy on them) did such a thing, and the best way is to follow them. Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “He who does a thing which is not warranted by our religion, shall have it rejected.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Supplicating to Allah is lawful anywhere and at all times, and in every state, at the time of adversity and at the time of abundance. People are urged to make supplications, especially when they are prostrating themselves during prayers, and during the Sahar time before dawn (the last third of the night) and at the end of the Salat before Taslim. The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes down every night to the nearest heaven when the last third of the night remains, saying: ‘Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My Forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?’” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Ibn ‘Abbas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Verily, I have been forbidden to recite the Qur’an during bowing and prostration. As for Ruku’, magnify the Lord, the Exalted, the Blessed, in it; and as for the prostration, be earnest in supplication, for it is fitting that your supplications be answered.” [Ahmad, Muslim and An-Nisa’i]

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself; so supplicate more often (in this position).” [Muslim, Abu Dawoud and An-Nisa’i]

Ibn Mas’ud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that when the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) taught him the Tashahud he said: “Then let him supplicate from whatever supplications he chooses.” [Abu Dawoud and An-Nisa’i] [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 4028]

The Completion of the Qur’an

1) A feast after the completion of the Qur’an:

A Walima (feast or wedding banquet) is recommended to be given on the occasion of marriage. It is reported that when ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Auf  (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) told the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) that he got married, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said to him: “Give a wedding banquet, even if with one sheep.” [Al-Bukhari]

A feast or celebration on the occasion of completing the recital of the Qur’an, however, is not known or affirmed by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) nor the rightly-guided Caliphs. Had they themselves done it, it would have been transmitted to us as were all the other Islamic laws. Therefore, celebrating the completion of the recital of the Qur’an is an innovation. Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason), commits a sin and they are to be rejected.” [Muslim]. And in another version: “He who did any act for which there is no sanction from us, that is to be rejected.” [Muslim]

2) Offering food, beverages and sweets after the completion of the Qur’an in Ramadan:

It has not been affirmed by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), or his Companions, or the followers, or the Imams of the predecessors to offer food, drinks or sweets when one completes the recital of the Qur’an in Ramadan. Therefore, it is an innovation in the religion as it is done right after an act of worship, and it is done for that particular reason and at that particular time.

All innovations in the religion are misguidance, as it makes the religion seem incomplete without these acts.

Al-Irbad ibn Sariyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “One day the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) delivered a speech which greatly moved us, on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts became frightened. We said to him: ‘O Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)! This sermon seems like the last advice. So advise us.’ He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘I admonish you to fear Allah, and to hear and obey even a slave who may be put in authority over you. Those of you who shall live after me, will soon notice a lot of differences (and much discord). So hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah (way and practices) of my rightly guided Caliphs who will come after me. Adhere to them and hold fast to them. Beware of new things (innovation in religion) because every innovation leads to the wrong path (misguidance).’” [Abu Dawoud]

Anas ibn Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “He who innovates things in this religion for which there is no evidence, is claiming that Muhammad has failed to deliver the message.”  For Allah Almighty said:

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Al-Ma’idah 5:3), and what was not from the religion at that time then, is not from our religion today.”

However, if it happens occasionally with no commitment, then it is permissible. [Fatawa of the Permanent Committee no. 2740]

I ask Allah Almighty to accept our good deeds and make this effort purely for His Sake and that He adds this to my scale, for He is the Most Generous, the Bountiful and I ask Him to make us of those who recite the Qur’an, ponder over its verses and act upon them. He is All-Hearing, Most Near.