Huzur^(aba) delivered today’s Friday Sermon on the glories of the Holy Quran. He began by reciting verse 2 of Surah Al Baqarah:

This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous. (2:2)

Huzur^(aba) said that prior to the Holy Quran, the previous revelations only brought limited guidance to mankind through a chain of prophets sent to various nations. Through the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him), who was the prefect man and the seal of all the prophets, religious law (Shariah) and the Divine Guidance were perfected in the shape of the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran is the last book of the Divine Law and it includes the lives of previous prophets, complete religious guidance as well as prophecies. Huzur^(aba) expounded that this spiritual ‘spring’ is beneficial only for those who are pure of heart, that is, the righteous (Mutaqeen). Its blessings and graces are everlasting for all ages to come. Huzur^(aba) said that when a righteous believer recites the Holy Quran, ponders and reflects over its meanings then its Allah’s promise that his righteousness shall be increased and he shall be a winner in the present life and in the hereafter. Huzur^(aba) said the Holy Quran is an easy book to follow, however, one must read it with purity of heart, reflect over it and make an effort to act upon its guidance because without effort, nothing can be attained. He said the teachings of the Holy Quran are based on human nature, and all segments of human society can take advantage from its teachings according to their inclinations.

Huzur^(aba) explained that its Allah’s promise to grant knowledge to men of learning and piety about those points in the Holy Quran that need further elaboration, as indeed in the current era Allah bestowed the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) with this cognisance and the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) opened the doors to the treasure-house of the Holy Quran.

Huzur^(aba) said it is the misfortune of that person who does not read the Holy Quran and does not act upon it and that the miserable condition of the present day Muslims in the world is so because they have abandoned the Holy Quran.

Huzur^(aba) enjoined that there should be a clear distinction between an Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi as far the reading, understanding and acting upon the guidance of the Holy Quran goes! Indeed only he will be honoured in the after life who honours the Quran! All Ahmadis must self-analyse if they are honouring the Quran or not!

Huzur^(aba) said that within the framework of the Jama’at, it is an obligation for the Ansarullah to see that the Holy Quran is recited in each Ahmadi home and that families pay attention to this most imperative practice. He said there should not be a single Ahmadi who does not recite the Quran daily and does not try to act upon its commandments!

Huzur^(aba) related that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings on him) said: "The example of a believer who recites the Qur'an and acts accordingly is like that of a citron which tastes good and as well smells good. And a believer who does not recite the Qur'an but acts upon it is like a date, which is good in taste but has no smell. And the example of a hypocrite person who recites the Qur'an is like the basil, which smells good, but tastes bitter. And the example of a hypocrite person who neither recite the Qur'an nor acts upon it is like the colocynth which tastes bitter and has bad smell." The Holy prophet (peace and blessings be on him) also said that those who know the Quran are special people and are the members of Allah's family and that one who makes Halal (permissible) of the things that the Quran declares to be Haram (forbidden), does not have Iman (faith)!

Huzur^(aba) explained that there are indeed etiquettes of reciting the Holy Quran for example one who recites the entire Holy Quran in less than three days, has as if deduced nothing from the Quran. Huzur^(aba) said it should not be read with such speed so as to lose its meaning and understanding. Rather, it should be recited melodiously, slowly and correctly – as well as regularly and abundantly!

When during the reading of the Holy Quran there is a prayer one should make the same prayer to Allah for oneself and when there is a reference to punishment, one must seek refuge with Allah.

Huzur^(aba) cited several references from the august writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) extolling the glories of the Quran. He said only those will truly succeed who act upon the commandments of the Holy Quran, and that the Holy Quran removes one’s concerns and difficulties. Huzur^(aba) concluded that may we all be the recipients of all the blessings that the Holy Quran promises for us.