Preparing for the last lap of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, British Muslims continue to use the holy month to strengthen their faith and cleanse their hearts through reciting the Noble Qur'an, and hoping to find atonement and spiritual elevation through its holy verses.
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"The Qur'an was sent to us as a sign, a source of guidance and a warning, therefore, every believers should strive to live according to its tenets and principles in order to walk [along] the path which God set for us all," Ibrahim Younes, who holds a PhD in Religious Studies from the Sana'a Center for Middle Eastern Studies, told OnIslam.net.
"Only by reciting the Qur'an can a person hope to be closer to God and guard oneself from evil. And since Ramadan was appointed as a month of fasting, spiritual reflection, and recitation of the Qur'an stands absolute."
Younes added, "The strength of our religion is measured by the sincerity [intention] of our worship, so Ramadan needs to be understood as an opportunity to purify our actions and return to God with a faithful heart.
"Reading the Qur'an during Ramadan is really about all of us remembering our religious obligations, responsibilities and duties."
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, kicked off across the UK on Thursday, June 18.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint and good deeds.
It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur'an.
As an appointed time for Muslims to reconnect with their faith, Ramadan has often been described by scholars as a "time out" from everyday life for both men and women to rekindle their connection to the divine through the remembrance of God's commandments.
"There are many layers and dimensions to the month of Ramadan," Khaled Abbas, a teacher in Islamic Studies in London, told OnIslam.net.
Abbas explained how reciting the Qur'an is an actual act of worship, just as prayers and fasting are.
"Just as fasting is both a physical and spiritual exercise, reciting the words of God at such a time in the year, when God's blessings are most significant and evil locked away, is important.
"Redemption can be attained through such acts of worship - recitation. Ramadan carries the essence of Islam … Like the Qur'an, it acts a divine revelation for those who looks for God and worship him with a humble heart," Abbas added.
And indeed, according to hadith, the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) summarized Islam with the following statement: “The Religion is naseehah (sincerity)!” So then Tameem ibn Aws said, “We asked, ‘To whom?’” He said: “To Allah, His book, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and their common folk.” [Muslim]
Younes added that studying the hadith provides a clear indication of the importance of reading the holy Qur'an during the month of Ramadan – "more than any other time during the year."
Therefore, it is essential for the person fasting to recite the Qur'an during these blessed days and honorable nights. For indeed, there is a special virtue for the abundance of recitation in these days, which is not found in any other month.
Therefore, it is essential for the person fasting, and those with the ability, to recite the Qur'an during these blessed days and honorable nights. For indeed, there is a special virtue for the abundance of recitation in these days, which is not found in any other month.
Younes added, "The strength of our religion is measured by the sincerity [intention] of our worship, so Ramadan needs to be understood as an opportunity to purify our actions and return to God with a faithful heart.
