Q: I was recently asked to join a group on whatsapp with 29 other people, where they would make a Quraan khatam every two weeks. Each person would be given a para to read within 2 weeks. Every two weeks a khatam would be made with the intention of each person getting reward.
A: Ibaadat should be done with complete sincerity and devotion for Allah Ta'ala. One should not feel compelled and forced to carry out any ibaadat. Generally, in these types of groups one feels forced to comply with that which the group has decided so that he will not be viewed as the odd one out from the entire group. Apart from this, there is the fear of the element of show as each participant wishes to show the others his spirit of dedication and commitment. In the case where any participant does not complete his juz, he feels ashamed to inform the others as he might be ridiculed or looked down at. This will perhaps even lead him to speak a lie to cover his shame. All this goes against the very spirit of ibaadat.
The dictates of nafl ibaadat is that it should be done out of one's free will and choice, with complete sincerity and devotion, and without any restrictions and conditions. Though the intention to start off these groups may be good and each one wishes to motivate the other to do good deeds, on account of these wrongs that this type of arrangement leads to, these types of groups are discouraged. Each person should individually recite as much Qur'an as he can manage.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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