and memorizing it, to draw near to Him—Glorified is He.

It is reported that Umar ibn al-Khattāb—may Allah be pleased with him—said: “There was once a time when we did not think that anyone learned the Quran seeking thereby anything but Allah—Mighty and Majestic is He. Later, however, I came to fear that some men might learn it seeking thereby people’s favor and what they possess. So let Allah be your aim in your recitation and deeds.”

Another aspect of this etiquette is that he should embody the Quran’s noble character and observe its gracious manners. He should make the Quran the springtime of his heart, restoring through it whatever has fallen into ruin within his heart and repairing whatever has become corrupt. Through the Quran, he disciplines himself, rectifies his condition, and strengthens his faith. Allah Most High says:

“Whenever a surah is revealed, some of them ask, ‘Which of you has this increased in faith?’ As for those who believe, it increases them in faith, and they rejoice. But as for those whose hearts are diseased, it adds further defilement to their defilement, and they die as disbelievers.” 1.

Thus, the bearer of the Quran makes the Quran his guide toward every good and his leader toward every noble and beautiful quality. He guards all his limbs from everything Allah has forbidden. When he walks, he walks with knowledge; when he sits, he sits with knowledge; when he speaks, he speaks with knowledge; when he drinks, he drinks with knowledge; and when he eats, he eats with knowledge. He pores over the Quran and recites it in order to discipline himself, refine his conduct through it, adorn his deeds with it, and strengthen his faith through it.

For this purpose the Noble Quran was sent down. It was not sent down merely to be read and recited without knowledge and action. Al-Fudayl—may Allah have mercy upon him—said: “The Quran was sent down only so that it might be acted upon, but people have made reciting it the action itself.”2.