Question
(#054)
Asalam wa alikum Mufti Saab.
Alhumdulliah I have started reading a lot of quran but I am not a very good reciter. So listening to some of the common surah over and over again helps me read better. Also I want to hifz some of the Surahs so I have been playing these surahs in car, home, etc a lot to help me memorize.
I would like to take every opportunity that is available to me and utilise it the best way I can as due to other commitments I dont get much time just sit down and read/listen Quran. I have started to listen to Surah that I want to memorise at work while working. My intention is not to have it as a background sound (noise/music) but to help me memorise as I do repeat after the reciter. However, there are at times where I do get distracted for a short while (phone or someone asks something).
Is it OK to keep doing what I am doing to help memorize or I should stop due to the fact that I can get distracted for a short while working and that might not be acceptable?
Also this can be similar to people listening to Quran while driving alone.
Please help me clear this confusion and practice the right away.
Jazakallah.
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaram
We received your e-mail dated 18th October 2012 regarding the playing of Qur’anic recordings in ones working place. Our response is as follows:
1) Mashalah, it is very pleasing to hear that Allah Ta’ala has blessed you with love for the Noble Qur’aan. May Allah Ta’ala increase your connection and ease your memorization of the Noble Qur’an.
Regarding Qur’anic recordings, one should bear in mind that Qur’anic recordings should not be played in public places, shops, buses, e.t.c. as the etiquettes and respect of the Qur’an dictate us to show utmost respect to the recitation of the Qur’an by listening attentively. Such a situation should not be created where people can hear the Qur’an being recited but can not listen attentively because they are occupied in other works. It is indeed a great source of deprivation and very improper to engage in speech and other works while the Qur’an is being recited and such disrespect to the Qur’an will surely deserve Allah (Ta’ala)’s anger.
Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur’an:
وإذا قرأ القران فاستمعوا له وأنصتوا لعلكم تفلحون
And when the Quraan is recited, listen to it attentively and be silent.
There is difference of opinion about the circumstances surrounding the revelation of the above verse but according to many commentators the correct position is that the Hukm (order) of listening attentively to the Qur’an and being silent in the above verse is general. Therefore, except in a few situations, this Hukm (order) will be applicable to all conditions whether the situation is a Khutbah or Salaat, or while travelling in a car e.t.c. It is mentioned in Khulasatul Fatawa and other juristic works that it is not permissible for the Qur’an to be recited (played) in a loud manner where people are busy doing their chores or are resting. They have also said that anyone who recites the Qur’an in a loud voice in such surroundings shall be a sinner.
For this reason, we advise that one should rather try ones best to stipulate some time and listen to the Noble Qur’an with ones complete attention and not while one is busy with other works. In this way one will benefit even more due to the respect displayed to the Noble Qur’an. If a person puts his mind to it, then he will be able to spare some time exclusively for the Noble Qur’an. Specify a time and try your best to complete your daily recital. For example, one can try to come to the Masjid a few minutes earlier and recite a few pages of the Noble Qur’an, before one retires to bed or perhaps before Fajr at the time of Tahajjud. Many great personalities, leaders and kings would recite large amounts of the Noble Qur’an despite their extensive responsibilities. All is required is time management and determination, together with Dua that Allah Ta’ala grants us Barakah (blessings) in our time.
May Allâh Ta’aala grant us all the ability to do good. Ameen
(Ref:Raddul Muhtaar- 546/1 Saeed- Fatawa Usmani: 189/1, Fatawa Mahmoodia: 552/3 also Farooqiya Jadeed- 266/21 also refer to the footnotes of Fataawa Mahmoodiya Faaroqiya Jadeed 267/21, Fatawa Alamghir: 316/5, Ahkaam ul Quraan: 39/3, Anwaarul Bayan, Ma’aarif ul Quraan)
AND ALLAH (TA’ALA) KNOWS BEST
Muhammad Irshad Motara
2nd Zul Qa’dah 1433
19th October 2012
