The Uttering of Words

Etiquettes and Rules of Recitation when the uttering of words:

1) To memorize one Ayah of the Quran is Fard-e-Aeen (compulsory) on every duty-bound Muslim; to memorize the entire Holy Quran is Fard-e-Kifayah (compulsory for one amongst a group); to memorize Surah Fatiha and a small Surah or something similar like three small Ayahs or one long Ayah is Wajib-e-Aeen (obligatory). (Durre Mukhtar)

2) To read the Holy Quran while looking at it is better than reading without looking at it because in this case one touches the Holy Quran, sees the Holy Quran, and reads the Holy Quran and all this is worship. (Bahar-e-Shariat)

3) To read the Holy Quran in the restroom and such places of impurity is not allowed.

4) It is prohibited to read the Holy Quran loudly for everyone together in a gathering. However, it is necessary to read it loudly enough so that one can hear what he/she is reading (if there is no other distraction like noise). (Bahare-e-Shariat). If many children recite it together in the madrassah (school), for learning purposes, it is allowed.

5) It is better to read the Quran loudly if somebody praying, sleeping, or somebody ill will not be distracted. (Gunyah)

6) If somebody is reciting the Quran incorrectly then it is Wajib (obligatory) to tell him/her unless if one fears jealousy and hate. (Gunyah)

7) To memorize the Holy Quran and then to forget it is a sin.

8) It is from the etiquettes of respecting the Holy Quran that one does not put their back towards the Quran or spread their legs towards the Quran or sit in a high place when the Quran is beneath. (Bahare Shariat)

9) During recitation reflect on what you are reading. For example, when reading about punishment, one should repent; when reading about paradise, one should rejoice and pray for it.

10) Sajdah Tilwat (The prostration of recitation): If one hears or reads the Ayat of Sajdah (prostration) he should stand with the intention of performing the prostration and saying “Allahu Akbar”, fall into prostration and recite the Tasbeeh of Sajdah at least three times. Then saying “Allahu Akbar”, one should stand up. To say Allahu Akbar both times is Sunnah. Similarly, to stand before and after the Sajdah is Mustahab. (Durre Mukhtar)

Lastly, learn how to read the Quran in the company of a Qualified Sunni Alim [and mature sisters must go to a qualified sister] who can teach them how to read as this is necessary. At times, while reciting many brothers and sisters unknowingly make mistakes in recitation which change the meaning which breaks their Salah. Likewise, send your children to Madrasahs where they may learn how to recite the Quran with correct pronunciation and Qirat. If there is no Madrasah in your town, then establish one. Knowledge of Islam leads one to love Allah and helps build a good moral character within the Muslim community.

By learning the Quran, a Muslim saves his Salah, his Imaan, and his Akhirah. Learning the Quran is not limited to just learning how to recite the Holy Book, rather, it is a life- long process of learning how to recite it and understand what the Quran says. The noble Ulema have worked hard and written volumes of Tafseer (exegesis) which consists of Ahadeeth, stories, and important points. After learning the Quran, we must practice it and spread the word into our family and community.

The uttering of words includes verses of quran like above.