During the month of Ramadan, many of us set the intention to build or strengthen our relationship with the Quran. This month of spiritual awakening presents countless opportunities to reconnect with our Holy Book and reflect on its messages of hope, mercy, and justice. To help us and our families prepare, we sought guidance from author Karolains Alarcon Forero, who recently shared a heartfelt message on social media about cultivating love for the Quran during Ramadan. Karolains is uniquely positioned to speak on this topic. She studied anthropology at the National University of Colombia, is a writer, has been a Muslim for 14 years, and lived and studied Islam in Egypt. Along with her husband, Said Abdunur Pedraza, she runs Academia y Editorial Máktaba, a publishing house dedicated to providing educational resources in Spanish for the Muslim community of the Americas. Under the Máktaba banner, Karolains and her husband offer courses, lectures, and literature on deepening Islamic knowledge. Many of their resources are freely available, including an Arabic learning booklet, audiobooks, and a newly released collection of Quranic supplications—perfect for personal reflection during Ramadan.
We spoke with Karolains to gain insights on fostering a meaningful connection with the Quran during Ramadan and beyond. Regarding building a loving relationship with the Quran, she wrote:
Loving the Quran in Ramadan
You may have already read that the Quran was revealed in Ramadan, which is why this is the month of our sacred book. It is Sunnah to read the entire Quran at least once this month, and you might wonder: Can I read it in Spanish, English, or any other language?
The scholar Ibn Taymiyyah stated that supplications and Quranic recitation can be performed in a believer’s native language as acts of worship because Allah does not burden a person beyond their ability. However, there is one condition: it must not be due to negligence but out of genuine necessity. That means that if you had the opportunity to learn to read the Quran in Arabic but neglected to do so out of laziness or unwillingness, you should strive harder. However, reading it in another language is valid if you cannot read Arabic.
Ramadan is an ideal time to build your connection with the Quran. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Have your own Quran. This may seem basic, but it is crucial. Sometimes, we do not have a personal copy, so one of your first tasks should be to obtain one—whether in physical or digital format, whichever you prefer. If you enjoy digital reading and can have it on your device, that is ideal. If you prefer reading on paper, make a conscious effort to obtain a Quran, or print it from a digital version as a last resort.
- Choose a good translation. The quality of the translation will affect your reading pace and comprehension. Try different translations available online until you find one that resonates with you. The goal is to develop a friendly, appreciative, and affectionate relationship with your Quran, where you can joyfully say, "This is my Quran."
- Learn about the Quran. Research its history, how it was compiled, how it has been preserved, and how it was revealed. There is a wealth of valuable information surrounding our sacred book that will help you love it even more.
- The Quran is not mystical. Many people perceive the Quran as a book written in the desert sands 14 centuries ago and expect to find an air of mysticism in its pages, like a prequel to One Thousand and One Nights. But this is far from reality. While the Quran does contain some references to the desert (12:100, 24:39, 33:10), these are not predominant. It also speaks of the sea, storms, and beautiful gardens. It is written in a universal language meant to reach believers in every part of the world.
- Set a goal. Cultivating love for the Quran is just like building a relationship with it. Write down a realistic Quran-related goal for Ramadan that you can achieve.
- Read with focus. Dedicate exclusive time to your Quran reading. Do not multitask, such as checking your phone or chatting. This is your personal connection time, and it should be uninterrupted.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, taught us that Allah loves small but consistent deeds. It is better to habitually read one verse daily throughout the year and then increase your reading in Ramadan rather than rushing to finish the entire Quran in a single day. Reading with consistency allows you to reflect on and internalize its messages.
Q: What advice would you give to parents who don’t have much time to dedicate to Quran reading?
The same advice I give to people who ask me, "How can I read if I don’t have time?"—Time is not something you "have"; it is something you organize. The same way you schedule a business meeting or a family lunch, you must schedule time for the Quran. I suggest starting with weekly sessions. While daily reading is ideal, it can be challenging for someone who has not developed the habit. Begin by dedicating two and a half hours per week, breaking it into:
- Three sessions of 50 minutes
- Or two sessions of 1 hour and 15 minutes
Avoid a single long session, as attention span decreases after two hours. By consistently dedicating three hours weekly, you will progress step by step. After six months, increase your reading to five hours per week, which means reading for one hour five days a week, almost a daily habit! Another six months later, increase it to five and a half hours per week.
Why only small increases? Because at that pace, you will gradually reach 45 minutes of daily reading, the average time needed for deep concentration. Within a year, you will have mastered the discipline of reading the Quran daily. Then, you can continue increasing your reading time according to your personal rhythm.
Q: How can we cultivate a love for the Quran in our children?
The Quran is not just read; it is enjoyed. This is a crucial distinction. As a promoter of literacy, I recognize the difference. Have you ever read a book out of obligation? Most of us have, and it was not an enjoyable experience. Forced reading creates a burden on the reader. That is why enjoyment is essential.
Enjoying a sacred text like the Quran goes beyond merely reading it. I recommend creating engaging content around the Quran, such as:
- Keeping a journal to note meanings.
- Making a reverse dictionary (writing meanings first, then the corresponding word).
- Creating visual mind maps (ranging from simple for children to complex for adults).
- Practicing calligraphy and lettering to write favorite verses beautifully.
- Coloring arabesque designs while reciting the Quran.
- Using modeling clay to craft details from Quranic stories (e.g., Prophet Yunus' whale, peace be upon him).
There are countless activities you can pursue. Look for crafts your kids enjoy, and create family time around the Quran. It is incorrect to expect a Quran teacher at the mosque or madrasa to instill a love for the Quran in children. They teach recitation, memorization, and study, but love is taught at home.
Lastly, the same question arises when parents ask me, "How can I make my child read?" I always respond: "How many books have you read this month?"
The most common answer is a hesitant, "Uh… I don’t have time."
You cannot teach love for something you do not feel yourself. If you want to instill love for the Quran, feel it first.
Building a meaningful relationship with the Quran is a lifelong endeavor that requires intention, dedication, and, above all, love. Karolains poignantly reminds us that this connection is not only about reading, but about experiencing, reflecting, and making the Quran a cherished part of our daily lives. Ramadan, the month of the Quran, provides the perfect opportunity to take the first steps or deepen our bond with the words of Allah. Set personal goals, explore engaging ways to introduce the Quran to children, and dedicate focused time to recitation and study. Do what you can now and pray for consistency. The key is to start with sincerity and continue with perseverance, knowing that even the most minor efforts are beloved to Allah.
For more information and free literature, visit: www.editorialmaktaba
Follow Maktaba on Facebook and Instagram: @academiayeditorialmaktaba
Add new comment