Virtues of reading the Quran

Virtues of reading the Quran

To reflect upon the verses of Allah is a form of worship; it is something that will draw one close to Allah, Most High. This reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather, it includes a study of the classical Tafseer (exegesis) of the verses being pondered over. Allah, Most High, Says in the Quran (what means): “Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” [Quran: 4:82]
The Book of Allah is unlike any other; it is the timeless Speech of Allah, and not a created thing. It is the study guide for life, death, and what follows. Therefore, it deserves a far more careful study than anyone else’s speech. It necessitates that its reader return to the early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its explanation by the one deputed by Allah to rehearse and explain His Words to humanity, Muhammad . For if one would try to ponder over the meanings of the verses without having done this study, then surely the filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the correct application and understanding that the early Muslims had would cause him to understand some things not intended by Allah, Most High, and therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allah. So, let every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allah’s Love by reciting and reflecting over Allah’s Book hold tight to the meanings explained by the Prophet and those taught by the Companions and their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islam.
Dear Muslim brother and sister! Know that reciting and pondering over the Book of Allah and devoting regular time to its study and implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the next. Let us now look at just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to the majestic Words of Allah. Each benefit stands as enough of an encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves wholly to the Quran.
Reading and Reflecting Over the Quran Fulfils an Islamic Duty
The Prophet summarised this religion with his statement: “The religion (of Islam) is naseehah (offering sincere advice)!” Tameem bin Aws said: “We asked, ‘To whom?’” He replied: “To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and to their subjects.” [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allah includes its regular recitation, learning the rules of Tajweed (the recitation of the Quran, according to specified rules) and reciting it beautifully, learning about its Tafseer and the reasons for its revelation, affirming that it is the truth, the perfect Speech of Allah and not part of the creation, honouring it and defending it, abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it, and teaching it and calling to it.
The Quran will be a Proof for or against Us on the Day of Judgement
This is due to the statement of the Messenger : “And the Quran is a proof for you or against you.” [Muslim] So, one of two things will occur with this proof, the Book of Allah. It will either be in one's favour, a proof for us on the Day when we will desperately need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against us. The very Speech of our Creator as a proof against us! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allah’s own Speech is against Him?
Think carefully, dear Muslim brothers and sisters, about your position with the Quran. Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, and being heedless of its orders and prohibitions? Are you thinking deeply over it? Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgement?
The Quran will Intercede for Us on the Day of Judgement
Abu Umamah related that the Prophet said: “Read the Quran, for indeed it will come on the Day of Standing (Judgement) as an intercessor for its companions.” [Muslim]
The Quran Raises One's Status in this Life
In Saheeh Muslim, which is one of the two most authentic books of prophetic narrations, we find a wonderful story about how a man from the people of Paradise, ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab understood this principle. The story is that once, some men came to question him during his reign as caliph regarding the leadership of Makkah. The men asked: “Who do you use to govern Makkah?” He said: “Ibn Abzaa.” They asked: “And who is Ibn Abzaa?” ‘Umar replied: “A freed slave from those we freed.” They remarked: “You left a freed slave in command of the People of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)?” He replied: “Indeed he is a reciter of the Book of Allah and is knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven’t you heard the statement of your Messenger : “Verily Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it””?
The People of the Quran are from Best of People
‘Uthman said that the Prophet said: “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it to others.” [Al-Bukhari]
There are Ten Rewards for Every Letter Recited from the Quran
As a Hadeeth (prophetic statement) in At-Tirmithi proves: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that 'Alif, Lam, Meem' (a combination of letters frequently mentioned in the Holy Quran) is a letter, rather I am saying that ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Lam’ is a letter and ‘Meem’ is a letter.” [At-Tirmithi] So increase your recitation of the Quran to gain these merits, as well as the following ones.
The Reciters of the Quran Will Be in the Company of the Noble and Obedient Angels
‘Aa'ishah related that the Prophet said: “Indeed the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. As for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
So dear brother or sister Muslim, do not let the Shaytan (Satan) give you false excuses, such as ‘I am not an Arab.’ or ‘It is not in my language.’ This Hadeeth is a firm proof against these whisperings.
Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allah, whether you are an Arab or not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared for you to embrace the Book of Allah without holding back or offering excuses! Surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Quran once you hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the Quran.
One’s Position and Rank in Paradise is Determined by the Amount of Quran He Memorised in this Life
‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘Aas heard the Prophet saying: “It will be said to the companion of the Quran: 'Read and elevate (through the levels of Paradise) and beautify your voice as you did when you were in the worldly life! For verily, your position in Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!’” [Abu Dawood and At-Tirmithi]
The Quran Leads to Paradise
The Quran states (what means): "Indeed the Quran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward." [Quran: 17:9]
The Prophet said: “The Quran is an intercessor - something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [At-Tabarani]
Know, dear brothers and sisters, that these nine benefits from the numerous benefits available can only be attained by a sincere commitment to the Book of Allah, and not simply by an empty claim of love for it. Rather, the heart must be sincerely attached to the Book of Allah and the limbs and tongue will follow suit in this attachment. One must know that we only mentioned a few of the numerous benefits of reading and reflecting over the Quran. There are many other benefits that await your reading of the Quran and books of Hadeeth, such as the chapter of the Quran that will plead on your behalf in the grave, and that it is a physical healing, a source of rest and relaxation for your heart, among many other things.
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How to improve your relationship with the Quran

It is recommended for every believing man and woman to recite the Book of Allah, the Noble Quran, often, with due contemplation and understanding. This may be done by using a copy of the Quran or from one's memory. Allah - the Most High – Says (what means): "[This is] a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded." [Quran 38:29]

Are you one of those people who rarely touch the Quran? Or do you read it daily, but don't find it is having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be, these are some simple tips that can help you connect with the Quran.

1. Before you touch it, check your heart

The key to really benefiting from the Quran is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allah's book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad was described by his noble wife, 'Aa'ishah as a "walking Quran": in other words, he didn't just read and recite the Quran, he lived it.

2. Before you touch it, do your Wudhoo' (ablution)

Doing your Wudhoo' is good physical and mental preparation to remind you that you are not reading just another book. You are about to interact with Allah, the Most Exalted, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him.

3. Start with reading only five minutes everyday

Too often, we think that we should read the Noble Quran for at least one whole hour. If you are not in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just five minutes daily. If you took care of step one, Insha Allah (Allah willing), you will notice that those five minutes will become ten, then half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even more!

4. Make sure that you understand what you have read

Five minutes of reading the Quran in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you are reading. If you are not Arabic, or you don't understand the Arabic language, then make sure you have a good translation of the Quran in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you have read that day.
Regarding those who neglect the Glorious Quran by not reading or not understanding it, Allah Almighty Says (what means):"And the Messenger has said, “O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Quran as [a thing] abandoned." [Quran: 25: 30]
Allah Almighty informs us about His Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad that he said: "My Lord my people have abandoned - acting or listening - to the Quran" and that is because the idol-worshippers did not pay attention nor listen to the Quran, as Allah Says (what means): "And those who disbelieve say, “Do not listen to this Quran and speak noisily during [the recitation of] it that perhaps you will overcome.” [Quran 41:26]
5. Remember that the Noble Quran is far more interactive than a CD

In an age of "interactive" CD-ROMs and computer programs, a number of people think books are passive and boring. But the Quran is not like that. Remember that when you read the Glorious Quran, you are interacting with Almighty Allah. He Almighty is talking to you, so pay attention.

6. Do not just read, you have to listen too

There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Quran, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your walkman or your car's CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Quran reading, not as a replacement for it.

7. Make Du'aa' (supplication).

Ask Allah, the Most Exalted, to guide you when you read the Quran. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Du'aa' to
Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this.
When you are making du’aa', you have a direct connection with Allah Almighty. So when you are saying your du’aa', you shouldn’t be distracted, but instead you should be fully concentrated. TheProphet said:

"Make Du’aa' and be assured of it being answered, and know that Allah, the Exalted, does not answer a Du’aa' from a careless heart which is not concentrating." [At-Tirmithi]
http://www.islamweb.net/en/article/150624/how-to-improve-your-relationship-with-the-quran

Quran is the source of glory and happiness for the Ummah - II
Praise be to Allah Who Revealed His Noble Book in the best style and Impressed hearts with its good wording and eloquent compositions. He Revealed it in the form of clear verses, Segmented it into Surahs and verses, Arranged it in the best way with His Extensive Wisdom and Composed it in the greatest way with the most eloquent words and sublime structure. Blessings and peace be upon the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, to whom the Quran was revealed to warn and remind. Allah Revealed the Quran to his noble heart and this alleviated his hardship and expanded his breast. Also, blessings and peace be on the Prophet’s, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, family and Companions from among the Muhajiroon and the Ansar.
Despite technical advancement, the prosperity of industries and inventions and the new world order, the world today is failing with all its organizations, institutions and innovations to bring happiness to humankind or provide it with security and comfort. Here are the ratios of the disease of the age; anxiety and depression, increasing day after day. Here are also the ratios of poverty, ignorance, hunger, killing, suicide as well as the collapse of values, principles and morals multiplying year after year.
Villa Spaza, a Spanish scientist, said, "All the amazing discoveries of the West are neither able to prevent even one tear nor to make even one human smile...”
Alexis Carrel said, "Modern civilization does not suit us …. Although it was established through our contributions, it does not suit us. We are indeed unhappy people because we have morally and mentally deteriorated.”
The same applies to some of those who are called Muslims. They have their wealth, positions and dreams, though they live in worries, anxiety and pain. What is the solution? What is the refuge? It is the Quran!
The Quran is the source of glory and happiness for the Ummah, the basis of knowledge, action and tranquility, and the spring of steadfastness at the time of conflicting ideas and changing concepts. It is the fortified dam in facing temptations, allegations and desires.
At such a time, all of us need the Quran to strengthen our faith and certainty so that we keep steadfast before such desires and challenges.
Each Muslim needs the Quran to reassure him when he feels alienated, soothe him when he is afflicted with a disaster, create hope in him when he is distressed or suffers from despair of the Mercy of Allah and warn and frighten him when he is overcome with fancies and lusts.
O Muslims, nation of the Quran, there is neither steadfastness, nor affection for the self, nor relief for the soul, nor fulfillment of a promise nor security from a punishment nor firmness of belief nor continuity of one’s good mention unless one moves with all his feelings, sentiments, heart and body to the Book of Allah, the Noble Quran through recitation, reflection, learning and acting accordingly.
This key actually opens the locks of the heart. The Quran is the key of the hearts. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?} [Quran 47: 24]
O Muslim, you should read the Quran with your heart first before your tongue to find:
Purity of meanings which quench your thirst from the water of eloquence, gentleness where you smell the breeze of the garden as well as words when they are strict, they are like waves of the overflowing seas and when they are lenient, they are the breaths of the life to come.
The Quran is the source of lighting the heart as well as life and remedy for souls. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {O mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers. Say, "In the Bounty of Allah and in His Mercy - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.”} [Quran 10: 57-58]
The Quran achieves happiness for the human, spreads security and tranquility and provides glory, prosperity and safety. All this is achieved through the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who said: “I have left among you two things you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” [Sheykh Al-Albani classified it as Hasan (good)]
Brothers and sisters, we do not need to clarify a fact which is known to friends and confirmed by enemies. We do not need to clarify this fact which the believers believed in and the opponents admitted. We do not need to assert that the Noble Quran is a sublime summit and a high peak in eloquence and fluency. The masters of eloquence failed to bring anything like the Quran. We do not need to repeat this whenever we talk about our Quran. It is enough for us in terms of glory and honor that the Quran is the Words of Allah.
We hear many of those who try to prove the strength of eloquence and effectiveness in the Quran for the enemies. Had we been truthful with ourselves, we would have wondered: What is the effect of the Quran on our souls? What is the effect of its eloquence on our hearts? Is this not poof against us that we are away from the Quran and therefore we are weak? Where are we from the Quran; the light of our hearts, the constitution of our lives, the Favor of Allah and His greatest Bounty over us?
We are often in dire need of those who remind us, admonish us, soften our hearts and help us to stay always on the straight path, with neither exaggeration nor negligence.
There are moderate souls which accept, are disciplined and even become happy and demand this reminder. Contrary to this, there is another type of Muslim who is far away from the Islamic etiquettes and morals. They are even away from dedicating worship to Allah and doing what befits the Majesty of Allah of love, exaltation, submission and surrender. Such people need strong alerts and admonishments which put an end to their heedlessness and take them out of their deviation. There are no stronger alerts than the alerts of the Noble Quran which greatly influenced the Arabs, not only due to its inimitable style but also due to its alerts, prohibitions as well as the way of narrating stories in all its Surahs.
Have such people heard the verse in which Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {O you who have believed, do not take your fathers or your brothers as allies if they have preferred disbelief over belief. And whoever does so among you - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.} [Quran 9: 23]
Have such people read in the Quran the verse in which Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Say, [O Muhammad], "If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, wealth which you have obtained, commerce wherein you fear decline, and dwellings with which you are pleased are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and Jihad in His Cause, then wait until Allah Executes His command. And Allah Does not Guide the defiantly disobedient people."} [Quran 9: 24]
When one of the leaders of the Quraysh heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, reciting the verse in which Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {But if they turn away, then say, "I have warned you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt [that struck] ‘Aad and Thamood.} [Quran 41: 13], he begged him to stop the recitation.
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, strictly warned against returning to the morals of the pre-Islamic era saying: “The example of the one who helps his people with falsehood is like a camel that fell into a well and it moves its tail but can not get out.” [Sheykh Al-Albani classified it as Saheeh (authentic)]
He also said: “I am seizing your waistbands and trying to pull you away from the Fire but you are trying to get away from me.” [Muslim]
Why are those who are enslaved by traditions and vain pretensions and their words and deeds have become so far from Islam, not frankly told that their status is due to weakness of faith and keeping away from reflecting on the verses of the Quran? Actually, the Quranic stories and examples as well as the sayings of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, have a wonderful effect on reforming and deterring the soul and putting it on the straight path. O people of the Quran, when will we realize that civilization and advancement do not contradict adherence to religion? When will we realize that the Quran is a light and guidance for the Muslims?
It is really astonishing! Why do we quickly respond to the enemies when they dictate that advancement can not be attained unless one abandons Islam? Could we not be civilized while we are praying and fasting? Could we not be civilized while we are straight and righteous?
I wonder in astonishment; is the condition of civilization and advancement to disobey Allah and contradict His commands? If it is so, then this is the real backwardness. This is actually backwardness to the ages of ignorance, Shirk, darkness and worshipping desires and the idols of fancy! Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.} [Quran 17: 9]
Is this the effect of ignorance about the Quran? Or is it shame to follow the truth of Islam? Or it is the effect of desires and lusts and surrender? O people of the Quran, the Quran calls to progress in all fields; all worldly and religiously matters. Nevertheless, it is the type of progress which is controlled by the noble Quranic etiquettes and divine teachings. Non-Muslim scientists and wise people wondered about the Noble Quran which preceded them to reflection and advancement by hundreds of years. This is happening at a time when many Muslims have deserted the Quran.
To be continued...
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Quran is the source of glory and happiness for the Ummah - II

Desertion of the Quran and its types:
First: Desertion of hearing, believing and listening to the Quran. You find some Muslims today listening to all radio stations and becoming addicted to songs and vain talk. Nevertheless, when one suddenly hears the Quran, he turns off the radio. We seek refuge in Allah from loss.
Second: Desertion of referring judgment to the Quran in all rulings of religion (major or minor). Some people refer judgment in disputes and quarrels to man-made laws or tribal traditions and customs.
Third: Desertion of reflection, understanding and knowing what is meant by Allah. There are many who recite the Quran while the Quran curses them.
Fourth: Desertion of seeking remedy and recovery from all diseases in the Quran. A person may resort to all means of recovery except the Quran, out of negligence and desertion.
Fifth: Desertion of applying it and not paying attention to what has been described as lawful or unlawful by the Quran, even if the person recites it and believes in it.
Dear readers, with the great Quran we have been taken from darkness to light and with deserting it, we are taken back to darkness.
With the Quran, we were the best nation brought to mankind and by deserting it, we return to the life of humility and disgrace.
With the Quran the Ummah reached the peak of virtues and glory and by deserting it, it falls into the abyss of vices and rejection.
There is no wonder, for the earth had indeed witnessed a great birth by the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The Quran showered the earth with its light and revived it. The Quran was revealed to the Arabs. Although they were eloquent, they felt weak before the great perfection of the Quran. They, therefore, surrendered to its eloquence, their hearts were attached to it and their souls were attracted to the inimitability of the Quran.
Where is the effect of the Quran on the souls of the contemporary people? Some Muslims make a barrier between themselves and the Quran and, therefore, they no longer listen to it. Even, they made a barrier between them and all types of goodness. They are like those who put their fingers in their ears in order not to hear the truth. One thinks that when he hears, he will not be excused and he will no longer enjoy his lusts and desires. Such a poor person does not know that perhaps he hears even one verse or Hadeeth and this will be the reason for him to gain freedom. Such a person has a captured heart and the capture of hearts is a greater matter than the capture of the physical body. There are many who are captives of desires and lusts, and therefore they do not taste the sweetness of faith or the pleasure of reading the Quran.
Perhaps listening to goodness saves you and grants your soul eternal happiness. Hence, you have to open your heart. Allah Has Given you ears to hear; so, do not block them. He Has also Given you a mind to think; so, do not make it heedless by following fancy. Here is the example of At-Tufayl ibn ‘Aamir Ad-Dawsi, May Allah Be Pleased with him, who came to Makkah at the beginning of Islam. The people of the Quraysh warned him against meeting the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. They said to him: "Muhammad separated our community and disunited us. His words are like magic. So, you should avoid him lest he should afflict you as well as your people in the same way as he did with us.” At-Tufayl, May Allah Be Pleased with him, said: “They continued warning me until I decided neither to hear anything from him nor to talk to him. Finally, I decided to put cotton in my ears in order not to hear him. In the morning, I went to the Ka‘bah and there was the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, standing for prayer. I stood near him and Allah Made me hear some of what he was saying. I heard good words and therefore I blamed myself and said: “I am a seasoned man and poet and I can distinguish between good and evil. By Allah, I will hear from him. If he is right, I will accept from him; otherwise, I will avoid him." Then he removed the cotton from his ears and heard the best words from him. He then said: “I have never heard better or fairer words.” The words of the Quran, therefore, were the reason behind his happiness in the two worlds when he opened his hearing and mind before them. They greatly influenced his soul and warm whispers penetrated deeply within his mind and heart bearing the guidance of the Quran. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {[This is] a blessed Book which We Have Revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.} [Quran 38: 29]
Here is also the example of another man who was a tyrant during the pre-Islamic era and harsh with the weak Muslims at that time. He heard the verses in which Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Ta, Ha. We Have not Sent down to you the Quran that you be distressed………Indeed, I Am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.} [Quran 20: 1-14]
These verses broke the barriers of Shirk in his heart and melted the rocks of ignorance. Therefore, he said: “It does not befit The One Who Says that to worship others beside Him.” That man became when he walked in a road, the devil would walk in another road. He is Al-Faarooq, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, May Allah Be Pleased with him, the second Caliph for Muslims. Allah The Almighty Exalted the religion of Islam with ‘Umar, May Allah Be Pleased with him.
The Quran introduced a distinguished generation from the Companions, May Allah Be Pleased with them, throughout the history of Islam, even throughout the history of all humanity. This was not only because the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was among them, as some may think. Had it been only for that, the message of Islam as well as the Islamic call would have ended with the death of the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Rather, there was another reason that the Companions, May Allah Be Pleased with them, drunk from the spring of the Quran, adjusted themselves with it and absorbed it, although there were different cultures at that time.
Another reason which urged the Companions, May Allah Be Pleased with them, to reach such an extent of virtuousness and nobility is that they used to read the Quran in order to implement it within themselves as well as within the communities in which they lived. They were like soldiers who receive orders in the battlefield.
O nation of the Quran, know that the Quran does not grant its treasures except for those who come to it with that spirit, the spirit of response and implementation. When the verse of prohibiting wine was revealed, a man walked in the streets of Al-Madeenah to announce that wine has been forbidden. What happened thereafter? Each one who had a cup of wine in his hand threw it away.
Even, each one who had the cup of wine on his lips spilled it out. Those who had jars of wine spilled them, in response and obedience to the Command of Allah.
We ask Allah to Make us obedient to Him and quickly respond to Him. We also ask Him to Grant us understanding of the Quran, contemplating it and acting accordingly!
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