Dr. Mokhtar Marzouk Abdel Rahim, Professor of Quranic Interpretation and Quranic Sciences at Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Usul al-Din in Assiut, addressed the question of whether the Quran should be read only with the intention of receiving reward.
He explained that many Muslims read the Quran primarily to gain reward, while a believer can also have other righteous intentions while reciting it.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have what they intended.”
The Quran is not merely a means of earning reward. It is a guide for life, teaching faith, worship, morality, reflection and righteous action.
The Virtue of Consistently Reading the Quran
A Muslim can combine several sincere intentions while reading the Quran. Among the intentions highlighted in the discussion are:
1. Reading the Quran to gain knowledge and act upon it
A Muslim reads the Quran to understand Allah’s guidance, commands and teachings and then apply them in daily life.
2. Reading the Quran seeking guidance
The Quran is a book of guidance, and a believer may recite it while sincerely asking Allah to guide and keep him firm upon the truth.
3. Reading the Quran as an act of communion with Allah
Reciting Allah’s words can strengthen the believer’s relationship with his Creator and serve as an act of worship and devotion.
4. Reading the Quran seeking healing
The Quran may be recited as a means of seeking healing, while believing that Allah alone is the ultimate source of healing.
5. Reading the Quran to move from darkness to light
Allah describes the Quran as a revelation through which people are brought from darkness into light.
6. Reading the Quran to soften the heart
Regular recitation and reflection can help a believer remember Allah, strengthen the heart and work against spiritual hardness.
7. Reading the Quran as a source of spiritual nourishment
The Quran provides guidance, reminders, wisdom and moral instruction that nourish the believer spiritually.
8. Reading the Quran to avoid heedlessness
A Muslim may intend to remain engaged in the remembrance of Allah rather than becoming spiritually heedless.
9. Reading the Quran to strengthen faith and certainty
Reflecting upon the verses of Allah can strengthen faith and deepen certainty in Him.
10. Reading the Quran in obedience to the command to recite with measured recitation
Allah says: “And recite the Quran with measured recitation.”
11. Reading the Quran seeking reward
Seeking Allah’s reward is a valid and important intention. The Prophet ﷺ taught that a reward is associated with each letter of the Book of Allah, with each good deed multiplied.
12. Reading the Quran hoping for its intercession
Prophetic teachings describe the Quran as an intercessor for its companions on the Day of Resurrection, encouraging Muslims to maintain their relationship with it.
13. Reading the Quran following the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ
A believer may intend to follow the Prophet’s example by maintaining a close relationship with the Quran.
14. Reading the Quran seeking elevation
The Quran elevates a person through faith, knowledge and righteous action, while its teachings can contribute to the moral improvement of society.
15. Reading the Quran seeking higher ranks in Paradise
A Muslim may hope that reciting the Quran, understanding it and acting upon it will be among the causes of attaining higher ranks in Paradise.
16. Reading the Quran to draw closer to Allah
Recitation can be an act of worship through which the believer seeks Allah’s pleasure and closeness.
17. Reading the Quran to become among Allah’s special people
Prophetic teachings describe the people of the Quran as Allah’s special people, encouraging believers to remain attached to the Quran through learning and practice.
18. Reading the Quran seeking the virtue of skilled recitation
The Prophet ﷺ described the skilled reciter of the Quran as being with the noble and righteous scribes.
19. Reading the Quran seeking salvation from Hellfire
A believer can recite the Quran with the intention of following its guidance and seeking salvation through obedience to Allah.
20. Reading the Quran seeking closeness to Allah
The believer can intend to strengthen his connection with Allah and remain steadfast in obedience.
21. Reading the Quran seeking a good ending
Consistent attachment to the Quran can accompany a believer’s prayer for steadfastness and a good end.
22. Reading the Quran so that it will be an argument in one's favor
The goal is not simply to recite, but to understand and practice the Quran so that its guidance becomes a benefit rather than a testimony against the person.
23. Reading the Quran as an act of worship
A believer may intend worship through recitation, reflection and engagement with the words of Allah.
24. Reading the Quran seeking tranquility and mercy
Allah says: “Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.” The Sunnah also describes the tranquility and mercy associated with gatherings devoted to reciting the Book of Allah.
25. Reading the Quran seeking goodness and Allah’s فضل
A Muslim may intend to seek Allah’s favor and goodness by learning, reciting, teaching and practicing the Quran.
26. Reading the Quran to purify and improve oneself
The Quran teaches noble character and can help believers improve their conduct, speech and actions.
27. Reading the Quran seeking protection from misguidance
Allah says: “Whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray nor suffer.”
28. Reading the Quran to find relief from sorrow and worry
The Quran strengthens the believer’s relationship with Allah and reminds him of divine mercy, promises and hope, providing spiritual comfort during hardship.
29. Reading the Quran seeking light and guidance
A believer may ask Allah to make the Quran a source of light and guidance throughout life.
30. Reading the Quran to develop good character
The Quran teaches virtues and noble conduct, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified the moral teachings of revelation.
31. Reading the Quran to occupy the self with truth
Recitation can help a person use time in beneficial worship and avoid distractions and activities that have no value.
32. Reading the Quran to struggle against the self, desires and Satan
A believer may use the Quran as a source of guidance and strength while striving against harmful desires, temptation and spiritual weakness.
33. Reading the Quran seeking protection
A Muslim may recite the Quran while seeking Allah’s protection from harm and evil, while believing that all protection, benefit and harm ultimately belong to Allah.
Is One Intention Enough When Reading the Quran?
A Muslim does not have to formulate a specific number of intentions before reading the Quran. Several sincere and permissible intentions can be combined in one act of worship.
For example, a person may intend worship, reward, guidance, reflection, learning and applying the Quran at the same time.
What matters most is that multiple intentions do not become a substitute for reflection and action. The Quran was revealed to be recited, understood, contemplated and followed.
Is the Quran read only for reward?
No. A Muslim may read it for reward, guidance, knowledge, reflection, worship, spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.
Can several intentions be combined when reading the Quran?
Yes. Multiple sincere and permissible intentions can be combined in one act of worship.
Can the Quran be used for healing?
The Quran is described as healing and mercy for believers, and it may be recited seeking healing while believing that Allah alone is the ultimate healer.
What is a good intention for reading the Quran?
A believer can intend worship, guidance, learning, reflection, acting upon the Quran and seeking Allah’s reward and pleasure.
Is reading the Quran without acting upon it enough?
Recitation is a great act of worship, but the Quran also calls people to reflection and action. Its guidance should therefore influence a believer’s faith, character and conduct.
