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Your family and the Quran: 9 Ramadan tips
by Sound Vision Staff Writer

Ramadan has been called the month of the Quran, since it was during this month that Allah began revealing the Holy Book to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Most Muslims try to finish one reading of the whole Quran during this month individually. But it's also a good idea to get the whole family in on this effort.

One Chicago Muslim family this year has decided to keep up this goal with its youngest member, who is eight years old. This young Muslim is aiming to finish his first ever reading of the whole Quran by the end of Ramadan.

To get the whole family involved in reading more Quran this year during the blessed month, here are some tips:

1. Decide how much of the Quran to read daily

One of the keys to reading the Quran for completion is to establish small, attainable, daily goals. For instance, have everyone aim to read one-quarter, or ten lines of the Quran daily. While this may mean finishing the Quran after Ramadan, it will, however, put in place a system that can continue after the month is over.

2. Read part of the Quran together every day

An ideal time is before bed, when everyone is in a calmer mood and food, chores, and homework are out of the way. Sit together and recite part of the Quran. It does not have to be the daily target, but just a small portion so everyone is keeping track with each other.


3. Have a Quran family meeting every week

Make this a party. After Iftar on say, a Saturday or Sunday, following a delicious meal in a Muslim restaurant or at home, have everyone share how much of the Quran they have covered.

4. Come up with a Quran reading chart

Get the younger kids to decorate theirs with stickers, etc. Then hang it up on the fridge or family bulletin board where everyone can see. Have one person in charge of keeping track of everyone's progress and noting it on the chart. This visual reminder can encourage and make everyone more determined to reach their goals for the Quran this Ramadan.

5. Listen to the Quran in the car

If your family drives together to school and work, use this as an opportunity to listen to the Quran on cassette or CD together. Rotate the schedule so that on day one, the verses that mom is reciting are listened to, on day two one of the kids' selections are heard, etc.

6. Encourage everyone to start a Quranic journal

This will encourage everyone to not just read the Quran, but to also attempt to understand at least some of what they are reading. Encourage family members to share entries if they feel comfortable during the Quran family meetings.

7. Establish a Quran reading corner for each family member
   
   Have each family member choose the place they feel most comfortable to read the Quran daily. It could be the place they normally do their homework, or it could be somewhere not associated with academics. Make sure the place is comfortable and pleasant, with enough heat and light. You can also hang up some verses of the Quran drawn in beautiful calligraphy or post the Quran reading chart in the vicinity.
   

8. Offer incentives

   These need to be in accordance with the ages and interests of everyone involved. For kids, this can be a toy or candy. For teens, permission to use the family car or a slight increase in their weekly allowance may be helpful. For mom and dad, a night out alone together. The purpose is to make the process enjoyable and to help family members look forward to a short-term reward for their Quran reading.

9. Help each other memorize too
   
   While you're reading more of the Quran this month, try to get everyone involved in at least some memorization of the Blessed Book while you're at it. One way is for family members to break up into groups of two and test each other's memorization of some of the Surahs (chapters). You could also use the family meeting time to cover some memorization.

Your Comments

Binish, Denmark - wrote on 2/21/2005 7:14:53 AM
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Comment: I think its a very good artical.... It really motivates one to read Quran.

shabreen, usa - wrote on 10/23/2004 10:00:07 AM
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Comment: ramadan mubarak! this is a wonderful thougth and helpful for all people in this busy and chaotic world to know , there is a way of peace within_ in the path of the holy quran!

IGE OLUWASEYE JACOB, NIGERIA - wrote on 10/21/2004 8:39:06 AM
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Comment: Asalam Alaykum, I greet everyone that are visiting this lovely made website in the name of God (Allah) the most marvellous and gracious God. Actually, I am a Christian but for the love in which I have for the Muslims, I need to share it equally among of lovely brethern too who are Christian. I just want the whole Muslim to please love their beloved brothers and sisters who are Christians. There is nothing we may need that the Lord can not do. He knows all things and He want us to share the love all over the whole world. It is not that God do not love you but we must love one another for the love He has is love of peace. Please, let love one another and continue praising the name of God. God give Ishmeal to Abraham as well Isaac and they are the two foundation of Christian and Muslim. Please, let stop killing one another we are friends. Muslim and Christian in Nigeria always fight with each other which suppose to be not. We must love your neighbour that is what Jesus Christ said in the Holy Bible(Isa) likewise Prophet Muhammed in the Holy Quran. Thanks so much for allowing me to plate this words.

Khalid Tamton, ABu Dhabi, UAE - wrote on 10/21/2004 6:03:39 AM
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Comment: Jazak Allah Khair! It is a gr8 idea. Very useful tip for not only western environment but even in 4 a Muslim country. Today's distractions are too many ONLY a dedicated efforts & resolve would help to stay on right path. Thanks again....

samsam, New Zealand - wrote on 10/20/2004 6:34:13 AM
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Comment: i think that is great idea. even though i don't have family here who i can practice with Qur'an but inshallah we should all try to read the Qur'an all the time even we can't that read most of our time. may Allah (swt) make the Qur'an easy for us Amiin. Jasaka lahu Khayr Brother.

kazeem tijani, nigeria west africa - wrote on 10/19/2004 6:48:37 PM
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Comment: sound vision has got impact on america musilim and we also need them in nigeria,becuse nigeria is one of the big country,and contain more musilim but elite and others i think nigeria should be ur focuse now, to sell and to project islam. eg ur toys and the islam music with english may Allah help u.

abdullah, across the big lake - wrote on 10/19/2004 2:42:16 PM
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Comment: I believe you are on the right track. May ALLAH bless your efforts. Let not anything go between you and the Quran. As a student in the USA along with other muslim students, we used to meet every friday night and educate each other with the Quran as our textbook The month of Ramadhan is the ideal month to start. Just remember one thing:- Keep an open mind.

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