A summarised translation (and additional explanatory notes) of the masterpiece “At-Tibyān fī Ādābi Ḥamalati al-Qurʾān” by the well known scholar, Imam al-Nawawi Rahimallahu (d. 676 AH). In this book the virtues of the Quran, sincerity in learning and teaching it, proper manners when reciting the Qur’an, respecting it, etiquettes of memorising it and much more. Truly a masterpiece and a hallmark in the field of Ādābul Qur’an.
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بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
التبيان في آداب حملة القرآن
“At-Tibyān fī Ādābi Ḥamalati al-Qurʾān”
“The Clarification on the Etiquettes of the Bearers of the Qur’an”
Imām al-Nawawi opens the book with the virtues of reciting the Quran, encouraging the readers to recite the book of Allāh and the reward therein.
الباب الأول في أطراف من فضيلة تلاوة القرآن وحملته
Chapter One: On Aspects of the Virtue of Reciting the Quran and Its Bearers
Almighty Allah states:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتْلُونَ كِتَٰبَ ٱللَّهِ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنفَقُوا۟ مِمَّا رَزَقْنَٰهُمْ سِرًّۭا وَعَلَانِيَةًۭ يَرْجُونَ تِجَٰرَةًۭ لَّن تَبُورَ
“Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah, establish prayer, and spend [in His cause] out of what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, [can] expect a profit that will never perish.”
—Surah Fatir (35:29)
In this verse those individuals that recite the book of Allah have been outlined by Almighty Allah, that they will receive a reward by Almighty Allah, which will not perish (i.e Jannah).
Our beloved Prophet ﷺ also expanded on the virtues of reciting the Quran. We find a hadith on the virtue of learning and teaching the Noble Quran:
خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ
Narrated by Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari (5027)
Those that learn the Quran, its recitation, meanings and explanations are described by the Prophet ﷺ ‘The best of you’.
The Noble Quran (i.e the reward) will also be an intercessor for its reciter on the day of Judgement:
Narrated by Abu Umamah al-Bahili رضي الله عنه:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
اقْرَءُوا الْقُرْآنَ، فَإِنَّهُ يَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ شَفِيعًا لِأَصْحَابِهِ..
“Recite the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Judgment as an intercessor for its companions…
— Sahih Muslim (804)
There are many other virtues found in the Ahadith, for brevity we have listed them below:
- Intercessor on the Day of Judgment – “Recite the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Judgment as an intercessor for its companions.” (Sahih Muslim 804)
- The Best Among You – “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Sahih Bukhari 5027)
- Illumination in the Grave – “The Quran is a light in the house, and it is a light in the grave.” (Musnan Ahmad 394)
- Protection from the Fire – “If the Quran is gathered in a person, Allah will not burn him in the Fire.” (Al-Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman)
- Elevation in Status – “Indeed, Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it.” (Muslim 817)
- Two Special Surahs (Al-Baqarah & Aal Imran) – “Recite the two bright ones: Al-Baqarah and Aal Imran, for they will come on the Day of Judgment like two clouds, shading their reciters.” (Muslim 804)
- Barakah in Life and Protection from Harm – “Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for taking it is a blessing, leaving it is a regret, and magicians cannot withstand it.” (Muslim 804)
- A Source of Peace and Mercy – “No group gathers in a house of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it together, except that tranquility descends upon them, mercy covers them, and the angels surround them.” (Muslim 2699)
- A Proof for or Against You – “The Quran is a proof for you or against you.” (Muslim 223)
- Ranks in Jannah Based on Recitation – “It will be said to the companion of the Quran: Recite and ascend, recite as you used to in the world, for your rank is at the last verse you recite.” (Tirmidhi 2914)
الباب الثاني في ترجيح القراءة والقارئ على غيرهما
Chapter Two: On the Superiority of Recitation and the Reciter Over Others
The one who is the most proficient in recitation should lead the prayer, as mentioned in the following hadith:
«يَؤُمُّ القَوْمَ أَقْرَؤُهُمْ لِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ، فَإِنْ كَانُوا فِي القِرَاءَةِ سَوَاءً فَأَعْلَمُهُمْ بِالسُّنَّةِ، فَإِنْ كَانُوا فِي السُّنَّةِ سَوَاءً فَأَقْدَمُهُمْ هِجْرَةً، فَإِنْ كَانُوا فِي الهِجْرَةِ سَوَاءً فَأَكْبَرُهُمْ سِنًّا، وَلَا يَؤُمَّنَّ الرَّجُلُ الرَّجُلَ فِي سُلْطَانِهِ، وَلَا يَقْعُدْ فِي بَيْتِهِ عَلَى تَكْرِمَتِهِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ»
Narrated by Abu Mas’ud al-Ansari رضي الله عنه:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The one most proficient in the recitation of the Book of Allah should lead the people in prayer. If they are equal in recitation, then the one who has more knowledge of the Sunnah. If they are equal in knowledge of the Sunnah, then the one who migrated first. If they are equal in migration, then the eldest among them. A man should not lead another in prayer in his domain of authority, nor should he sit in his place of honor in his house without his permission.“
— Sahih Muslim (673)
Imam al-Nawawi states:
وسيأتي في الباب بعد هذا أحاديث تدخل في هذا الباب واعلم أن المذهب الصحيح المختار الذي عليه من يعتمد من العلماء أن قراءة القرآن أفضل من التسبيح والتهليل وغيرهما من الأذكار وقد تظاهرت الأدلة على ذلك والله أعلم
‘In the chapter after this, there will be ahadith that fall under this topic.
Know that the correct and preferred view, upon which the reliable scholars depend, is that the recitation of the Quran is superior to tasbih (saying SubhanAllah), tahlil (saying La ilaha illa Allah), and other forms of remembrance. Clear evidences have supported this view. Allah knows best.’
* This is a general principle, although at times the most virtuous action would be depending on the time and place. So for those in Makkah al-Mukarramah and in the haram, the most virtuous action is to engage in Tawaf of the noble house (Kabah).
For those in Hajj, reciting the talbiyah continuously is highly recommended, especially during the first 3 days before the pelting of the Jamaraat.
On the night and day of Friday it is extremely virtuous to recite Salawat on our beloved Prophet ﷺ.
After Salah then to engage in Dhikr is recommended. During times of need and poverty then distributing Sadaqah to the poor is also recommended.
So to conclude the most virtuous act is depending on the time and place, however in general the recitation of the Noble Quran is the most virtuous act one can engage in.
We pray to Allah that he gives us the divine ability to recite the noble book on a daily basis.
الباب الثالث في إكرام أهل القرآن والنهي عن أذاهم
“Chapter Three: On Honoring the People of the Quran and the Prohibition of Harming Them.”
Almighty Allah states:
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى ٱلْقُلُوبِ
“That (is the command). And whoever honors the symbols of Allah—indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.”
The Prophet ﷺ informed us regarding honouring the people of the Quran:
إِنَّ مِنْ إِجْلَالِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى: إِكْرَامَ ذِي الشَّيْبَةِ الْمُسْلِمِ، وَحَامِلِ الْقُرْآنِ غَيْرِ الْغَالِي فِيهِ، وَالْجَافِي عَنْهُ، وَإِكْرَامَ ذِي السُّلْطَانِ الْمُقْسِطِ.
“Indeed, part of revering Allah, the Exalted, is to honour an elderly Muslim, the bearer of the Quran who neither exaggerates in it nor neglects it, and the just ruler.”
[Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitaab Al-Adab (Book of Manners), Baab Fi Ijlaal Al-Kabeer (Chapter on Honoring the Elderly), Hadith No. 4843]
To summarise harming the any individual is regarded as oppression and as mentioned in the noble hadith, oppression will be darkness on the day of judgment, consider the following hadith:
اتَّقُوا الظُّلْمَ، فَإِنَّ الظُّلْمَ ظُلُمَاتٌ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ
“Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness upon darkness on the Day of Judgment.”
[Sahih Muslim, Kitaab Al-Birr wa As-Silah wal-Aadaab (Book of Righteousness, Keeping Good Relations, and Good Manners), Baab Tahrim al-Zulm (Chapter on the Prohibition of Oppression), Hadith No. 2578]
However more caution has to be taken with regards to the people of the Quran, as there are the carriers of the noble book, the divine words of Almighty Allah and are the chosen people of Allah.
Almighty Allah has chosen them to protect the Quran, its words, meanings and explanations. Almighty Allah says:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ
“Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder (the Quran), and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
— Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)
Chapter Four: On the Etiquettes of the Teacher and Student of the Quran
In this chapter Imam al-Nawawi explains the etiquettes that surround the teacher and student of the Quran.
Etiquette 1: Sincere Intention
The first etiquette is to have a sincere intention, which is to recite, learn and listen to the Quran for the pleasure of Almighty Allah.
To have a sincere intention which is termed as Ikhlas in Arabic, is defined as to do an action only for the pleasure of Allah and to gain closeness towards him through his obedience.
More on sincerity has been explained here: https://deenwaypoint.com/an-introduction-to-sincerity/
وعن ذي النون رحمه الله تعالى قال ثلاث من علامات الإخلاص ١ – استواء المدح والذم من العامة ٢ – ونسيان رؤية العمل في الأعمال ٣ – واقتضاء ثواب الأعمال في الآخرة
Dhun-Noon رحمه الله تعالى states:
‘There are three signs of having a sincere intention:
- The praise and criticism of the common people being equal. [This suggests a person is not concerned if he is praised or criticized, this is an indication of sincerity]
- Forgetting the perception of one’s deeds in actions. [This phrase suggests performing good deeds sincerely without being conscious of them or seeking recognition, which aligns with the concept of true humility and sincerity (ikhlas)]
- Seeking the reward of deeds in the Hereafter. [This suggests performing righteous actions with the intention of attaining reward from Allah in the afterlife, rather than seeking immediate recognition or benefits in this world]
Etiquette 2: Intention is not for worldly gain
This etiquette is linked to the previous one, where a person seeks knowledge or teaching of the Quran only for the pleasure of Allah and no worldly gain such as:
- Wealth
- Leadership
- Fame
- Superiority over his peers
- Praise from people
- Attracting people’s attention to himself
- Status
.
Almighty Allah condemning this says:
مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ حَرْثَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ نَزِدْ لَهُۥ فِى حَرْثِهِۦ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ حَرْثَ ٱلدُّنْيَا نُؤْتِهِۦ مِنْهَا وَمَا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مِن نَّصِيبٍۢ
“Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter – We increase for him in his harvest. And whoever desires the harvest of this world – We give him thereof, but he will have no share in the Hereafter.“
— Surah Ash-Shura 42:20
From the above verse, we understand that if a person performs a righteous deed with a worldly motive—such as reciting the Quran to gain fame—he may receive what he sought in this world. However, in the Hereafter, he will have no share of its reward.
This condemnation is also found in various Ahadith. For example:
Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه stated: The Prophet ﷺ said:
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ: “من تعلَّم علمًا يُبتغى به وجهُ اللهِ ﷻ لا يتعلَّمه إلَّا ليُصيبَ به عَرَضًا منَ الدُّنيا، لمْ يجدْ عَرْفَ الجَنَّةِ يومَ القيامةِ.”
Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever acquires knowledge that is meant to seek the pleasure of Allah ﷻ, but learns it only to attain some worldly gain, will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Judgment.“
[Sunan Abi Dawood, Baab (Chapter): باب التَّغْلِيظِ فِي مَنْ يُعَلِّمُ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ (Chapter on the Severe Warning for One Who Teaches Without Knowledge), Kitaab (Book): كتاب العلم (The Book of Knowledge), Hadith Number: 3664]
[Sunan Ibn Majah, Baab (Chapter): باب مَنْ طَلَبَ بِعِلْمِهِ الدُّنْيَا (Chapter on One Who Seeks Worldly Gain Through His Knowledge), Kitaab (Book): كتاب المقدمة (The Book of Introduction), Hadith Number: 252]
To conclude to seek or teach knowledge for worldly purposes is detested and will not be accepted in the court of Allah.
وليحذر كل الحذر من قصده التكثر بكثرة المشتغلين عليه
Etiquette 3: Taking the utmost caution regarding his intention to increase in numbers
This etiquette is diverted to the teacher and the importance of keeping a sincere intention whilst teaching at all times, and his main focus should be the spreading of knowledge.
A person should not intend to increase his followers, as this may shift his focus from seeking Allah’s pleasure to pursuing worldly gain.
To the point that he becomes displeased when his students seek knowledge from others.
Rather a person should always be humble and his main focus should be the spreading of beneficial knowledge.
It is authentically reported from Imam al-Shafi [d. 204 AH]:
وددت أن الخلق تعلموا هذا العلم يعني علمه وكتبه أن لا ينسب إلي حرف منه
I wish that people would learn this knowledge—meaning his knowledge and writings—without a single letter of it being attributed to me.
This highlights not only Imam al-Shafi‘i’s [Rahimahullah] humility but also his sincerity, as he advised his students not to attribute his knowledge to him but to spread it without mentioning his name.
وينبغي للمعلم أن يتخلق بالمحاسن التي ورد الشرع بها
Etiquette 4: The teacher should adopt the characteristics that are encouraged by the divine sources
This etiquette, like the previous one, is also directed towards the teacher and holds significant importance.
The teacher should embody the virtuous traits outlined in divine law, such as asceticism (الزُّهْد), kindness, exemplary character, patience and humility. He should strive to cultivate all the qualities emphasised in the Qurʾān and Sunnah.
At the same time, he should steer clear of all prohibited and disliked traits, such as envy, arrogance, and the avoidance of excessive laughter and joking. Instead, he should dedicate his days and nights to the obedience of Allāh and His glorification.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
لَا أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ فَقْرًا، وَلَكِنْ أَخَافُ أَنْ تُبْسَطَ عَلَيْكُمُ الدُّنْيَا كَمَا بُسِطَتْ عَلَىٰ مَن كَانَ قَبْلَكُمْ، فَتَتَنَافَسُوا فِيهَا كَمَا تَنَافَسُوا فِيهَا، وَتُهْلِكَكُمْ كَمَا أَهْلَكَتْهُمْ
I do not fear poverty for you, but I fear that the world will be spread out before you as it was spread out for those before you, and that you will compete for it as they competed for it, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Riqaq (The Book of Heart-Softening Narrations), Ma yuhdhar min Zuhrat al-Dunya wal-Tanafus fiha (What is to be Feared Regarding the Beauties of the World and Competing for Them), Hadith Number: 6425]
The teacher and bearer of this sacred knowledge should be especially mindful of engaging in competition and indulging in the fleeting pleasures of this world.
وينبغي له أن يرفق بمن يقرأ عليه
Etiquette 5: The teacher should be kind and gentle with his students
This etiquette, informs the teacher to be kind, gentle and be patient with regards to his students.
The teacher that adopts these characteristics will enable him to get more out of his students and be more impactful.
عَنْ أَبِي هَارُونَ الْعَبْدِيِّ، قَالَ كُنَّا نَأْتِي أَبَا سَعِيدٍ فَيَقُولُ مَرْحَبًا بِوَصِيَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ إِنَّ النَّاسَ لَكُمْ تَبَعٌ وَإِنَّ رِجَالاً يَأْتُونَكُمْ مِنْ أَقْطَارِ الأَرَضِينَ يَتَفَقَّهُونَ فِي الدِّينِ فَإِذَا أَتَوْكُمْ فَاسْتَوْصُوا بِهِمْ خَيْرًا
Narrated Abu Harun [Al-‘Abdi] رضي الله عنه:
“We went to Abu Sa’eed رضي الله عنه and he said: ‘Welcome with the exhortation of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Indeed the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Surely, the people are followers of you, and men will certainly come to you from the regions of the earth to gain understanding in the religion. So when they come to you exhort them with good.”
[Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī (جامع الترمذي), Kitāb al-ʿIlm ʿan Rasūlillāh ﷺ (كتاب العلم عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم) – The Book of Knowledge from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, Bāb Mā Jā’a fī al-Istīṣā’ bi-Man Yaṭlub al-ʿIlm (باب ما جاء في الاستيصاء بمن يطلب العلم) – Chapter on the Instruction to Take Care of Those Who Seek Knowledge, Hadith Number: 2650]
Here in this hadith we find the teacher [Abu Saeed رضي الله عنه] welcoming those that came to study with him and being kind and gentle towards them.
Imam al-Tirmidhī رحمه الله (d. 279 AH) records this hadith under the chapter باب ما جاء في الاستيصاء بمن يطلب العلم (The Instruction to Care for Those Who Seek Knowledge), emphasising the importance of treating students with kindness and compassion.
وينبغي أن يبذل لهم النصيحة
Etiquette 6: To be sincere in advising the students
This etiquette, informs the teacher to be sincere when advising the students and wish what is best for them.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
الدين النصيحة لله ولكتابه ولرسوله ولأئمة المسلمين وعامتهم
Religion is sincerity (or advice) to Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims, and their general people.
[Sahih Muslim]
From sincerity to Allah and his book is honouring the reader and student of the book. Guiding the student to that which benefits him, being gentle with the student, and assisting him as much as possible.
This will encourage the student and make him excel in his studies of the Quran al-Karim.
The teacher should also mention the virtues of studying the Noble Quran and all other sacred religious knowledge. Mentioning that this was the path of all the pious worshippers of Allah and that this sacred knowledge is linked to all the Prophets [عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَام].
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“مَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ”
“Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2699)
The path of seeking religious knowledge is the path to paradise, as mentioned in the above hadith.
Imam al-Nawawi (Rahimallahu) mentions:
وينبغي أن يشفق على الطالب ويعتني بمصالحه كاعتنائه بمصالح ولده ومصالح نفسه
“He should be compassionate toward the student and take care of his interests just as he takes care of the interests of his own child and his own self.”
So just as a parent shows patience towards his child’s shortcomings, disrespect, lack of manners at times, then the same attitude should be adopted towards the students.
Finally the teacher should constantly remind himself of the lofty status of what the student is learning and also the status of the student of knowledge.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“إِنَّ الْمَلَائِكَةَ لَتَضَعُ أَجْنِحَتَهَا لِطَالِبِ الْعِلْمِ رِضًى بِمَا يَصْنَعُ”
“Indeed, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge, being pleased with what he does.“
(Sunan Abu Dawood, 3641; Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, 2682)
وينبغي أن يؤدب المتعلم على التدريج بالآداب السنية
Etiquette 7: To teach the student to gradually adopt good manners
This etiquette, informs the teacher to gradually teach the student good manners at the same time reflecting it in his own actions and statements.
The teacher should outline the importance of noble manners to the students and the adopt the praiseworthy Sunnah traits. Such as sincerity, truthfulness, piety, speaking good words, leaving that which doesn’t concern you and all the other praiseworthy Sunnah traits.
This will assist the student not only in his knowledge, but also in his spiritual development.
At the same time the teacher should reflect these teachings in his own actions and statements, as the famous saying goes ‘Actions speak louder than words.’
تعليم المتعلمين فرض كفاية
Etiquette 8: Teaching religious knowledge is a communal obligation (Fard-Kifayah)
This etiquette, Imam al-Nawawi [Rahimallahu] informs us regarding the Hukm (Ruling) of teaching this sacred knowledge.
Imam al-Nawawi [Rahimallahu] states:
فإن امتنعوا كلهم أثموا وإن قام به بعضهم سقط الحرج عن الباقين
If they all leave it (teaching), they are sinful; however if some fulfil it, then the responsibility is lifted from the rest.
Teaching is a communal obligation, this helps to preserve this sacred knowledge and that it is past on from generation to generation. So along as some chosen individuals are teaching then this will suffice for everyone.
يستحب للمعلم أن يكون حريصا على تعليمهم
Etiquette 9: The teacher should be eager on the students learning
This etiquette, Imam al-Nawawi [Rahimallahu] informs us that the teacher should teach and give advice to the students.
Imam al-Nawawi (Rahimallahu) states:
وأن يفرغ قلبه في حال جلوسه لإقرائهم من من الأسباب الشاغلة كلها وهي كثيرة معروفة وأن يكون حريصا على تفهيمهم
“And he should empty his heart, while sitting to teach them, of all distracting matters, which are many and well known, and be keen on making them understand.”
The teacher should explain and give advice based on the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Teaching the students of the importance of this life and the purpose of creation. Explaining regarding the true and final abode – the afterlife (Akhirah). Not to be distracted by the glamour of this world and to keep our hearts focused on the Akhirah.
Imam al-Nawawi (Rahimallahu) then goes on to state:
وأن يعطي كل إنسان منهم ما يليق به فلا يكثر على من لا يحتمل الإكثار ولا يقصر لمن يحتمل الزيادة ويأخذهم بإعادة محفوظاتهم
“And he should give each person what suits them—neither overloading those who cannot handle too much nor holding back from those who can take more — and have them review their memorised lessons.”
The teacher should be able to understand each students level and to give accordingly.
Imam al-Nawawi (Rahimallahu) then summarises this etiquette and states that the teacher can praise the students for their excellence as long as he does not fear that it will overwhelm him and lead to pride and other vices. Also the teacher should not be envious for the excellence of the students and from what Allah has bestowed them from his bounties.
Finally those that fall short should be given advice with hikmah (wisdom) and should not also overwhelm that such that it will drive them away.
