Q: Every evening after `Isha' (Night) Prayer, I teach
nonArab Muslims to recite the Qur'an for the Sake of Allah (Exalted be He). Thus, I teach people of different nationalities such as Pakistanis, Indians, Somalis, and others as well at the place of residence. For we live in a compound where there is a Masjid (mosque) which was established by righteous people; may Allah bless them. Now, they recite well and many of them are able to manage their recitation without my help but I still go there to teach. The problem is that they thank me and exaggerate in praising and commending me and I fear the Hadith which is reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) regarding the three men who entered the Hell. One of them is a reciter of the Qur'an to whom Allah will say: You have recited (the Qur'an) to be said: He is a (good) reciter, and that was said. Actually, I disapprove of what they do and try to stop them, but what is my fault in this. Shall I be considered sinful if I stop teaching them? What should I do?
A: In all circumstances you are to be thanked for this good deed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in a Sahih (authentic) Hadith: The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it Therefore, you are to be thanked for your efforts, and you will receive a great reward and there is no blame on you as long as you devote your action to Allah (Exalted be He). You will not be harmed by their praise, but you have to advise and exhort them not to exaggerate in praising. It is enough that they supplicate to Allah for you instead of praising you. May Allah increase your zeal and grant you success! As for the threat mentioned in the Hadith, it is for a person who recites to be said: They are a reciter and learn knowledge to be said: A scholar. As for those who teach the people to gain Allah's Reward, they will not be harmed by people's praise as long as they are sincere in their actions. May Allah grant us success!