The Importance Of The Ability To Recite The Qur’an

A man from the tribe of Bani Makhzoom once came to Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiyallahu anhu) and complained of his inability to pay his debts. He requested financial assistance. Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiyallahu anhu) said: “If you are truly deserving, arrangements will be made to settle your debts.”

The man said: “O Ameerul Mu’mineen! “Why should I not be deserving when you are aware of my family and tribe.”
Hadhrat Uthmaan: “Can you recite the Qur’aan?”
The Man: “No.”
Hadhrat Uthmaan: “Come near to me.”
When the man was close to him, Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiyallahu anhu) with his spear ignominiously stripped the man off his turban. Removing the turban in this manner was to publicly disgrace a man who could not recite the Qur’aan Majeed. Then he called one of his companions and instructed: “Take this buffoon and don’t allow him to leave you as long as he has not learnt to recite the Qur’aan.”

Thereafter another person appeared and also explained his inability to pay his debts. Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiyallahu anhu) asked him to recite 10 verses from Surah Anfaal and 10 verses from Surah Baraa-ah. When he had satisfactorily recited these verses, Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiyallahu anhu) commented: “We shall settle your debts. You are deserving.”

Comments: After reading the above incident in which the Sahaabah gave preference to the recitation of the Qur’an Majeed, in our current era, we have noticed Baaligh students who studied at so-called ‘Islamic’ schools who were unable to recite even a few lines of the Qur’an Majeed while looking inside! This is the pay-back of showing no interest in the Maktab Madrasah in the afternoons! These so-called ‘Islamic’ schools are NOT ‘Islamic’ schools! They are the same secular schools teaching the godless secular education. The only difference is that there is a minimum time scheduled for some Islamic subjects. And another difference is that there are more students and teachers who are known to be Muslims compared to that in a private Christian or Government school!