The Quran is Allah’s word delivered in an authoritative but compassionate voice to be read and thought upon. It can be seen as a message from our Creator, the Sustainer, and Loving Protector. Is there a specific way for us to recite it?
For example, do I have to read the Quran out loud? No, you don’t have to read the Quran out loud. You can read the Quran without moving lips. However, it’s better to whisper it to yourself. As long as you concentrate on what you’re reading, it’s okay to read silently or quietly.
Keep reading to know more about this subject matter and some Quranic and Prophetic evidence to support it.
Is It Okay to Read the Quran Silently?
So, is it okay to read the Quran silently? Yes, it’s okay to read the Quran silently. You can recite it silently or aloud. However, it’s advisable to move your tongue or lips at least and be able to listen to your voice. Allah SWT knows if you’re too tired to move your lips or there are some people around that you don’t want to annoy.
The recitation of the Quran is a kind of Allah-remembrance that can be done loudly or silently. As a result, the Quran can be recited softly or relatively loudly, as there is no difference. However, it’s better if you make some effort to whisper it to yourself.
Allah SWT said in the Quran:
“And do not recite [too] loudly in your prayer or [too] quietly but seek between that a [intermediate] way”
(Surah al-Isra)
There is no clear proof in the Quran or Sunnah that there is a distinction between reciting the Quran aloud and silently reading it (or even listening to it). As a result, the reward is mostly determined by a person’s commitment and the amount of time they devote to it, rather than by the technique.
When there are other people in the room or the mosque, it is sometimes preferable to read it silently. It’s preferable not to bother people. However, if you want people to listen to you, read it aloud in a melodic and attractive way.
What Is the Proper Way to Read the Quran?
Before the person recites the Quran, they should be familiar with the manners of reading the Quran, as we’re supposed to respect and honor it as much as we can. Some of these manners include:
Recite with reflection and understanding
To understand the meaning and purpose of the act of the Quran, one should recite it while pondering about and contemplating its meaning, with due respect and attention to detail.
Honor and respect
He should recite it in the most dignified, respectable, and honorable manner possible.
Slow recitation
He should recite the Quran calmly and not rush through it. He should not be able to recite it in fewer than three nights. According to the Prophet (PBUH):
“Whoever recites the Quran in less than three nights did not understand it”
(At-Tirmidhi)
Recite with humility
While reciting the Quran, one must be humble and fearful of Allah. He should show grief and grief, or at least try to cry if he is unable to cry. According to the Prophet:
“Recite the Quran and weep. If you cannot weep, then try to make yourself weep.”
(Ibn Majah)
Recite in private
If he is concerned that he will be reciting just for show or notoriety, or if he will disturb others who are praying, he should recite in solitude. According to the Prophet:
“The one who recites the Quran aloud is like one who publicly gives charity.”
It is well understood that it is preferable to donate charity anonymously unless there is some value to doing so openly, such as encouraging others to follow one’s example. The same may be said about reciting the Quran.
Recite with a beautiful voice
While reading the Quran, one should also try to improve the quality of his voice. According to the Prophet:
“Beautify the Quran by your voices.”
(Ahmad)
In other Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“He is not one of us who does not make his voice beautiful with the Quran.”
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
“Allah has not permitted anything like He has permitted a Prophet to recite the Quran in a good voice.”
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Strive to have good characteristics
A person should try to have the traits that are distinctive of Allah’s people and His special people.
Can you read the Quran in your head?
Yes, you can read the Quran in your head. However, this is not considered a recitation. You can look at the Mushaf and read silently to ponder and reflect on what’s written, or you can whisper the words to yourself. Either way, it’s better and more rewarding than reading it in your mind.
There is nothing preventing one from gazing into the Quran without physically reading it to ponder, seriously consider, and fully comprehend the meanings, but such a person is not considered a “reader.”
To have actually ‘read’ the Quran and does not obtain the virtue of actually reading except if he utters the words and physically reads the Quran, even if those around him cannot hear. This is due to the statement of the prophet (PBUH):
“Read the Quran for indeed it will come as an Intercessor for its companions on the Day of Judgement”
(Muslim)
What to say after reading Quran?
Here’s the Dua that you should say after reciting the Quran, Imam al-Sadiq (May Allah Be Pleased with Him) used to say the following supplication:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي قَدْ قَرَأْتُ مَا قَضَيْتَ مِنْ كِتَابِكَ الَّذِي أَنْزَلْتَهُ عَلَى نَبِيِّكَ الصَّادِقِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ فَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ رَبَّنَا
O Allah I have recited that which Thou commands from Thy Book Thou revealed to Thy truthful Prophet, blessings of Allah be on him and on his children. (All) praise be to our Lord.
allahumma inni qad qara’tu ma qadayta min kitabika alladhy anzaltahu ala nabiyyIka assidiqi salla allahu ‘alayhi wa alihi falaka alhamdu rabbana
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِمَّنْ يُحِلُّ حَلاَلَهُ وَ يُحَرِّمُ حَرَامَهُ وَ يُؤْمِنُ بِمُحْكَمِهِ وَ مُتَشَابِهِهِ
O Allah let me be one of those who take to the lawful and keep from the unlawful, accept and show submission to its clear as well as similar commands,
allahumma aj alni mimman yuhill halaalah w yuharrim haramah w yumin bimuhkamih w mutashabihih
وَ اجْعَلْهُ لِي أُنْساً فِي قَبْرِي وَ أُنْساً فِي حَشْرِي
let (this recitation) be my companion in my grave and at the time of Resurrection,
allahumma aj’alny mimmn yuhillu halalahu wa yuharrimu haramahu wa yu’minu bimuhkamihi wa mutashabihihi waj’alhu li ’unsan fi qabri wa ’unsan fi hashri
وَ اجْعَلْنِي مِمَّنْ تُرْقِيهِ (تُرَقِّيهِ) بِكُلِّ آيَةٍ قَرَأَهَا دَرَجَةً فِي أَعْلَى عِلِّيِّينَ آمِينَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ
and let me be one of those whom Thou shall raise and exalt, on account of this recitation, on the highest pedestal in the Paradise. Be it so O the Lord of the worlds.
waj’alny mimman turaqqihi bikulli aiyatin qara-aha darajatan fi a’la ‘illiyyina amina rabba al’alamina
