Table of Contents
Reading
The Quran is the sacred book of Islam, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Allah through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). It is a source of guidance, mercy, and healing for all humanity. Reading the Quran is an act of worship that brings many rewards and blessings, but it also requires proper manners and etiquette. Here are 10 manners of reading the Quran that every Muslim should know and follow.
1. Purify your body and heart
Before touching or reciting the Quran, you should make sure that you are in a state of purity and cleanliness. This means that you should perform wudu (ablution) and ghusl (bathing) if necessary and wear clean clothes. You should also purify your heart from any sins, doubts, or distractions that might affect your concentration and sincerity. As Tirmidhi reported: “The Glorious Quran is sacred so that one cannot even touch it without being pure and safe from filth.
2. Seek refuge from Satan
When you start reciting the Quran, you should seek refuge from Satan, the accursed enemy who tries to whisper evil thoughts and temptations into your ears. You can do this by saying: “A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan-ir-rajeem” (I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed devil). This will protect you from his influence and help you focus on the words of Allah.
3. Begin with Bismillah
Another etiquette of reading the Quran is to begin with Bismillah (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). This is a way of acknowledging that everything we do is by the permission and grace of Allah and that we seek His help and guidance in our recitation. You should say Bismillah before starting a new surah (chapter) or resuming from where you left off.
4. Face the Qiblah
It is recommended to face the Qiblah (the direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah) when reciting the Quran, as this shows respect and reverence for the words of Allah. It also helps you feel connected to the Muslim ummah (community) who face the same direction in their prayers. However, this is not obligatory, and you can recite the Quran in any direction if facing the Qiblah is not possible or convenient.
5. Sit with respect and dignity
The Quran deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, as it is the speech of Allah and contains His commands and wisdom. Therefore, you should sit with respect and dignity when reciting it, avoiding any posture or gesture that might show disrespect or negligence. You should also avoid eating, drinking, talking, or doing anything else that might distract you from your recitation.
6. Hold the Quran with care and love
When holding the Quran, you should use your right hand if possible, as this is more honorable and preferred in Islam. You should also hold it with care and love, avoiding any roughness or damage to its pages or cover. You should also keep it in a high place when not using it, and never place it on the floor or under other books or objects.
7. Recite with tajweed and tartil
Tajweed is the science of pronouncing the Arabic letters and words of the Quran correctly and beautifully, according to the rules of grammar and phonetics. Tartil is the art of reciting the Quran slowly and clearly, with proper pauses and intonation. Both tajweed and tartil are important manners of reciting Quran, as they enhance its meaning and beauty and prevent errors and distortions. You should learn tajweed from a qualified teacher or a reliable source and practice it regularly until you master it.
8. Reflect on the meaning and message
The Quran is not just a book of words but a book of guidance and wisdom that addresses every aspect of life. Therefore, you should not read it without understanding its meaning and message. You should reflect on its verses and try to apply them to your own situation and circumstances. You should also seek knowledge from authentic sources such as tafsir (explanation), hadith (sayings of the Prophet), and scholars who can help you understand the Quran better. To read more about rules of reciting quran try to follow the Quran Sheikh Institute.
