GMP Convention: Scholar laments Muslims’ poor relationship with Noble Qur’an

* Says it’s not too late to learn, memorize Allah’s divine book

President of the Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (IIFP), Nigeria, Prof Tajudeen Yusuf, has expressed concerns over the poor relationship Muslims, including the professionals, have with the Noble Qur’an.

Prof Yusuf made the observation at the Day 2 of the ongoing convention of the Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He urged Muslim professionals to dedicate little time out of their daily busy schedule to the reading and memorisation of the Noble Qur’an.

The Professor of Risk Management and Insurance at the University of Lagos said Allah’s divine book will intercede on behalf of those who recite it on the Day of Qiyamah.

According to him, “The Qur’an prevails, and nothing prevails over it. But we can’t see it because we don’t spend time with the Qur’an. We don’t even read the Qur’an. Some take recitation of Adhkar as reading the Qur’an because it contains some portions of Qur’an. It’s not the same. Recitation and memorisation of the Qur’an is greater than Adhkar.”

Prof Yusuf said though it’s good to enroll children in Tahfidh schools where they learn and memorize the Qur’an, it’s not enough reason for parents to abandon the Qur’an.

He said, “We should also be concerned about ourselves. Some of us cannot recite the Qur’an very well. Some struggle to pronounce the letters. How would they assist their children who have memorised the Qur’ an in Murajaah (revision) if they cannot recite the Qur’an? How do you engage your children?”

“We need to start showing seriousness with the Qur’an. If we can sacrifice time in searching for the pleasure of this life, we should dedicate similar time and energy for the Qur’an,” he added.

Renewal of relationship with Qur’an

Prof. Yusuf charged Muslim parents to renew their relationship with the Qur’an, adding that no time is too late to learn and memorize it.

“We can start now. Don’t say you are too old. You can begin with little surahs. If Muslims can attain to the highest level in their professions and other degrees, it should not be difficult for them to learn and memorise the Qur’an.

“We should have a change of mindset. Qur’an should be our companion.”

Speaking further, the scholar quoted the hadith of Prophet Muhammad where he said the greatest tragedy for a Muslim is to learn a portion of the Qur’an and forget it due to separation between him and the Qur’an.

“Let’s go back to the Qur’an. Let’s spend some time with it on daily basis. Even if we aren’t that versed, our children will assist us. We should make Qur’an our companion because the Prophet (SAW) said it will intercede on our behalf on the Day of Judgment.

“Apart from that, Allah (SWT) will protect whoever reads and memorizes the Qur’an from distresses and calamities as established in Qur’an 20: 2,” he added.

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