By Ghausia Shaukat
Why it is so important to read? Here are some thoughts to ponder on, however, the following ideas are not to be thought exhaustive.
1. The very first command
“Read in the name of your lord…”
Al Quran 96:1
Most of us will be familiar with this ayah from the Quran, imparting the very first command of Allah az-zawajal (Mighty and the Majestic) to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Upon reflection of this ayah in particular, like all parts of the Quran we can see how this can be applied to our lives holistically.
2. Showing gratitude you can read
Some of us may find it far easier to read than others and if your one of these people.
Know that this blessing is not only a means of improving your physical wellbeing but also a way to improve and increase your worship of Allah.
As with every action we do in this ephemeral world our intentions can vary, the ultimate intention of our actions must be that they are for the sake of Allah.
The act of reading then must also carry with it that same intention.
3. Benefit from knowledge
One of the obvious reasons to read is that it increases a person’s knowledge. But this isn’t always a good thing, as not all knowledge leads to good.
Some knowledge can be harmful, and whilst Islam calls us to seek knowledge, this must also be coupled with action.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “When a man dies, all his deeds come to an end except three- an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge or a righteous son who will pray for him”.
(Muslim 1631)
The great reward that knowledge brings is such that the one who points towards good is like the one who acts upon it, and when he dies he continues to be rewarded so long as people benefit from his knowledge.
4. Not benefiting from Knowledge
Traversing to the siege of Baghdad, we can recall how the Mongolians destroyed books from the most prominent library of those times, known as Bayt-ul –Hikmah or The House of wisdom.
They threw books into the rivers or burnt them, destroying centuries-old literature.
The Mongols when asked why they destroyed books, gave the response “we are not of those who read”
The Mongols gave no importance to reading and believed their empire would continue to grow through brutal force alone.
Although The Mongolian Empire quickly grew vast, it also declined in a similar fashion.
A nation without knowledge and scholars – lives in illusions and will eventually sink into darkness.
One factor could be that once an empire is established its continuity relies on the knowledge and skills of its people.
When you look at the works that managed to survive the era of this destruction one can only wonder what level of knowledge and literature we are deprived of today through the actions of those who did not believe in reading.
5. Good for your brain
The benefits of mental stimulation due to reading suggests it can slow down and even possibly prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Reading is simply a habit you cannot afford to miss out on.
The brain like all other muscles in the body needs regular engagement to keep it strong and healthy.
6. Small regular reading reaps big rewards
A small amount often goes a long way, and when coupled with the intention of pleasing Allah az-zawajal the benefits are limitless.
“…the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few“
Sunan Ibn Mājah
Reading a small amount daily and consistently is so beneficial, because there may be days where you can push yourself further than the bare minimum you had initially set.
7. Better understand that words can harm
Ultimately, words are powerful.
So powerful that whenever the word ‘terrorism’ is mentioned, I would be surprised if it does not evoke an image of a Muslim man in the mind of the masses.
This is the job of media around the world to use powerful words which inevitably create the pictures in your mind
This is a clear example of how words dictate the way in which we interact with one another, and the methods utilised by those ignorant and ignoble enough to subject harm to others.
If we can understand the power that words hold over us, we can better understand the words being used for us and those being used against us.
My recommendations
What should you read? A book like no other!
It should go without saying that the Quran must be given its due right and of course hold its high station above all other literature.
There are as many different reading abilities, routines, responsibilities as there are people, so deciding how to fulfil this right is something you will need to figure out for yourself.
Remember, the Quran is a book unlike any other. It requires not only reading and reflection but ultimately action and application.
Reading other literature
Reading all manner of literature is however extremely important, so we can understand the people we live amongst and improve our methods of da’wah.
The Prophet ﷺ on his mission to convey the message of Islam to his people spoke distinctly, clearly and in a way that everyone could understand.
Yet he ﷺ used different styles and tones to address different people.
This does not mean we give time to reading texts that we know are non-beneficial or those that are defamatory.
In conclusion
Beginning our reading with the Quran will improve our connection with it, whilst at the same time serve as a reminder that no other words can come close to the Words of Allah.
What we consume will shape our characters and our beliefs, whilst reading other perspectives also allows us to strengthen our convictions.
Read not for the sake of reading, but to understand how what we read gives us strength and power in order to undermine the harms taking place against us.
