10 Manners of Reciting the Quran

1. 10 Manners of Reciting the Quran Our last prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), was bestowed with the Holy Quran. This divine book is not just a mere book, rather it is a whole guide for us in this temporary world. It is a legitimate source of virtue, not just for Muslims, but for non-Muslims as well. Thus, the Quran being a divine message, should be read and kept with respect. Allah himself promised and said to be the guardian of the Holy Quran, then who are we not to respect this divine revelation? “Indeed, it is We, Who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.” [Quran, 15:9] 10 Manners of Reciting the Quran 1. Perform Wudu Before Recitation: This ritual is carried out by Muslims before performing certain acts of worship like reading the Qur’an. It entails washing specific parts of one’s body according to certain rules. “O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favour upon you that you may be grateful.” Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:6) This mode of cleaning is considered both an act of physical cleanliness as well as spiritual purity. By doing this, integrity is maintained while it stands as a sign of spiritual purity. 2. Maintain a Respectable Posture: It is not just the physical posture but also the profound spiritual significance of Quran recitation in Islam that requires correct posture. In this divine act, worshippers are advised to sit in a modest position while their backs are straight and shoulders relaxed. One should place the holy book at an eye level so it is visible and esteemed. The frame of mind is equally important since it necessitates one to be sincere and humble when reciting such divine words with a devoted focus involved.

2. 3. Positioning the Quran at an Elevated Position: According to Quranic teachers, it is better to have the Holy Book either in one’s hand or put on a stand or any neat and raised surface. The place where the Quran is kept should be one of respectability and dignity and it must not be put on the floor or anyhow that goes against its sanctity. Correct placement of the Holy Book is evidence of how people value and acknowledge its divine origin. 4. Holding the Quran in the Right Hand: Whether one has to hold or has to point at the words of the sacred text, the right hand should be used. In our right hand, the index finger also called the “Finger of Shahadah” should be used to trace or point to the Quranic text. Additionally, it is also the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH). “The Prophet PBUH used his right hand in applying perfume, in eating, and used his left hand in the toilet or when removing any harm.” (Abu Dawood) 5. Seeking Refuge with Allah upon Starting Recitation: When a person starts reciting the Holy Qur’an, he should begin by seeking refuge with Allah Almighty from the cursed shaytan by reciting Tauz: مﯾﺟرﻟا نﺎطﯾﺷﻟا نﻣ ?ﺎﺑ ذوﻋ أ “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed satan.” If he starts reading the Surah either from its beginning or the place where he left off previously, then he should say Tasmia: ِمْﺳِﺑ ِﱠﷲ ِنَٰﻣْﺣﱠرﻟا ِمﯾِﺣﱠرﻟا “In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” 6. Slow Recitation: The Quranic verses should be recited at a slow pace such that each word has a clear meaning and is being formed accurately from one's mouth. Nowadays, Quran recitation has been made easier by adding “Eraab” which is included in the Arabic dictionary making one pronounce the Arabic verses as they should be.

3. 7. Tajweed Rules: Tajweed rules include avoidance of mispronunciation of the Quranic text. By attending free online Quran classes in the UK, you can learn about these rules and recite the Quran in an attractive tone while pronouncing each Arabic word accurately. 8. Revering Quran’s Rights: The reader must fulfil the duties of Sajdah, and bow in front of Allah SWT where the Sajdah mark is displayed before the Holy Chapters. Also, pause whenever you see a “Stop and Pause” sign at different intervals within these sacred verses. For more insight on the rights of the Quran, you can learn the Quran free online by a qualified instructor. 9. Do not disrupt the recitation in a nonessential manner: One should not interrupt their recitation by speaking with others, except when it is extremely urgent. The Quran is holy and, therefore should be read privately so that nobody can disturb the reader. By not reading alone, you may forfeit the position of refuge he had invoked at the time of commencement. 10. Glorification of Allah SWT upon Completion of the Quran: In conclusion of a recitation process, one should say: “ مﯾظﻌﻟا ﷲ قدﺻ ” The Highest, the Mighty Allah has spoken the truth. This is indeed a confirmation that this is the Holy Quran and the words are from Allah SWT. Bottom Line It is through such adherences to these ten manners of recitation that Muslims could give themselves a better spiritual relationship with the Quran and approach it with the dignity and respect that befits it. For more knowledge on the mannerism of reciting the Quran, you can reach out to our certified Quranic teachers at Quraan Teacher and get free online Quran classes in the UK!

4. FAQs Can I recite the Quran from memory without observing these manners? While reciting from memory is permissible, observing manners enhances the experience, deepening our reverence and connection with the Quran. Is there flexibility in observing these manners across different cultures? While the core principles remain consistent, cultural variations may exist. The key is to uphold respect and reverence for the Quran following Islamic teachings. Read Our Article: 10 Manners of Reciting the Quran