Can I read Quran in my head? this is a commen question we always hear it , we will try to give detailed answer
Many Muslims have a question regarding the equal worth of silent reading of the Quran, in their minds without pronunciation, like the real loudly audible recitation of it. Different Quran recitations, including mental and audible, are reviewed herein, the correct approach is indicated, and some misconceptions have been clarified. This will help us refine our relation with the Quran and lead a life of recitation according to the dictates of Islam.
The Act of Reciting the Quran
The Holy Quran is not a book to be read but to be recited and reflected upon. Indeed, the act of recitation the Quran itself carries immense rewards and blessings in their own right.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in relation to this, said,
“مَنْ قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ، وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا، لَا أَقُولُ: الم حَرْفٌ، وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ، وَلَامٌ حَرْفٌ، وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ”
“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will have a reward, and the reward will be multiplied by ten. I do not say that ‘Alif, Lam, Meem’ is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Meem is a letter”
This hadith explains that every letter which has been recited carries a tremendous reward, showing the importance of engaging in the Quran.
It is considered a reflection and a form of understanding as well. Allah says,
“كِتَابٌ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ”
“This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded”
This verse underlines the importance of reflecting upon the meanings and lessons of the Quran beyond mere recitation.
Reciting the Quran Out Loud
Reciting the Quran Out Loud is a virtuous thing, enriching both for the reciter and the listener. The Quran calls us to beautify it, to let our voice reflect the greatness of its words. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,
“زَيِّنُوا الْقُرْآنَ بِأَصْوَاتِكُمْ”
“Beautify the Quran with your voices”
What it means is that the Quran must be correctly recited with correct pronunciation, in a melodious tone of voice to bring out the experience and attract others towards the beauty of the Quran.
It is, however, important to bear in mind the surroundings in which the Qur’an is being recited out loud. In shared spaces, such as the masjid, one should never disturb others with his loud recitation. The Prophet ﷺ instructed
“لا يؤذين بعضكم بعضا”
“Let none of you harm the other”
. This guides us about being considerate regarding the people around us, even with regard to an act of worship.
Reciting loudly in jama’ah prayers, especially during Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha, holds high value; it is because the Imam leads the people by loud recitation whereby the people can hear each word of the Holy Quran to get the intended message across for deep reflection.
Reciting the Quran in the Mind
It is permissible to reciting the Quran in the mind, especially in situations where the verbal recitation may not be easy or decent-for example, in public places, or during diseases. It keeps him in contact with the Quran and is considered one of the means of reflecting the meanings. However, silent reading must not be confused with formal recitation that is intended for certain acts of worship.
It is here that mental recitation cannot fulfill the criteria for recitation in salah, which needs to be verbal. Verbal recitation, especially in prayer, is very important to the Prophet Muhammad because it occupies both the heart and the tongue. While mental recitation allows one to relate to the Quran on a personal level and in reflection, this should not be used in instances where the verbal kind is obligatory in worship.
Reciting the Quran Audibly
Reciting the Quran audibly would enable to engage in the correct recitation of the Holy Quran aloud in a soft voice, while listening well to the letters and their pronunciation and the rules of the tajweed. In such a way, it becomes useful not only for the reciter himself but for people in the surroundings too where he is. This may incite them to relate themselves with the Quran.
Allah says in the Quran,
“وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لِهِ وَأَنْصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ”
“So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy”
This verse again gives importance to providing due attention at the time of listening to the Holy Quran during its recitation, as this is the time when Allah’s mercy and blessings are invoked.
This science is important in Quran learning and teaching because students, besides memorizing the verses, will learn how to rightly apply the rules of tajweed in them. Besides, it could create a type of common spiritual emotion either in family or public gatherings, all united with the Quran.
The Proper Way to Recite the Quran
The proper way to recite the Quran is based on some etiquettes and regulations that are an expression of respect to its sanctity:
Purity and cleanliness
This is why wudu has been suggested before touching or reciting the Quran, as a sign of respect to the words of Allah.
Tajweed Rules
It has to be pronounced correctly. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala says,
“ورتل القرآن ترتیلا”
“And recite the Quran with measured recitation”
That is, giving full concern and attention to the pronunciation of each letter along with following the tajweed rules.
Recitation should not be hurried; one should listen to the meaning, too. Sometimes, Nabi Muhammad ﷺ would even stop at certain verses to reflect upon their meanings.
Humbleness then presence
come with an open heart before the Holy Book of Allah and ask for Allah’s guidance and mercy. Recite calmly and focused, and this excludes noise.
Holy Quran Recitation: Let the Holy Quran be kept with reverence, lying on a clean place, and not taken in a frivolous manner. Commence with
“أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ”
“I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil”
followed by “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ”
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”
Misconceptions and Clarifications Around
There are several misconceptions around Quranic recitation that need to be addressed for better understanding:
Mental Recitation in Prayer
Some believe that reading the Quran mentally during prayer is sufficient. However, verbal recitation is required in Salah, as it engages both the tongue and the heart.
Melodic Recitation as a Requirement
While it is encouraged to beautify the voice, the primary focus should be on correct pronunciation and understanding the meanings.
Completing the Quran Quickly
Rushing through the Quran for the sake of completion, especially during Ramadan, is not the ideal way. It is better to recite slowly with reflection and understanding.
Restrictions on Women During Menstruation
Women can still engage with the Quran during menstruation by reading from a digital device or reciting from memory, maintaining their connection to the Quran.
Recitation is Only for Memorization
The Quran is a guide for life, and its recitation should be accompanied by efforts to understand and apply its teachings in daily life.
Mental Recitation of the Quran During Prayers
This means that whereas mental recitation is good for reflection, it is not good enough in terms of the fulfillment of the act of recitation when it comes to Salah. Verbal recitation insisted by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ specifically for compulsory prayers such as Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha. A person who cannot do the verbal recitation because of some illness or anything else, the movement of the lips and soft whisper might achieve the requirement without nullifying its substance.
Conclusion
Spiritual acts like the recitation of the Quran may be done either loudly or silently, with each having rules of etiquettes to follow. With the above steps taken into action, inshaAllah, it would be both rewarding and meaningful recitation for the Muslims. For extended learning or in-depth understanding of the rules of Tajweed or Quran memorization, RAHIQ Academy will be offering a host of courses catering to each kind of learner’s needs Quran Memorization Course
Enroll yourself in effective memorization for achieving your goal of memorizing the Holy Quran. Online Quran Recitation Lessons Learn proper pronunciation and rules of tajweed from our professionals.
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