Reading the Sacred Koran, according to Sheikh Ahmad Bamba.

The advantages of reading the Koran are numerous. The Honorable Al Yadali claimed that he who wants to be close to Allah, must always read the Koran . I, Ahmad Bamba,say that he who wants to be honored by Allah, must read the Koran and meditates about it. O you believer! Read at least 3 hibz of the Koran every day. Abandon not the Book of Allah as some so called Sufis did. These people have abandoned reading the Book; as an excuse they claim that the books they are reading are more creditable. They are wrong! They have been fooled by Satan! O you believer! Never stop reading the Koran.
The Sacred Book is the source of all sciences. Abandon it not, read it permanently; you will acquire knowledge. Respect the divine order. Use the Koran as a guide. Restrain yourself from what is prohibited in the book, and accomplish what is recommended. Truly, the Koran was revealed for the true believers, for those who will respect Allah’s commandments. Try your best to be counted among the sincere believers. Try hard to seize the meanings of the verses; and this can be achieved through meditation. Some dignified scholars assert that reading one single with understanding is more meritorious than reading many verses without comprehension. They claim that he who reads the Koran without understanding will not be rewarded. Other honorable scholars say that, this theory is not applicable to a student who is reading the Koran in order to memorize it. O you believer forget not what Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, has said! He stated that praying two raka with concentration is far better than praying during the entire night with distraction. He also taught us the commendable manners when reading the Koran. When you are reading the Koran, you must face the Kaaba, humble yourself, and fears Allah. Avoid reading the Koran as if you were singing. O believer, if you are a man avoid reading the Koran with a feminine voice. Bin Abbas, may All be pleased with him, also taught us that the believer must read the Koran for only Allah’s face, and without ostentation. He must read it as if he is seeing Allah, All Glory to him, Our Unique Lord. You surely cannot see the Lord with your eyes, but, Him, He can see all creatures.

The Koran can be read at any time. Listen not to he who says that it is forbidden to read the Koran after ASR just because the Jews used to worship at this time. O you believer refute this thesis! However the best time to read to the Koran is during the last part of the night. It is also good to read it between Maghreb and Isha and after Fajr. Furthermore, it is best to read the Koran on Monday, Thursday, and Friday and on the Day of Arafat. The Ulemas recommend reading the Koran in a Mushaf; every time you do so, Allah will ease you’re the suffering of your parents in their tombs. Moreover, it eases their sufferings even if they were infidels. Twelve apostles of the Prophet (PBUH) have unanimously affirmed that the reading of the Sacred Book is a way of accomplishing various good deeds. Some prefer the reading the Koran on a Mushaf audibly, because it will help you concentrate more. It will occupy your heart, your eyes and your legs. On the other hand if you are more concentrated by reading the Koran in silence, then do so. It is deplorable to stay one day without reading the Koran or even taking a look at it. One look at a mushaf containing the sacred book is considered as an act of devotion. Whether you read it slowly or fast, the main objective is to understand. Kissing it also is creditable. It is highly recommended taking good care of the Mushaf, by placing it on a clean surface and by perfuming it. It is strictly forbidden to use a mushaf as a pillow or a seat. Do not place anything but the Koran on the Mushaf.

The best of the believers is who after learning the Koran, teaches it to other believers. Within a group, if there are enough members who are proficient in the Koran, it becomes an obligation for them to teach it to other believers. Any reasonable compensation gained from teaching the Koran is also considered lawful according to Imam Al Malick. "

Sheikh Ahmad Bamba.