The Importance of Reading in Islam
Learn How Islam Emphasises The Need To Be Literate
There are many benefits of reading in Islam. Education, civilisation and reciprocal partnerships rest on the ability to read. It all started with the word, "read!"
"Read!" the voice resonated in the cave of Mount Hira' for the third time. The man called Muhammad froze, mostly in fear and confusion in the arms of Arch Angel Gabriel. When he found his voice, he told the angel he did not know how to read.
"Read, in the name of thy Lord who created, man from a clot. Read, for your Lord is most Generous, who teaches by means of the pen, teaches man what they know not," (al-'Alaq: 1-5)
The man soon to be known as Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) received the first revelation of the holy Qur'an - Islam's holy scripture that remains untainted and unchanged until this very day. The underlying message of the Qur'an remains too - "read."
The Qur'an is the most quoted book in the world, describing Islam as the complete way of life for every Muslim to follow. It is also the most widely read, recited and memorised book in the world.
Reading comes naturally to humans when the time comes to broach education. Children as young as three are learning to read in some countries. Benefits orf reading come like no other. Educators agree that reading to young babies every day ignites curiosity in reading material and teaches children to respect and cherish books. Reading is also a catalyst for growth and development. Young, avid readers are more likely to grow into confident adults.
Reading is knowledge
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged his followers to broaden their horizons by seeking knowledge - even to the depths of China (Bukhari). He enthusiastically welcomed traders from different countries to stop-by in Madinah to have his followers learn and appreciate their cultures.
Nowadays, reading material is of abundance and allows the plight for knowledge to be easier than ever.
Reading - a compensation for freedom
The first battle Muslims fought was the battle of Badr, whereby they were attempting to salvage their rightful possessions that their Quraysh brethren had hijacked and were transporting to sell off for profits. When the small number of ousted Muslims triumphed against the men of Makkah, many of their former friends and relatives were held as prisoners.
Muslims during the first years of the Islam comprised mostly of the poor and illiterate - they were mostly those who escaped undue discrimination and mal-treatment of the wealthy. When these Muslims captured the people who had once tortured them in their homeland Makkah, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and unkindness towards the Quraysh prisoners.
Instead, her ordered for them to be quartered amongst Muslims and to be treated with kindness. Some were allowed to buy their freedom through ransoms. Some were given the alternative: to teach 10 Muslims how to read and write. Upon doing so, they would be free, (Ibrahim B. Syed, Education of Muslims in Kentucky Prisons; Louisville: Islamic Research Foundation International).
Reading as part of building a civilisation
A milestone in the development of Islam was marked during the treaty of Hudaybah. The Muslims were venturing back to Makkah to perform the pilgrimage ritual. They were stopped by the Quraysh - the tribe now worried that the Muslims were growing stronger. A treaty was enacted to disallow Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his followers to only perform the rite the following year. In return, the Quraysh promised 10 years of peace between themselves and the Muslims. In addition to that, the Muslims were also free to spread the message of Islam.
Upon the enactment of this document, the Muslims jumped at the opportunity to teach followers of other faiths what they had learned about their new religion. Little did they know, the treaty was to be breached two years later by their nemesis. They paraded into Makkah with full triumph and reclaimed the land that was rightfully theirs.
None of this would have happened should the Muslim entourage not have the ability to read and agree to the contract.
Reading the Qur'an: plenty of blessings
Most importantly for Muslims is the desire to read the Qur'an. Reading the Qur'an however, also means to understand the words and to practice what is being taught. Muslims are told that the ranking of Muslims in Paradise would be determined by the number of Qur'anic verses a Muslim has learned during his or her lifetime.
Allah says, "Those who recite the Book of Allah, and establish the prayer, and spend of that which We have bestowed on them secretly and openlu, they look forward to imperishable gain, that He will pay them their wages and increase them of His grace. Lo! He is Forgiving, Responsive." (Fatir: 29-30)
The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) reminded, "Those who recite the Qur'an beautifully are like the noble scribes (angels)l but as for those who are struggling to read it with hardship will merit double rewards," (Bukhari & Muslim).
