Knowledge & Devotion · Virtues of the Quran

Prophetic Insights and Quranic Practices

Explore prophetic teachings and Islamic rulings related to Quranic recitation and its virtues.

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1. Which ayah did the Prophet ﷺ identify as the greatest ayah in the Quran?

  • Ayat al-Kursi. (correct answer)
  • The last two verses of Surat al-Baqarah.
  • Any ayah about Tawheed without specifying one.
  • The opening verse of Surat al-Fatihah.

Why

Ayat al-Kursi has a very high status. In a sound hadith, the Prophet ﷺ asked Ubayy ibn Ka‘b رضي الله عنه which ayah in the Book of Allah was the greatest, and Ubayy answered, “Ayat al-Kursi.” The Prophet ﷺ approved his answer and congratulated him for his knowledge. The source also mentions other virtues of Ayat al-Kursi, including protection from Shaytan and its recitation after prescribed prayers.

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2. Which surah is mentioned among those that made the Prophet’s ﷺ hair grey?

  • Al-Naba’. (correct answer)
  • Ya-Seen.
  • Al-Fatihah.
  • Al-Baqarah.

Why

A sound report mentions several surahs that made the Prophet’s ﷺ hair grey because of the warnings they contain. These include Hood, al-Waqi‘ah, al-Mursalat, al-Naba’, and at-Takweer. The source warns that many reports about the virtues of Ya-Seen and al-Waqi‘ah are weak or fabricated, while sound reports exist about virtues of Surat al-Mulk.

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3. What is the ruling on drinking water over which Soorat Ya-Seen has been recited if one does not believe it has a special proven healing virtue?

  • It is permissible, though using proven ruqyah texts is better. (correct answer)
  • It is obligatory for treating doubts.
  • It is forbidden in every case.
  • It proves Soorat Ya-Seen has a specific healing power for every illness.

Why

The Quran is healing and mercy, and ruqyah with Quran is Islamically acceptable. However, singling out a particular surah, such as Ya-Seen, for a specific disease, fixed number, or special effect requires evidence. If a person drinks water over which Ya-Seen has been recited without believing that it has a special proven virtue, there is nothing wrong with that, but it is better to use what is established in ruqyah, such as al-Fatihah, al-Mi‘wadhatayn, Ayat al-Kursi, and other proven texts.

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4. What is the ruling on writing Quranic verses on a vessel, washing them, and giving the water to a sick person to drink?

  • It is permissible, and this was narrated from some of the salaf. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden because Quranic ruqyah is never allowed.
  • It is allowed only if no medical treatment exists.
  • It is disliked because the early Muslims rejected it.

Why

Writing Quranic verses on a vessel, washing them with water, and giving the water to a sick person to drink is permissible according to the cited answer. This was narrated from some of the salaf, and many scholars stated that there is nothing wrong with it. Reports mention Mujaahid, Abu Qulaabah, Ibn ‘Abbaas رضي الله عنهما, and others allowing or practicing similar methods for ruqyah and healing.

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5. Why is studying the Quran at night especially beneficial?

  • The heart is more focused and can benefit more. (correct answer)
  • Quran study is only valid at night.
  • Daytime Quran study is forbidden.
  • Ramadan is the only month when Quran may be studied.

Why

The Prophet ﷺ reviewed the Quran with Jibreel عليه السلام in Ramadan, and this shows the benefit of studying the Quran with someone who can help with recitation and understanding. The source also notes that this reviewing took place at night, and that night study is better because the heart is more focused and able to benefit. Studying the Quran is prescribed and beneficial both in Ramadan and outside Ramadan.

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6. Why is reciting Quran to another qualified person helpful for memorization?

  • He can point out mistakes or omissions in pronunciation and reading. (correct answer)
  • It replaces the need for sincerity.
  • It guarantees that memorization will never be forgotten.
  • It is only useful for public speaking practice.

Why

A person memorizing Quran should not rely only on practicing alone. He should recite what he has memorized to another hafiz or someone who can follow along in the Mushaf and knows proper recitation. This helps detect mistakes, omissions, and pronunciation errors that the memorizer may not notice on his own. Reciting to another person is therefore an excellent way to correct mistakes.

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7. Why is it helpful to use one Mushaf edition when memorizing Quran?

  • It prevents confusion caused by different verse placement on the page. (correct answer)
  • Different Mushafs contain different Quranic text.
  • It removes the need for review.
  • The Prophet ﷺ used only one printed edition.

Why

Using one Mushaf edition helps memorization because people remember by sight as well as by hearing. The layout of the page, the placement of verses, and the visual pattern become fixed in the mind. Changing between different printed editions, where verses may appear in different places on the page, can confuse the memorizer and make memorization harder.

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8. When may Surat al-Kahf be recited for the Friday virtue?

  • From sunset on Thursday until sunset on Friday. (correct answer)
  • Only after Fajr on Friday.
  • Only before Jumu‘ah prayer.
  • Only after sunset on Friday.

Why

Sound reports mention the virtue of reciting Surat al-Kahf during the night or day of Jumu‘ah. The night of Jumu‘ah begins at sunset on Thursday, and the day of Jumu‘ah ends at sunset on Friday. Therefore, the time for reading Surat al-Kahf for this virtue extends from sunset on Thursday until sunset on Friday. The source also notes that there are no sound reports about reciting Surat Aal ‘Imran specifically on Friday.

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9. Why did Imam an-Nawawi mention Soorat Qaaf as suitable for khutbahs?

  • It contains mention of resurrection, death, strong exhortation, and firm warnings. (correct answer)
  • It guarantees ease at death in a sound hadith.
  • It replaces the need for the khutbah.
  • It was revealed as a replacement for the Torah.

Why

The Prophet ﷺ recited Soorat Qaaf in khutbahs and in large gatherings such as Eid and Jumu‘ah. Imam an-Nawawi explained that the reason for choosing Qaaf was that it contains mention of resurrection, death, stern exhortation, and firm deterrents. The source also warns that the report claiming whoever recites Soorat Qaaf will have the throes of death made easy is fabricated.

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10. What is the ruling on assigning specific Quran surahs to specific problems without evidence?

  • It is an innovation to believe in such specific effects without evidence. (correct answer)
  • It is encouraged as long as the intention is sincere.
  • It is recommended for every serious problem.
  • It is allowed whenever the surah is short.

Why

Reading Quran, reflecting on it, and making du‘a are great acts of worship. But singling out particular surahs for particular needs, times, places, or problems requires evidence. The source warns against false messages claiming that specific surahs solve marital problems, bring provision, protect pregnancy, remove forgetfulness, or resolve other issues without proof. Some claims may have evidence, such as seeking refuge through Soorat al-Falaq and Soorat an-Naas, but the rest should not be accepted without proof.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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