The recitation of Qur'an establishes a relationship between a reciter and Allah and indicates the magnitude of what is being dealt with.
Etiquette has always been emphasized in classical Islamic learning and is said to be the key to blessings as well as acting as an indicator to the level and perfection of one's faith.
Etiquettes concerning the Qur'an have also been dealt with specifically and most poignantly by Imam Nawawi (631 – 676 A.H. / 1234–1278 CE) in "Al-Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat al-Qur'an" , (Etiquette with the Qur'an).
Purity
The four legal schools of Islam are in agreement that to approach the Qur'an when not in a state of purity is haram (forbidden).
This ruling is based on Qur'anic injunction as stated in Surah 56 (Al-Waqia) Verse's 77-79: "That (this) is indeed a noble Qur'an (77) In a Book kept hidden (78) Which none toucheth save the purified" (79).
Purity is achieved through performing of ritual ablution (Wudhu) which is also compulsory before ritual prayer Salah). Such a ruling indicates that engaging with the Qur'an is seen an experience with the divine just as Salah is intended to be.
Wudhu here is seen as "Tahara Hukhumiyya" (legal obligation) and even if the Qur'an is being recited from memory without any recourse to a physical scripture it is seen as good etiquette to perform Wudhu as it indicates a raising of standards.
Appropriate Place & Time
It is agreed as indicated in Surah 03 (Al-e-Imran) that the remembrance of Allah and in extension engaging with the Qur'an should be a constant and consistent pursuit.
"Such as remember Allah, standing, sitting and reclining and consider the creations of the heavens and the earth (and say); Our Lord! Thou createdst not this in vain. Glory be to Thee. Preserve us from the doom of fire." (190)
The Mother of Believers Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) has mentioned that from among the rights of the Qur'an is that you look at it every day.
The fixed timing of Salah is considered to be no coincidence as it allows one to get into a habit and similarly Qur'an should be afforded its own unique place in the day.
Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) are seen as times when blessings are at their most significant and are recommended as times to engage in recitation of Qur'an after performance of obligatory prayer's.
Habitual recitation is also indicated via Prophetic tradition with a narration stating that recitation of Surah 67 (Al-Mulk) every night is a saver from the punishment of the grave.
On appropriate timing and place it is also said that recitation of Qur'an should not inconvenience anybody in the surrounding vicinity and if is likely to cause problem or confrontation is to be avoided until a more appropriate situation is found.
Use of Miswaak (teeth cleaning twig made from a twig of the Salvadora persica tree)
Use of the Miswaak is reported to have many blessings.
It's use has been emphasized and encouraged as seen in the Hadith of Abu Hurayra, who reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my Ummah (nation), I would have commanded them to use the Siwaak at every time of prayer.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/299 and Muslim, 1/151).
As the mouth is the avenue through which the Qur'an is uttered, in keeping with etiquette, use of the Miswaak is encouraged. Likewise according to Imam Nawawi one should avoid recitation of Qur'an if any Najasa (impurity) is in the mouth.
Taking refuge in Allah and mentioning His name.
The Qur'an instructs the believer to take refuge in Allah.
"So when you recite the Qur’an, seek refuge with Allah from Shaytan, the outcast, Verily, he has no power over those who believe and put their trust only in their Lord. His power is only over those who obey and follow him (Shaytan), and those who join partners with Him (Allah) Surah 16 An Nahl Verse 98-100
One takes refuge from the accursed Satan so as not to become confused or arrogant in worship. Worship is not the goal the cleansing of the heart is the ultimate goal.
The scholar Ibn al Sikandaree mentions; "The prayer that does not protect you from foulness is not a prayer."
The primary utterance to fulfilling this etiquette is to recite the phrase "I take refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan."
In mentioning Allah's name one should always begin with the Bismillah "In the name of Allah the most Merciful, the Very Beneficent."
Any significant act which is not predicated by the mentioning of Allah's name is said to be devoid of blessings.
Faisal Hanif - I graduated in 2008 from the University of Leicester with Bachelor Hons in History. I have recently completed a Masters in the History of ...
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