12 Must-Know Etiquettes & Manners of Reading the Quran

The Holy Quran is not just a book; it’s the divine word of Allah, offering us unparalleled guidance and wisdom. This heavenly book is free from any doubt, making it our ultimate source of knowledge and spiritual growth. To truly benefit from its teachings, we must approach the Quran with the highest level of respect.

When you open the Quran, you are embarking on a sacred journey. There are specific manners and etiquettes to observe, which deepen your connection and enhance your experience. Keeping the Quran in an elevated position and performing Wudu before recitation are just a few of these important practices. By following these guidelines, insha’Allah, you will receive countless blessings from Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala.

Let’s explore the key etiquettes of reading the Quran in detail. Join us in understanding how to honour this divine book and maximize the blessings that come from its recitation.

Why Etiquette Matters When Reading the Quran?

The glorious Quran is a highly respected book. It is the Word of Allah Himself and He Himself has proclaimed its sanctity. Allah says in the Quran: 

بَلْ هُوَ قُرْءَانٌۭ مَّجِيدٌۭ ٢١ فِى لَوْحٍۢ مَّحْفُوظٍۭ 

Meaning: “But this is an honoured Qur’ān. [Inscribed] in a Preserved Slate.” [Surah Al Buruj: 21-22]

If we do not show respect to the Quran, then our beloved Messenger ﷺ will complain against us on the day of judgment. Allah says in the Quran: 

وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًۭا 

And the Messenger has said, “O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’ān as [a thing] abandoned.” [Surah Al Furqan: 30]

It is clear that the glorious Quran is an honoured and revered book. Thus, we must maintain the proper etiquette of reciting the Quran. 

12 Manners of Reading Quran You Should Follow

1. Making Wudu Before Recitation

The majority of scholars have unanimously agreed that before touching the Mushaf (book format of the Quran) Wudu is a must. Allah says in the Quran: 

لَّا يَمَسُّهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱلْمُطَهَّرُونَ 

Meaning: “None touch it except the purified.” [Surah Al Waqiyah: 79]

So, the first etiquette before reciting the Quran is to make Wudu. We should also keep ourselves and our surroundings tidy and clean while reading the Quran. 

2. Keep the Quran in an Elevated Position

Since the Holy Quran is a divine book from Allah, it must always be kept in an elevated position. No other books or objects should be on top of the Quran. So, make sure that while you are reciting, nothing is on top of it and it sits at a relatively high position. 

3. Dua Before Reciting the Quran

Before reciting the Noble Quran, first ask Allah for protection against Shaytan (Satan) and then start in His name. Allah says in the Quran: 

فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ فَٱسْتَعِذْ بِٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ 

Meaning: “When you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed.” [Surah An Nahl: 98]

Allah also says in the Quran: 

ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ 

Meaning: “Recite in the name of your Lord who created.” [Surah al Alaq: 1]

So, before reciting the Quran, first say:

أعوذُ بِٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ

Meaning: “I seek refuge in Allah from Satan; the accursed”

After that say: 

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

Meaning: “In the name of Allāh, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”

4. Read with Tajweed and Tarteel

Reading the Quran with Tajweed (proper pronunciation) and Tarteel (slow, measured, and melodious recitation) is an important etiquette. This is what Allah has ordered us to do. Allah says in the Quran: 

وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا 

Meaning: “and recite the Qur’ān with measured recitation.” [Surah Al Muzzammil: 4]

Thus it is vital to recite the Quran properly with Tajweed and Tarteel. Check out our blog to get tips on starting reading the Quran. 

5. While Someone Else is Reciting, Listen Attentively

While Quran is being recited, the believers must listen attentively. Allah says in the Quran: 

وَإِذَا قُرِئَ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ فَٱسْتَمِعُوا۟ لَهُۥ وَأَنصِتُوا۟ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ 

Meaning: “So when the Qur’ān is recited, then listen to it and pay attention so that you may receive mercy.” [Surah Al Araf: 204]

6. Not to Recite in a Place Where People Can’t Concentrate

When the Quran is being recited, people need to stay quiet and listen. If you recite the Quran loudly in a crowded place, people may not pay attention, which is disrespectful. It’s best to avoid reciting the Quran loudly in such places.

7. Dua After Reciting the Quran

Read the following dua after reciting the Quran:

سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، لا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ

Meaning: “Glory and praise be to you, O Allah, there is no god worthy of worship except You, I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You.” [Source]

8. Making Sujud while Reciting Particular Ayats

After reciting certain Ayats of the Quran, you need to perform Sujud. These are called Ayats of Sujud-At-Tilawat. In total, there are 15 such verses in the Quran. There is a difference of opinions among scholars on whether it is mandatory or Mustahab to perform Sujud-at-Tilawat.

9. Dua After Finishing the Entire Quran (Khatam)

Nothing specific is mentioned in the hadith about the Dua of finishing reciting the Quran. However, Anas (R) used to gather this family and make Dua to Allah when he completed the Quran. So, without specifying, one can make any Dua to Allah after finishing the Quran.

10. Contemplate on The Meaning

Allah has commanded us to contemplate on the Quran. Allah says: 

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَآ 

Meaning: “Do they not then reflect upon the Qur’ān, or are there locks upon their hearts?” [Surah Muhammad: 24]

Thus, it is important to understand what you’re reading. You can use a reliable translation for that purpose. Check out our Quran app where you can find many translations of the Quran, including word-by-word translations in different languages.  

11. Showing Emotions while Reciting

Our beloved Prophet ﷺ used to cry while reciting or listening to the Quran.  Abdullah Ibn Masud (R) Narrates: 

“Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said to me, “Recite (of the Qur’an) for me,” I said, “Shall I recite it to you although it had been revealed to you?” He said, “I like to hear (the Qur’an) from others.” So I recited Surat-an- Nisa’ till I reached: 

فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جِئْنَا مِن كُلِّ أمَّةٍ بِشَهِيدٍ وَجِئْنَا بِكَ عَلَى هَـؤُلاءِ شَهِيداً

Meaning: ‘How (will it be) then when We bring from each nation a witness, and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these people?’ [Surah An Nisa: 41]

Then he ﷺ said, “Stop!” And behold, his eyes were overflowing with tears.” [Sahih Al Bukhari: 4582]

The Sahaba (R) used to cry when they would recite or listen to the Quran. Our beloved mother Aisha (R) narrates:

أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏”‏ مُرُوا أَبَا بَكْرٍ فَلْيُصَلِّ بِالنَّاسِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ فَقَالَتْ عَائِشَةُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ إِذَا قَامَ مَقَامَكَ لَمْ يُسْمِعِ النَّاسَ مِنَ الْبُكَاءِ

Meaning: “The Prophet ﷺ said: “Order Abu Bakr  to lead the people in Salat.” ‘Aishah said: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! If Abu Bakr takes your place, the people will not be able to hear due to his crying” [Jami at Tirmidhi: 3672]

Thus, showing emotions while reciting the Quran is a good practice. You can weep while you’re reciting the ayats of punishments or descriptions of Hellfire. Rejoice when you recite the ayats of Paradise. Be attentive while reciting the commandments of Allah. This will in sha Allah gain you mercy from Allah.

12. Abstain from Reciting when Sleepy

You should not recite the Quran while you are feeling sleepy. Because you might misread the Ayats and change the meaning. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

إِذَا نَعَسَ أَحَدُكُمْ وَهُوَ يُصَلِّي فَلْيَرْقُدْ حَتَّى يَذْهَبَ عَنْهُ النَّوْمُ فَإِنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ إِذَا صَلَّى وَهُوَ يَنْعَسُ لَعَلَّهُ يَذْهَبُ يَسْتَغْفِرُ فَيَسُبَّ نَفْسَهُ

Meaning: ‘When one of you is sleepy and he is performing Salat, then let him lie down until the sleep is gone from him. For when one of you performs Salat while he is sleepy, perhaps he wants to seek forgiveness but he curses himself.’ [Jami Tirmidhi: 355]

FAQs

Q. Is it permissible to recite the Quran without Wudu on the phone?

Ans. It is permissible to recite the Quran without Wudu on the phone. 

Q. Is it permissible to recite the Quran while lying down?

Ans. It is permissible to recite the Quran while lying down. 

Conclusion

As Muslims, it’s important to show respect for the Quran. Therefore, we should learn the proper manners for reading the Quran and apply them when reading or listening to someone’s recitation. May Allah enable us to read His Words with proper respect and manners.