The Holy Quran is the uncreated Word of Allah Almighty. Reciting the Quran inside the sacred sanctuary of the Masjid combines the blessings of divine revelation with the sanctity of the House of Allah.
However, displaying profound physical and spiritual respect (Adab) when handling the physical Mus'haf or reciting its verses is a mandatory obligation (Wajib) upon every believer.
Based on authoritative literature published by Dawat-e-Islami in Adab-e-Deen and Tilawat ki Fazeelat, this guide details the proper etiquettes for handling, reciting, and storing the Holy Quran in the Masjid.
1. Physical Purity Requirements for Handling the Quran
Mandatory Wudu Requirement
In Hanafi jurisprudence (Fiqh), touching the printed Arabic text of the Holy Quran (Mus'haf) without Wudu is strictly Haraam (forbidden).
"None shall touch it except the purified." (Surah Al-Waqi'ah 56:79)
Check Today's Prayer Times & Local Masjids
Find accurate Azan timings, Friday Jummah schedules, and verified local masjids near you on Salah Live.
- If you do not have Wudu, you may recite memorized Quranic verses by heart, but you must NOT physically touch the Mus'haf, its cover, pages, or margins.
- Reading from Mobile Phones: If reading Quranic text on a mobile app screen without Wudu, you must avoid touching the screen area displaying the Arabic verses directly with your bare fingers.
2. Etiquettes of Handling and Holding the Mus'haf
- Hold with Both Hands: Always pick up, hold, and carry the Mus'haf with both hands using deep reverence.
- Elevated Placement: Never place the Quran directly on the carpet or floor where people walk. Always place it on a wooden bookstand (Rehal), a high shelf, or hold it in your hands.
- Do Not Place Objects on Top: Never place a notebook, mobile phone, pen, prayer beads (Tasbeeh), or glasses on top of the Mus'haf. The Quran must always remain higher than all surrounding items.
- Do Not Turn Backs Toward the Quran: Avoid sitting in a manner where your back or feet are pointed directly toward a open Mus'haf or Quran storage shelf.
3. Etiquettes of Recitation inside the Masjid
A. Silent vs Loud Recitation
[!IMPORTANT] Recite Quietly When Others Are Praying If other worshippers inside the Masjid are performing obligatory (Fard), Sunnah, or Nafl prayers, you MUST recite the Quran quietly (Aahista) so your voice does not confuse or distract their prayer. Reciting loudly enough to disrupt someone's Salah is sinful.
Check Today's Prayer Times & Local Masjids
Find accurate Azan timings, Friday Jummah schedules, and verified local masjids near you on Salah Live.
- When Loud Recitation is Permissible: You may recite aloud only when no one is praying, sleeping, or engaged in private worship nearby.
B. Sitting Posture and Direction
- Sit respectfully facing the Qiblah while reciting.
- Avoid slouching, leaning back carelessly, or stretching your legs out toward the Qiblah or Mus'haf while reading.
C. Pausing During Adhan
When the muezzin begins calling the Adhan, stop reciting the Quran immediately. Close the Mus'haf gently and listen attentively, repeating the words of the Adhan as instructed in the Sunnah.
4. Returning and Storing the Mus'haf
- Use Bookmarks: Never fold the corners of Quranic pages to mark your spot. Use a clean cloth ribbon or paper bookmark.
- Close Reverently: When finished, close the Mus'haf gently, kiss it reverently (a permissible act of devotion supported by Hanafi scholars), and touch it to your forehead.
- Return to Designated Shelves: Return the Mus'haf immediately to its proper cabinet or high shelf. Do not leave open copies unattended on the floor carpet.
Summary Checklist for Quran Recitation
[ ] Ensure full Wudu before touching the Mus'haf [ ] Carry and hold the Quran with BOTH hands reverently [ ] Place on a Rehal or elevated stand — NEVER on the floor [ ] Never place phones, pens, or items on top of the Quran [ ] Recite quietly if fellow worshippers are praying nearby [ ] Stop reciting immediately when the Adhan begins [ ] Return Mus'haf to high shelf immediately after reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to kiss the Quran after reading?
Yes! Prominent Sahabah, including Sayyiduna Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl (radiyallahu 'anhu), would hold the Mus'haf against their face and eyes, kissing it and saying: "The Book of my Lord! The Book of my Lord!" Dawat-e-Islami highlights kissing the Quran as a recommended act of love and veneration.
What should I do if a Quran page is torn or damaged?
Damaged Quran pages must be handled with utmost care. They should be wrapped in clean cloth and buried respectfully in an elevated, undisturbed plot of earth away from foot traffic, or placed in official Masjid Quran disposal collection boxes.
How does Salah Live assist Quran readers?
Salah Live provides authentic digital Quran recitations, daily verse reminders, and quiet-time Masjid alerts helping you organize your daily Quranic reading schedule seamlessly.
This guide is authored for Salah Live based on official Dawat-e-Islami literature published in Adab-e-Deen and Tilawat ki Fazeelat.
Check Today's Prayer Times & Local Masjids
Find accurate Azan timings, Friday Jummah schedules, and verified local masjids near you on Salah Live.