Dr. Mokhtar Marzouk Abdel Rahim, Professor of Quranic Interpretation and Quranic Sciences at Al-Azhar University's Faculty of Fundamentals of Religion in Assiut, addressed the question of whether the Quran should be read solely for the purpose of gaining reward.
He explained that many Muslims read the Quran primarily to seek reward and spiritual merit, while overlooking the many other benefits and intentions that can accompany the recitation of Allah's Book.
He referred to the Prophetic principle: “Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have what they intended.”
The Quran is not merely a book to be recited for reward. It is also a guide for life, and a Muslim can combine several sincere intentions when reading it, including seeking guidance, knowledge, spiritual comfort, stronger faith and closeness to Allah.
The Virtues of Regular Quran Recitation
Dr. Mokhtar Marzouk highlighted several intentions that Muslims can have when reading the Quran. These intentions can help connect recitation with spiritual growth, worship and personal conduct.
Among the intentions mentioned are:
- Reading the Quran to gain knowledge and act upon its teachings.
- Reading it to seek guidance from Allah.
- Reading it as a means of privately communicating with Allah.
- Reading it while seeking healing from physical and spiritual illnesses.
- Reading it in the hope of being brought from darkness into light.
- Reading it to soften the heart and seek tranquility and spiritual life.
- Reading it with the understanding that the Quran is a divine provision for believers.
- Reading it to avoid heedlessness and remain among those who remember Allah.
- Reading it to increase certainty and faith in Allah.
- Reading it in obedience to Allah's command to recite the Quran properly.
- Reading it to seek reward, including the reward mentioned for every letter recited.
- Reading it in hope of receiving the Quran's intercession on the Day of Resurrection.
- Reading it in accordance with the guidance and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Reading it in hope that Allah will elevate the believer through the Quran and benefit the Muslim community through it.
- Reading it in hope of attaining higher ranks in Paradise and the virtues associated with the people of the Quran.
- Reading it as an act of drawing closer to Allah through His words.
- Reading it in hope of becoming among the people of the Quran and those specially honored through it.
- Reading it in hope of becoming proficient in the Quran and receiving the virtue mentioned for those who recite it skillfully.
- Reading it while seeking salvation from Hell and the punishment of Allah.
- Reading it in hope of remaining under Allah's care and support.
- Reading it in hope of being protected from reaching an extremely weakened stage of old age.
- Reading it so that the Quran may serve as evidence in the believer's favor rather than against them.
- Reading it while seeking the reward associated by some scholars with looking into the written Quran.
- Reading it to seek tranquility and mercy and to be remembered by Allah among those near Him.
- Reading it while seeking Allah's favor and the goodness associated with His Book.
- Reading it so that its influence may beautify one's character and spiritual presence.
- Reading it to seek guidance and protection from going astray or suffering in the Hereafter.
- Reading it as a source of comfort and relief from sorrow, anxiety and distress.
- Reading it in hope that it will accompany the believer in the grave, provide light and serve as guidance.
- Reading it as a means of moral education and developing noble character.
- Reading it to keep the mind occupied with truth rather than falsehood.
- Reading it as a means of striving against the self, Satan and harmful desires.
- Reading it in hope of Allah's protection from evil and harm on the Day of Resurrection.
Is Reward the Only Intention for Reading the Quran?
Seeking reward is not the only intention a Muslim can have when reading the Quran. A person can combine the intention of seeking reward with seeking guidance, knowledge, spiritual tranquility, stronger faith and closeness to Allah.
The key is sincerity and making the recitation an act of worship directed to Allah.
The Quran as a Guide for Life
Quran recitation should not become merely a daily habit without reflection or practical influence. The Quran is a source of guidance, reform and spiritual education.
One of the important purposes of reciting it is to understand its meanings and act upon its teachings so that Quranic guidance becomes visible in a person's worship, behavior and character.
Conclusion
Reading the Quran is not limited to seeking reward. Muslims can have multiple sincere intentions, including seeking knowledge, guidance, tranquility, stronger faith, closeness to Allah and the ability to act upon the Quran.
Regardless of how many intentions a person has, sincerity remains essential. Quran recitation should lead toward guidance, spiritual growth and righteous action rather than being limited to recitation without reflection or practical impact.
Can I have more than one intention when reading the Quran?
Yes. A Muslim can combine several sincere intentions, such as seeking reward, guidance, knowledge, tranquility and stronger faith.
Is seeking reward a valid intention for Quran recitation?
Yes. Seeking Allah's reward is a valid intention, and it can be combined with other spiritual and educational intentions.
What is an important intention when reading the Quran?
Sincerity to Allah is fundamental, along with seeking guidance, understanding and the ability to act upon the Quran's teachings.
What are the virtues of reading the Quran?
Quran recitation carries great spiritual virtues, including the reward for recitation, guidance, tranquility and strengthening faith, along with other virtues mentioned in Islamic teachings.
Should Muslims reflect on the Quran while reading it?
Reflection is an important purpose of Quran recitation because the objective is not only to pronounce the words but also to understand, benefit from and act upon their guidance.
