The Quran, being the divine word of Allah, demands not just understanding and reflection but also deep reverence when it is recited. Observing proper Quran reading rules and manners while reading the Quran is essential to ensure that one’s heart is in the right place, aligning their actions with the teachings of Islam. Whether it is maintaining purity (taharah), facing the Qiblah, or reciting with Tajweed, each step reflects the respect and sincerity required when engaging with the holy text.
By adhering to these etiquettes—such as holding the Mushaf with love, using the right hand, and sitting respectfully—Muslims can enhance their connection with Allah’s words, ensuring that their recitation is an act of devotion, not just a routine practice.
Manners & Etiquettes of Reading & Reciting Quran
Here are some most important points every single person in the world should know before reading the Quran.
1. Good Intention and Sincerity
Reading Quran is a grand act of worship but it can become a great sin too. In Islam, the most important things are intention and sincerity. You should observe your intention and sincerity before doing any act of worship to check whether you are doing it for Allah or to get the praise of the world. Worships done with the wrong intention, such as for impressing anyone, worldly gains, and, showing off won’t yield you anything more than the offense of Allah. Observe your intention and rectify your mistakes.
“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakāh. And that is the correct religion”.
2. Purifying Heart and Body
One of the etiquette and rules of reading the Quran is to perform wudu and purify your body before reading the Quran. Purification of the heart is equally important. Purify and clean your heart before reading the Quran to receive the most benefits, guidance, and understanding of the Holy Quran.
“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves”. (Surah Baqrah)
3. Purification (Taharah)
One of the crucial rules of reading the Quran is to make wudu before the recitation. Wudu purifies the body and heart. Besides, You should read the Quran with a clean body, clean clothes, and in a clean place.
4. Facing the Direction of Qiblah
Face the direction of Al-Qiblah while Reciting the Quran. This is not any rule but the etiquette of reading the Quran. There’s no bad in reading the Quran while facing any other direction. It is also a good practice to avoid leaning back and reading in a straight sitting position.
5. Sitting Decently With Respect
Quran is the book of almighty Allah- the lord of earth and sky. You should pay as much respect as you can while reciting the Quran. Sit decently while reading the Quran. However, it’s not any strict rule but an etiquette of reading the Quran. if you can’t maintain a straight sitting position due to back pain or some other problem. You can sit in a comfortable position. Indeed, Allah is merciful.
6. Keeping Mushaf at a High Place
The Holy Quran possesses high status and no book can reach the status of the Holy Quran. To pay the most respect to the Holy Quran, you should keep it in a high place while reading or memorizing it. There’s no hard and fast rule. You can put it on a wooden/plastic bookrest or on a clean pillow.
7. Holding the Quran with Due Respect and Love
You are lucky that you got the chance to read the Holy Quran- the book of Allah(SWT). It’s Allah’s book and should respect it accordingly. Hold the Holy Quran with due respect and love. How can you pay respect to Allah if you can’t pay respect to His book?
“That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols [i.e., rites] of Allah – indeed, it is from the piety of hearts”.
Note: In Mishkah Academy, quran tutors teach students about quran love in an”Online quran recitation course”
8. Using the Right Hand if Possible
Use your right hand while reading the Quran. It’s the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He used to perform every good act with his right hand. It’s not an obligatory deed, but an act of giving respect to the Holy Quran.
9. Starting Recitation with Istia’aza and Basmalah
Start your recitation with Ta’wwuth, Al-Basmalah and Darood Sharif. This helps you keep the focus on Quranic verses while reading the Holy Quran and protects you from evil thoughts.
“So when you recite the Qur’ān, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy]”.
10. Reciting the Quran with Tajweed
Tajweed is the correct way of reciting the Quran. If you lack expertise in reading the Quran with Tarteel, it’s essential to learn Tajweed. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited and taught the Quran with Tarteel, as this is how Allah revealed it. Any Tajweed mistake can change the meaning of a verse. At Mishkah Academy, we offer online Tajweed classes to help you perfect your recitation.
“Or add to it, and recite the Qur’ān with measured recitation”. (Surah Muzamil “73:3”)
11. Do Not Talk While Reading Quran
Quran recitation builds your connection with Almighty Allah. Whenever you begin to read the Quran, Satan tries to distract your mind with worldly thoughts to break that connection. Get yourself fully prepared before the Quran recitation. Sit in solitude and keep away your mobile devices or anything that might distract you.
12. Reciting Quran in a Beautiful Tone
Quran is the holy book of Islam so every single person must recite quran beautifully. The angels come from the sky to listen to the beautiful recitation. Quran was revealed in the Arabic language with the beautiful pronunciation of each word. Tajweed and Tarteel help to improve the Tilawah. Avoid a violation of Quranic Tajweed rule during the recitation of the Holy Quran and read continuously without cutting the recitation for any random reason.
13. Reading the Quran with Khushu’
The most important etiquette of reading the Quran is Khushu’. It means avoiding any distractions and connecting your heart with Allah by concentrating on the meaning of the verses and paying attention to messages given through the verses.
14. Paying Attention While Reading
Listen to the Quran with much respect, whether it is recited by any person or through audio. This is the order of the Almighty Allah.
So when the Qur’ān is recited, then listen to it and pay attention so that you may receive mercy.
15. Keeping the Quran in a Clean Place
Keep the Holy Quran in a clean and safe place after you finish the reading. keep it away from the reach of children. You can also make drawing at the high position of your wall for the Holy Quran. Who can neglect the superiority of the Holy Quran? Start your learning journey and get close to Allah through the Quran.
Conclusion
In conclusion, following proper Quran reading manners is essential for every Muslim, as it demonstrates respect for Allah’s words and strengthens our connection to the Quran. By maintaining purity, reciting with Tajweed, and showing sincerity, we approach the Quran with devotion, making it a means of deepening our spiritual understanding. At Mishkah Academy, our Quran classes for kids and all ages emphasize these etiquettes, fostering a lifelong bond with the Quran and its teachings.
