The Etiquette of Reciting Quran: Embracing the Spiritual Essence

Reciting Quran is a practice deeply embedded in Islamic worship. It is an act of devotion, a path to understanding divine wisdom, and a way to draw closer to Allah. To fully experience the spiritual and personal benefits of reciting the Quran, following the proper etiquette of reciting the Holy Quran is essential. This shows respect for Allah’s words and helps the reciter understand the meaning and guidance in each verse more deeply.

In this post, we’ll look at the essential etiquettes that bring greater meaning to reciting Quran, helping the reciter stay mindful and devoted. These practices make reciting Quran a meaningful, personal connection with Allah, promoting self-reflection and inner peace.

The Five Themes of the Quran

Narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The Quran was revealed in five forms: lawful, unlawful, clear (muhkam), ambiguous (mutashabih), and examples. So recognize the lawful as lawful, the unlawful as unlawful, act upon the clear, believe in the ambiguous, and take lessons from the examples.” [Mishkat]

To understand these themes of the Noble Quran, it is essential to recite it with full attention and concentration. This is part of the etiquette of recitation. This is also why there is a great reward for reciting the Quran, with ten rewards for each letter.

Etiquette of Reciting Quran

Observing the etiquettes of reciting Quran connects the reciter to the depth and beauty of the Quran’s message, enriching both understanding and faith. Here are the essential etiquettes:

1. Making Ablution and Facing the Qiblah:

Making ablution is an essential step before Quran recitation, representing both external and internal purification. Allah says in Quran:

None can touch it (the Quran) except the purified. (Surah Al-Waqiah: 79)

When a believer performs wudu, he symbolically washes away distractions and renews focus before engaging in the sacred words of Allah. Moreover, Facing the Qiblah is recommended while reciting Quran. This posture helps the reciter remain conscious of their purpose and aligns them physically and spiritually with Allah.

2. Begin with Ta’awwuz and Bismillah:

Starting with Ta’awwuz (“A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim”) wards off distractions from Satan, while Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem calls on Allah’s grace and mercy. These phrases ground the reciter in divine protection and open the heart to Allah’s message. This act also signifies reverence, marking Quran recitation as a special act done with Allah’s blessing.

3. Reflect on the Words and Meanings:

The Quran is more than mere words; it’s a guide for life. As each verse is recited, the believer is encouraged to ponder over its meanings, imagining its implications and commands. As one recites, it is recommended to view the guidance as if it’s directed personally.

Imagining that Allah is speaking directly to the reciter. By reflecting on the verses, recitation becomes a dialogue with Allah, enabling a deeper understanding of His wisdom. When verses about Paradise are recited, the reciter should make du’a (prayer) for Allah’s mercy, and upon encountering verses about Hell, seek refuge from it. This practice encourages mindfulness and brings clarity to the divine teachings.

4. Recite in a Moderate Tone:

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized reciting Quran in a moderate, balanced tone. Loud recitations can be distracting, while whispering can hinder focus and engagement. Reciting the Quran aloud can sometimes lead to the risk of showing off or disrupting someone else’s prayer. Moreover, a hadith mentions that:

“A concealed act of worship is seventy times more rewarding than a visible one”. [Hadith]

So a balanced approach helps to internalize the Quran’s message with heartfelt reverence. So the best Quran reciters are those who maintain a balance between their tone.

5. Looking at the Quran:

Reading directly from the Quran is encouraged and even rewarded. This allows the reciter to maintain full focus on each word, minimizing distractions. Since looking at the Quran itself is an act of worship, a hadith states that:

Whoever recites the Quran while looking at it receives two thousand rewards, whereas one who recites from memory receives one thousand rewards. (Kanz-ul-Ummal, vol. 2, p. 277)

Moreover, Observing the words of the Quran creates a stronger connection with the text and enhances concentration.

6. Complete the Quran Gradually:

The Prophet (PBUH) advised against completing the Quran in fewer than three days, emphasizing the importance of depth over speed. It is recommended to complete the Quran at least in 3 days, or ideally within 7 or 30 days, to allow time to reflect on and understand its meanings. Best Quran recitation is one which takes time to reflect its message. Taking time to recite thoughtfully allows the reciter to absorb the wisdom within each verse fully.

7. Recite Quran with Tarteel:

Tarteel means reciting Quran with measured, rhythmic clarity. This mode of recitation enhances comprehension, as each word and verse is articulated clearly and thoughtfully. Tarteel encourages the reciter to maintain respect for the Quran’s message, promoting an experience that is reflective and reverent, with an emphasis on understanding rather than mere recital.

Read a comprehensive guide on how to read Quran with tarteel.

8. Recite at Night or Early Morning:

The calm of the night or the tranquility of dawn enhances focus and the spiritual experience of Quran recitation. These hours are free from daily distractions, offering a quiet moment to connect deeply with Allah’s words. Reciting Quran in these sacred hours cultivates mindfulness and a peaceful connection to the divine.

9. Recite with a Beautiful Voice and Tajweed:

Reciting with a beautiful voice and proper Tajweed is highly recommended. A heartfelt, melodious recitation brings out the Quran’s beauty, while Tajweed honors its original form. If one does not have proficiency in Tajweed, it is encouraged to learn it, as this knowledge is crucial for an accurate and respectful recitation. Learning Tajweed not only enhances recitation but reflects dedication to preserving the Quran’s true essence.

10. Avoid Musical Tones:

Recitation should not imitate musical styles or tones associated with singing. Instead, it requires a unique, humble approach that distinguishes it from secular music. This preserves the dignity and reverence to reciting Quran. It is mentioned in a hadith that recite the Quran like Arabs.

11. Respect the Quran’s Grandeur:

Throughout the recitation, remember the grandeur and sanctity of the Quran. As Allah says in Quran:

Had We sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have certainly seen it humbled and torn apart in awe of Allah… [Surah Al-Hashr]

This awareness inspires greater devotion and strengthens the connection between the reciter and the Quran. Recite each verse with the awe that “Allah is addressing me”. It also reinforces the reciter’s humility and attentiveness.

Conclusion

Observing these etiquettes of reciting Quran allows Muslims to approach the Quran with humility and reverence. It opens doors to deeper understanding, contemplation, and transformation, making the Quran an essential companion in life’s journey. So, as we engage in recitation, let us embrace these etiquettes, connecting heart and soul to Allah’s eternal message, and striving to embody the guidance within our lives.