Learning the Quran is obligatory (fard) for following the rules of Islamic Sharia. Just as correct recitation of the Quran is necessary for prayer to be valid, reciting it correctly is obligatory. As for knowledge of the Quran not connected with worship, the sound view is that acquiring it is fard kifaya: if a particular group of the Ummah reflects on and researches the Quran, the others are free of sin, but if no one does, all are sinful. Still, every believer should be keen to engage with the Quran. Allama Zarkashi (RA) said: "One who lacks proper knowledge, understanding, fear of Allah and study will find no taste in the Quran." (Al-Burhan: 2/171)

In the modern way of life people are busier than ever. As a result, many who want to recite the Quran and gain knowledge of it cannot do so. Below are ways to engage with the Quran despite a busy schedule.

1. Reading the Quran on the move: we lose a great deal of time every day travelling to and from work, especially sitting in city traffic. Instead of spending that time on Facebook or other social media, one can read the Quran, its meaning and its commentary. Many Quran apps for modern mobile phones are available on the Google Play Store and Apple Store.

2. Listening to the Quran on the move: if you do not feel like reading, you can listen to recitation while travelling. Recitations by famous qaris of the Arab world such as Sheikh Hudhaify, Sheikh Sudais and Sheikh Mishary, as well as by many Bangladeshi qaris, are available online. Apps of recitations by famous Arab qaris are also on the Google Play Store and Apple Store.

3. Twenty-five minutes across the five prayers: reciting for five minutes before or after each of the five daily prayers makes it possible to recite five to eight pages of the Quran a day. This can also be done on a mobile phone. Alternatively, one might recite after three prayers, read the meaning of 5-10 verses after one of the other two, and the commentary on 1-3 verses after the last.

4. Discussion at the dining table: at lunch or dinner, when more family members are together at the table or dastarkhan, the family can discuss verses of the Quran, their rulings, the context of their revelation and their lessons. Scholars say discussing religious matters while eating is better than keeping completely silent. Children can listen to the elders, and elders to the children.

5. Ten minutes before sleep: it is mustahab to perform ablution before going to sleep. Authentic hadiths mention reciting surahs such as Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas and Al-Mulk before sleeping. Those who get no chance to recite the Quran during the day can also recite other surahs for 10-15 minutes before sleep along with these.

6. Recitation in prayer: those who have memorised the whole Quran (hafiz) but do not get the chance to recite regularly can recite it regularly and in sequence in the fard and sunnah prayers of the five daily prayers. Those who are not hafiz but have memorised parts of the Quran can likewise recite them in sequence in prayer to keep them fresh.

7. A copy of the Quran at work: sometimes there is a little free time at the workplace, with nothing in particular to do. These scraps of free time can also be used for the Quran, and a copy of the Quran or a commentary on it can be kept at work for the purpose.

Allah will guide by the Quran those who hold fast to it and engage with it despite their many commitments. Allah says: "By which Allah guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darkness into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 16)

Engaging with the Quran also increases a believer's faith and improves their religious life. The Holy Quran says: "And whenever a surah is revealed, there are among them those who say, 'Which of you has this increased in faith?' As for those who believed, it has increased them in faith, while they are rejoicing." (Surah At-Tawbah, verse 124)

May Allah grant everyone the ability to devote themselves to the Quran. Amin.

Source: Amader Shomoy. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.