Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
What intentions should we make before reciting the Qur’an?
We should intend:
Listening to the speech of Allah as if we are hearing it conveyed to us by Allah on the tongue of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
Having an intimate conversation with Allah through His speech, the best thing through with which we commune with Him
Drawing near to Him through His speech
Opening the door to knowledge through its sublime source, which is Allah’s speech
Seeking the downpour of Allah’s mercy, as Allah says: When the Qur’an is recited, listen to it with attention and be silent so that you receive mercy (7:204).
Using our time in the best way
Seeking to please the Prophet ﷺ
Beautifying our hearts, minds and tongues with Allah’s speech
Joining with those in the heavens and the earth who are reciting the Qur’an at that time.