27 Jul The 1rst Haafidh of the Qur’aan: Part 2
In the works of hadeeth, it is stated that Rasoolullah (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) read the Qur’aan before thw angel Jibraeel every year. This process is known in the Islamic literature as “mu’aradah”, whih could be translated as “collective recitation” or “exposition”.
In the year in which he departed to the eternal life, Rasoolullah (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) read the Qur’aan before this honourable angel two times. To this testifies a tradition recorded by Al-Bukhari from Aaisha (radiyallahu ‘anha), who narrates:
“Once Faatima (radiyallahu ‘anha) came with the way of walk similar to that of the Messenger of Allah. Rasoolullah (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) welcomed her with the words: ‘Welcome, my daughter’, thenhe sat her down on his left or right side. Therafter, he told her something in a low voice, and she started crying. I said: ‘Why are you crying?’ A moment later, he told her again something confidential, which caused her to smile. I said: ‘I haven’t seen you like today, to be cheerful & sad at the same time. ‘I am not of those who would give away the secret of the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)’, she answered.
After the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left this world, I asked her once again, and she told me: ‘On that occasion, the Messenger had told me in confidence: ‘Every year Jibraeel checks my entire reading of the Qur’aan one time. This year he checked me two times. I think this is a sign my appointed time of death is near. You are the first one from my family who will join me.’ Upon hearing these words, I started weeping. Then, he said to me: ‘Are you pleased to be a leader among the women of Paradise & the women of the believers?’ When I heard that, I smiled.’ ” [Al-Asqalaani]
Keeping in mind the fact that Rasoolullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) did not know how to read or write, on which all the relevant historic sources agree, and the Qur’aan itself speaks about it, it is obvious that during those mu’aradah sessions he relied on his hifhd, that is to say, he was reciting by heart before the angel.
Anyone who studies the life of Rasoolullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), will notice that his blessed life was filled with constant close touch with the Qur’aan.
Rasoolullah (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was with the Qur’aan in all situations. He used to recite the Qur’aan day & night, when at home or upon a journey. In fact, his blessed life represented a model of practical implementation of the Qur’aanic norms & principles, to the extent that his wife Aaisha (radiyallahu ‘anha), when asked about his character, said: “The Messenger’s character was in conformity with the Qur’aan.” [An-Nasa’i]
~O Allah! Grant us such characteristics & mannerisms that are filled with purity, sincerity, love & devotion to You, so that we too, may aspire to be from amongst the ‘walking Qur’aans’, aameen.~
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