Surahs to recite and memorise in Ramadan
‘The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong’. [The Noble Qur’an, 2:185]
1,400 years ago, Allah (swt) sent mankind His final Book: the Noble Qur’an. This Book is a clear guidance for all of humankind, providing the foundations for our spiritual journey, our belief system, our social relationships and so much more. It contains signs for contemplating minds and healing for troubled hearts, and every word of it is ultimately a chance for us to draw closer to our Lord.
Every Surah (chapter) in the Qur’an is special in its own way. But there are certain Surahs which the Prophet (saw) singled out for various reasons, whether they are a protection from poverty or an intercessor on the Day of Judgement. Since Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, it is the perfect time to recite these Surahs, build a connection with them and even memorise them.
Surah Yasin
Anas ibn Malik (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ‘Indeed, for everything there is a heart, and the Qur’an’s heart is Yasin. Whoever recites Yasin, then for its recitation, Allah writes for him that he recited the Qur’an ten times’. [Tirmidhi]
Many of the Sahabah and scholars recommended reciting Surah Yasin in the morning, in order for the rest of the day to be filled with blessings. Jabir ibn Samura said, ‘The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to recite Surah Yasin in the morning’. [Tabarani]
Sahabah and scholars have also recommended reciting Surah Yasin for dying people, to ease their passing away, and you will find many people reciting it before the Janazah (funeral prayer) begins.
Surah al-Waqi’ah
Surah al-Waqi’ah is most well-known for being ‘the Surah of wealth’.
Abdullah ibn Masud (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ‘Whoever recites Surah al-Waqi’ah every night, he will never be afflicted by poverty’. And Ibn Masud used to order his daughters to recite it every night. [Bayhaqi]
It is reported that, when Abdullah ibn Masud (ra) was close to passing away, Uthman (ra) offered him a stipend for the work that he had done for the community, which Abdullah (ra) had never claimed before. Uthman (ra) suggested that, now that he was passing away, the stipend could be useful for his daughters. Abdullah (ra) simply said, ‘Do you fear poverty for my children? I have commanded them to read Surah al-Waqi’ah every night…’
Surah al-Mulk
The Prophet (saw) said, ‘There is a Surah in the Qur’an, of thirty verses, which will intercede for its companion until he is forgiven: Blessed is He in whose Hand is the dominion (i.e. Surah al-Mulk)’. [Abu Dawud]
The best way to become the ‘companion’ of Surah al-Mulk is to recite it every night, ideally with an understanding of its meaning!
Jabir reported, ‘The Prophet (saw) would not go to sleep until he had recited the chapters “The revelation of the Book, in which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds” (i.e. Surah al-Sajdah) and “Blessed is He in whose Hand is the dominion, and He has power over all things” (i.e. Surah al-Mulk)’. [Tirmidhi]
Muslim Hands, established in 1993 aim to help those needing emergency relief and tackling the root causes of poverty. This Ramadan, we can help you calculate your Zakat, send iftar across the world, sponsor an orphan and even build your own water well. For more ways to serve the Ummah, visit our Appeals page or call 021 633 6413.
