Based on numerous traditions narrated from the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) and his pure Household (Ahl al-Bayt), some benefits (physical and spiritual) are attributed to the recitation of some verses of the Quran. These include:
Verses to be recited after prayers
Some actions are to be performed after the completion of every daily obligatory prayer and these are called Ta’qibaat. Out of the numerous actions that have been recommended, there are a few verses of the Holy Qur’an that have also been prescribed and carry many rewards if recited after the daily prayers.
The following is a list of the verses that should be recited and a note of the reward gained for the recitation of each one.
1. Ayah ash-Shahada (1)
In the commentary of Majma’ul Bayaan, it is narrated from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) that those who recite this ayah make a covenant with Allah and Allah always fulfils His covenants. If this ayah is recited after every prayer, then Jannah (i.e., Paradise) is guaranteed to the reciter.
2. Ayah al-Mulk (2)
It is narrated that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) once advised one of his companions, who was in debt, to recite this ayah after every prayer and then supplicate to Allah for the repayment of his debts saying that even if the debts are equal to the entire land on Earth, they will be repaid.
3. Ayah al-Kursi (3)
It is narrated from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) that there is no barrier between the person who recites this ayah after every prayer and Jannah except for death, i.e., he will taste the pleasures of Paradise immediately after his death, and only that person will be able to recite it who is pious and righteous.
4. Ayah al-Madhkurah (4)
Whoever recites this after every compulsory prayer will get a reward equal to drops of rain and grains of sand. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) has highly recommended the recitation of this ayah, especially during the early morning and evening times.
5. Ayah as-Sakhrah (5)
This should also be recited after every prayer. The benefit of reciting this ayah is that it acts as a protection from Shaitan. It is said that the one who recites this ayah is protected against the plots of Shaitan even if he is alone in the desert.
Other recitations are also recommended, for example, it is said in a narration that whoever recites Surah at-Tawhid after prayers will wed a Hur-ul-Ein in Jannah. It is recommended that Surah at-Tawhid be recited ten times after every prayer and this leads to being forgiven by Allah and being blessed with the good of this world and the hereafter.
For the sake of brevity, here is a list of verses and Surahs that are also recommended to be recited after prayers:
a) Surah al-Ahzaab: 56
b) Surah al-Baqarah: 285-286
c) Surah al-Kahf: 109-110
d) Surah as-Saffaat: 1-10 and then the last three verses.
e) Surah ar-Rahman: 33-36
f) Surah al-Hashr: 21-24
g) Surah al-An’aam: 1-3
h) Surah al-Falaq, an-Naas, ar-Rahman al-Qadr, al-Fatehah, Ya Sin, al-Waaqiyah, al-Mulk, ad-Dahar and an-Naba are all recommended.
Verses to be recited before sleeping
It is narrated that whoever recites [Surah al-Fatir: 41] before going to sleep is kept safe from the collapse of his home on top of him. Imam Ali (a.s.) has said that if a person recites [Surah al-A’araaf: 196] and [Surah az-Zumar: 67] before going to sleep, he will be safe from drowning (if he is sleeping on a ship) or burning (in his home).
Recitation of [Surah al-Kahf: 110] is good for making a person wake up at a particular time. All that has to be done is to make an intention of the exact time you wish to wake up and then recite this ayah before sleeping. Surah at-Takathur is also recommended and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) said that whoever recites it before sleeping will be saved from the horrors of the grave.
Recitations specifically for Thursday nights and Fridays
It is recorded that if a person recites Surah Bani-Isra’il on Thursday night, he will meet the 12th Imam (a.t.f.) and will be among his companions. The one who recites Surah al-Kahf will die a martyr and will be raised with the martyrs on the Day of Judgement.
Whoever recites Surah Saad on Thursday night will be blessed with good in this world and good in the hereafter to such an extent that nobody except the prophets and those who are very close to Allah will get a similar reward.
If Surah ad-Dukhan is recited on this night, all his sins will be forgiven. He will get the reward equivalent to that of freeing a thousand slaves for each letter he recites and seventy thousand angels will pray for his sins to be forgiven. The one who recites Surah al-Waqi’ah will be counted among the friends of Allah (S.w.T.). The other Surahs that have been recommended on Thursday nights are Surah an-Naml, al-Qasas and Hamim Sajdah.
On the day of Friday, the Surahs that are highly recommended are Surah al-Ikhlaas, an-Naas, al-Falaq, at-Tawba, al-Kahf, as-Saffaat, ar-Rahman, an-Nisaa, Hud and al-Qadr. All these carry great rewards and should be recited if possible. Imam Ali (a.s.) has said that whoever recites Surah an-Nisaa on Fridays will be protected from the torments of the grave. The one who recites Surah Hud will be counted with the prophets and messengers and his sins will be forgiven.
The benefit of reciting Surah al-Kahf is that all sins of the past week are forgiven. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said that if a person recites Surah as-Saffaat on this day, he will be protected from all calamities and misfortunes. The one who recites Surah ar-Rahman will have a shining face on the Day of Judgment.
It is also recommended to recite [at-Tawba:128-129] and [al-Hashr: 21-24] on Friday mornings.
Recitations for an increase in sustenance
It is narrated that writing Surah al-Mu’min at night and then keeping it in one’s place of business increases sustenance. Keeping Surah al-Hijr in one’s pocket or tied to the arm is also a means of increasing in livelihood. Surah al-Qaari’ah should be worn around the neck and Surah al-Waaqi’ah should be recited every night to stay independent in terms of earning an income. Reciting Surah adh-Dhariyaat every day also increases sustenance.
Writing [al-Fatir: 29-30] and keeping it at the place of trade also acts as a means of increasing income. Keeping [al-Jumu’ah: 4] together with your goods for sale brings blessing and keeps the goods safe from damage. Drinking water in which Surah Yusuf has been dissolved (after writing) also increases sustenance.
Verses that help to quickly repay debts
As mentioned earlier, ayah al-Mulk (6) should be recited for those who wish to repay their debts. One should recite this ayah and then supplicate to Allah that he wishes to repay his debts and seeks help for doing so. For the same purpose, the last two verses of Surah al-Baqarah should also be recited after every ‘Isha prayer.
The recitation of ayah al-Kursi after every prayer and reciting Surah al-Waaqi’ah 41 times are other means of getting divine assistance in the repaying of debts.
Source: Fawaid-e-Quran
By: Sayyid Mustafa Musawi
NOTES:
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1. Surah Ali-’Imran: 18-19
2. Surah Ali-’Imran: 26-27
3. Surah al-Baqarah: 255-257
4. Surah ar-Rum: 17-22
5. Surah A’araaf: 54
6. Ali-’Imran: 26-27
