How to improve our relationship with QURAN?

It is recommended for every believing man and woman to recite the Book of Allaah, the Noble Quran, often, with due contemplation and understanding. This may be done by using a copy of the Quran or from one's memory. Allaah - the Most High – Says (what means): "[This is] a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded." [Quran 38:29]

Are you one of those people who rarely touch the Quran? Or do you read it daily, but don't find it is having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be, these are some simple tips that can help you connect with the Quran.

1. Before you touch it, check your heart

The key to really benefiting from the Quran is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allaah's book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad was described by his noble wife, 'Aa'ishah as a "walking Quran": in other words, he didn't just read and recite the Quran, he lived it.

2. Before you touch it, do your Wudhoo' (ablution)

Doing your Wudhoo' is good physical and mental preparation to remind you that you are not reading just another book. You are about to interact with Allaah, the Most Exalted, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him.

3. Start with reading only five minutes everyday

Too often, we think that we should read the Noble Quran for at least one whole hour. If you are not in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just five minutes daily. If you took care of step one, Insha Allaah (Allaah willing), you will notice that those five minutes will become ten, then half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even more!

4. Make sure that you understand what you have read

Five minutes of reading the Quran in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you are reading. If you are not Arabic, or you don't understand the Arabic language, then make sure you have a good translation of the Quran in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you have read that day.
Regarding those who neglect the Glorious Quran by not reading or not understanding it, Allaah Almighty Says (what means):"And the Messenger has said, “O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Quran as [a thing] abandoned." [Quran: 25: 30]
Allaah Almighty informs us about His Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad that he said: "My Lord my people have abandoned - acting or listening - to the Quran" and that is because the idol-worshippers did not pay attention nor listen to the Quran, as Allaah Says (what means): "And those who disbelieve say, “Do not listen to this Quran and speak noisily during [the recitation of] it that perhaps you will overcome.” [Quran 41:26]

5. Remember that the Noble Quran is far more interactive than a CD

In an age of "interactive" CD-ROMs and computer programs, a number of people think books are passive and boring. But the Quran is not like that. Remember that when you read the Glorious Quran, you are interacting with Almighty Allaah. He Almighty is talking to you, so pay attention.

6. Do not just read, you have to listen too

There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Quran, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your walkman or your car's CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Quran reading, not as a replacement for it.

7. Make Du'aa' (supplication).

Ask Allaah, the Most Exalted, to guide you when you read the Quran. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allaah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Du'aa' to
Allaah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this.
When you are making du’aa', you have a direct connection with Allaah Almighty. So when you are saying your du’aa', you shouldn’t be distracted, but instead you should be fully concentrated. TheProphet said:

"Make Du’aa' and be assured of it being answered, and know that Allaah, the Exalted, does not answer a Du’aa' from a careless heart which is not concentrating." [At-Tirmithi].

The Quran is the delight of the heart

Allaah, the Exalted, revealed the Quran, to be a beacon of light that cannot be extinguished. It is a methodology and way of life that is perfect in all respects. In it is strength that cannot be equaled or repelled. It is the foundation of Eemaan (Faith) and the spring of knowledge. Allaah willed that the Quran be what quenches the thirst for knowledge. It is the delight of the people of wisdom. The Quran is the greatest cure for all ailments. It is Allaah's Rope that cannot be severed. It is the Wise Reminder and the truly Straight Path.

In the Quran are the parables of those who were before us, a prophesy of that which will be after us and a criterion to judge between us. It is Truth with certainty that was revealed to us. The one who lives according to its dictations will be rewarded. The one who judges according to it will be just. The one who calls to it is on the Straight Path. Allaah raises and lowers people's status based on their adherence to it. The Quran, on the Day of Judgment, will intercede on behalf of those who recited it.

Prophet Muhammad said: "The one who reads a single letter from the Book of Allaah will be rewarded with one good deed. (Know that) A good deed is multiplied ten times over. I do not say Alif Laam Meem is one letter. Verily, Alif is one letter, Laam is one letter, Meem is one letter." [At-Tirmithi]

The Book of Allaah to mankind's guidance is like the soul in relation to the body. Therefore, he who abandons its recitation and does not act in accordance to its laws is in a state of spiritual death. Allaah Almighty says (what means): {And is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge there from?} [Quran 6:122]

A person without Quran is like a person without water, air and medicine. Allaah, the Most Exalted, says (what means): {And We send down of the Quran, that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.} [Quran 17:82]

The Quran is a healing for the body and the soul. Whenever life becomes hard and complicated, the Light of the Quran will always brighten the way. It will be a source of solace and tranquility. It will be a defender to you when you are powerless and in need. When the Muslim recites the Quran, he will feel matchless tranquility in his heart and being. This causes him only to fear Allaah alone.

Allaah Almighty says (what means):

{Those to whom people [i.e. hypocrites] said, “Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.” But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, “Sufficient for us is Allaah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.” So they returned with favor from Allaah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allaah, and Allaah is the Possessor of great bounty. That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.} [Quran 3:173-175]

Sadly, many have not taken this Quran into consideration and have neglected its recitation and implementation. They sought the worldly life and neglected the Hereafter. Allaah says (what means): {And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allaah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.} [Quran 6:116]

Tragically, there are those who recite the Quran in its entirety and finish with little more than with what they began with in terms of contemplation and action. Some are so concerned with how they sound, they beautify their voice without ever listening to what is being ordered or prohibited. Truly, there are many reciters of the Quran that the Quran is free from them and their evil. They recite the Quran and are oppressive to themselves and others by not following its orders or forbidding its prohibitions.

Nothing is more valuable to a Muslim in his worldly life and in the Hereafter than reciting the Quran and reflecting and trying to comprehend its meaning. In doing so, an individual will become acquainted with what is good and what is evil. He will see the effects of disobedience of Allaah and its punishment in the parables of those who have come before us. An example of such a punishment is the flood that was sent upon the people of Nooh (Noah) and others similar to it. It is a source of inspiration and it strengthens one's belief in Allaah. For this reason, Allaah says (what means):
{ … and when His (Allaah's) verses (Quran) are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.} [Quran 8:2]

This Book was sent and revealed from above the seven Heavens so that it could be comprehended and implemented, it is not just to be recited while the heart is pre-occupied. Allaah Almighty says (what means):
{[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded} [Quran 38:29]

What has happened to our hearts? Why are our hearts locked out and unresponsive to the Quran? Why do the words enter from one ear and exit out the other? Why have our hearts hardened? Let us comprehend the Quran and implement it in our lives. Let us be from those who implement the Quran in our days and recite it during our nights.

Quran: the way to salvation

The Book of Allaah is the rain that brings forth true life on Earth.

I bear witness that there is no deity besides Allaah—alone, who has no partner, no equal; Lord of the Messengers, Creator of the heavens and the earths. I bear witness that Muhammad is His devoted-servant and His Messenger sent with a Clear Book that separates guidance from misguidance, deception from righteousness, and conjectures from certainty.

Allaah revealed the Book (Noble Quran) in order for us to read it, and mull over it with care and vigilance; to enrich our souls from its remembrance; to carry it and construe it in the best of manners; to affirm it and strive to establish its commands and prohibitions; pick the fruits of its precious knowledge that is our way to Allaah and to glean the wisdom from its gardens and flowers.

For it is His Book, and nothing else, that can guide His seekers to Him. It is the path that leads the traveler to Allaah. It is His brilliant Light that illuminates the darkness of uncertainty and disbelief. It is His mercy of guidance and source of happiness for all creation. It is the bridge that connects His devotee to Him when all else fails. It is the great door to Him that remains open, when all else is closed. It is the straight path that is not tainted by the opinions of mortals. It is the remembrance full of wisdom that is not swayed by desires. It is the noble revelation containing wisdom that sages can never fathom. Its wonders never end, nor are its clouds barren, its signs are never exhausted, its agreements never contradict.

The more a soul delves into its depths, the more it increases in insight and guidance. It is the cure for mankind from diseases of the heart. It is life to the hearts and pleasure and brilliance to the souls. It is the harbinger that calls night and day: "O seekers of good, hurry to me"

It is the caller of faith at the head of the straight path, calling (what means): "O our people, respond to the caller of Allaah and have faith in Him so He may forgive your sins for you and may save you from a painful chastisement." [Referring to verse 31 of chapter 46]

The Quran is Allaah's greatest blessing on us. It is the fulfillment of His promise to Aadam and his descendants, as Allaah Almighty Says (what means): ''…There shall come to you guidance from Me, and whatsoever follows My Guidance no fear shall be on them, nor shall they sorrow''[Quran 2:38]

It is the only weapon for struggling against the forces of evil and temptation in this world. It is the only means to overpower our fear and anxiety. It is the only Light as we grope in the darkness, with which to find our way to success and salvation. It is the only healing for our inner sickness, as well as the social ills that may surround us. It is the constant reminder of our true nature and destiny, of our station and our duties.

But alas! Desires have put out the lamps of the hearts, and opinions of the mortal humans have shut those doors of Divine guidance and lost the keys. The hearts are laden with the rust of their own earning, so much so that they do not find the realities of the Quran opening to them. The burdens of ignorance have so settled upon it that its knowledge does not blossom into righteous actions.

Woe unto you, how have you made the nourishment of your heart those vain opinions that contradict the Quran and Sunnah (Prophet's Tradtion) that neither replenish it nor quench its thirst? So now your heart does not accept nourishment of the Word of the Lord of the worlds, and the speech of His eminent Messenger!
For how will you ever find your way through the darkness of conjectures and opinions of mortals to the clear distinction of right and wrong when you have closed your eyes to the light of the Book of Allaah and the way of the Messenger?

Woe unto you, how have you adulterated the right opinions with the sick ones, and the accepted ones with the rejected ones, and have managed to incapacitate your souls from receiving the guidance and knowledge from the Book that is immune to falsehood from all directions.

Nay, but it is, by Allaah, a trial that has blinded the hearts from the sources of righteousness and has embezzled the minds from their goals.

The Book of Allaah is the coolness of eyes for which the competitors compete, the finality to which the contenders contend.

How can you still be in the dark under a rising sun?

How can you lose your way under a bright constellation?
Glory be to Allaah, The Exalted!