Etiquette of Reading Qur'an

By: Salimon Quadri

Etiquette of Reading Qur'an

All praise and adoration is due to the most High and most Merciful (Subhāna' Wata'āla); His immense blessings upon the noble prophet (pbuh), his companions, wives and followers till the resurrection day, ameen.

Qur'an is the fourth and last sacred book of Allah (SWT) that was sent upon the last prophet, Muhammad within the period of thirteen and ten years in Makkah and Madinah respectively. It is a distinctive book among all others due to the divine safety it possesses. Allah says: "Indeed, it is We, Who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian; [15:9].

source: madrasatelquran.com

Islam, a religion that has many to say about every aspects of life. A verse of the holy Qur'an says "...and we did not neglect anything in the Book". Therefore, the etiquette of reading Qur'an is also included in Islam. 

Consistently, as Muslims - servants of Allah and followers of prophet Muhammad - we are expected to always read Qur'an at all time in order to be more closer to Allah(SWT).

Below are some of the etiquettes to put in place to read Qur'an:

1. Being a believer: For any reading of the Qur'an be considered an ibādah (worship), the reader must be a Muslim.

2. Being in a state of purity: A person intending to recite Qur'an is expected to be in a complete state of purity - neatness in clothes and perform ablution which is the basis of every Ibādah. "Indeed, it is a noble Qur’an. In a Register well-protected; None touch it except the purified." [Quran, 56: 77-79]

3. Handling Qur'an respectfully: A Muslim is expected to care for Qur'an at all time. When about reciting Qur'an, it should be held with a right hand as it is the Sunnah of the prophet (pbuh) handling Hasan (good) work with right hand and his left hand for other things. Qur'an is also advised to be placed on a pillow if it is to be put on a surface before reading.

4. Ta'awwudh and Tasmiyyah: Ta'awwudh - “Audhu Billahi mina-Shaitan-nir-Rajeem”; Translation:“I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the Accursed.” and Tasmiyyah - 

"Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim”; Translation: “In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate" are also important to watch over as they are command from Allah (SWT). 

Noted in the Qur'an, chapter 16:98,  "So when you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge with Allah from Shaytan, the outcast."

5. Reciting Slowly: Islam prohibits reading Qur'an very fast. It is to be read slowly to comprehend meaning.

6. Adorning with sweet voice: Qur'an should be recited with sweet and astonishing voices. Rasūlullah says "He is not one of us who does not make his voice beautiful with the Quran.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

7. Fulfilling the rights of the Qur'an: Rights of the Qur'an include Sajdah (Prostration), stop and pause at where necessary in the verses.

Thanks for reading...