Approaching the Quran with the right mindset and etiquette is crucial to fully benefit from its guidance and spiritual wisdom. Whether you are a new reader or someone who has been reciting the Quran for years, it is important to know what to say before reading Quran and how to prepare yourself for this sacred act. This comprehensive guide, reviewed and refined based on expert suggestions, outlines the recommended supplications (du’as) and etiquettes to observe before, during, and after Quranic recitation.
What to Say Before Reading Quran?
Before starting the recitation of the Quran, it is recommended to recite specific supplications to seek protection and blessings from Allah ﷻ. These practices help create a focused and sincere atmosphere for the recitation.
Seek Refuge in Allah from Shaytan
It is essential to seek protection from Shaytan (Satan) to prevent distractions during recitation.
The Quran instructs us:
“فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْآنَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ”
“So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil”
(Surah An-Nahl, 16:98)
Recite:
“أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ”
“A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim”(“I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil”)
This phrase helps protect the reader from negative influences and distractions, enabling a more sincere and focused recitation.
Begin with Bismillah
It is customary to start the recitation with the Basmalah:
“بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ”
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”
(Surah Al-Fatihah, 1:1)
The Basmalah is a declaration of intent to recite in the name of Allah, seeking His blessings and mercy. This is particularly important as it aligns the reader’s purpose with the divine will, ensuring that the recitation is done with sincerity and devotion.
Additional Du’as for Guidance
Apart from the above, there are additional du’as that can be recited to seek understanding and blessings:
“اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا”
“O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me what will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge”
This du’a reflects the reader’s intention to gain beneficial knowledge and spiritual growth through the recitation of the Quran.
What to Say After Reading Quran?
Concluding the recitation of the Quran with supplications is a meaningful way to express gratitude and seek blessings. Here are some recommended du’as:
Dua for Acceptance and Guidance
“اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلِ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي وَنُورَ صَدْرِي وَجَلَاءَ حُزْنِي وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي”
“O Allah, make the Quran the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the dispeller of my sorrow, and the remover of my worry”
This supplication is a beautiful prayer that asks Allah ﷻ to make the Quran a source of peace, comfort, and guidance in life.
Dua for a Blessed Recitation
“اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنْ مَنْ يَتْلُوهُ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِ وَارْزُقْنِي تِلَاوَتَهُ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَاجْعَلْهُ حُجَّةً لِي يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ”
“O Allah, make me among those who recite it in a manner that is worthy of it. Provide for me the recitation of it in the day and the night, and make it a proof for me, O Lord of the worlds.”
This du’a seeks consistency in recitation and requests that the Quran becomes a source of guidance and a witness for the reader on the Day of Judgment.
What Duas to Read Before Reading the Quran?
There are no specific obligatory du’as to be recited before starting the Quran, but certain supplications can enrich the recitation experience:
Dua for Beneficial Knowledge
“اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا”
“O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me what will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge”
This du’a is ideal for those who seek to gain a deeper understanding and practical application of the Quranic teachings.
Dua for Peace and Comfort
“اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلِ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي وَنُورَ صَدْرِي وَجَلَاءَ حُزْنِي وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي”
“O Allah, make the Quran the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the dispeller of my sorrow, and the remover of my worry.”
This prayer asks for the Quran to be a source of comfort and guidance, particularly during difficult times.
Should I make Wudu before reading the Quran?
Performing wudu (ablution) before reading the Quran is a recommended practice, although it is obligatory only in certain situations:
Touching the Physical Mushaf
It is necessary to be in a state of wudu when touching the Quran in its physical form. The Quran states:
“لَا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ”
“None touch it except the purified”
(Surah Al-Waqi’ah, 56:79)
This emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual purity when handling the sacred text.
Reciting from Memory or Digital Devices
While wudu is not obligatory when reading from memory or a digital device, it is highly recommended. Being in a state of purity shows respect for the words of Allah ﷻ and helps create a spiritual atmosphere.
What Do You Do Before Reading the Quran?
To prepare for the recitation, it is important to follow certain etiquettes that reflect respect and readiness:
Perform Wudu
Ensure that you are in a state of both physical and spiritual purity. Wudu is necessary for handling the physical mushaf, and recommended for digital or memory recitation.
Choose a Clean and Quiet Place
Find a peaceful environment free from distractions to help you focus on the recitation.
Face the Qiblah
Although not obligatory, facing the Qiblah shows a sense of reverence and respect during the recitation.
Set a Sincere Intention
Approach the Quran with the intention of seeking guidance, understanding, and spiritual growth. This ensures that the recitation is meaningful and transformative.
Reflect and Contemplate
Take a moment to clear your mind and focus on the meanings of the verses, allowing the words of Allah to resonate deeply within your heart.
Conclusion
Approaching the Quran with the proper etiquette, mindset, and supplications enhances the spiritual experience of recitation. By preparing oneself with the recommended du’as and following the etiquettes, believers can connect more deeply with the divine message, gaining guidance and inspiration for their lives.
At RAHIQ Academy, we are dedicated to helping you strengthen your relationship with the Quran through our specialized courses:
- Online Fiqh Course: Understand the essential principles of Islamic jurisprudence and apply them confidently in your daily life.
- Online Quran Recitation Classes: Enhance your recitation skills with personalized guidance from our experienced instructors.
- Quran Tajweed Course: Learn the rules of Tajweed to improve your pronunciation and deepen your connection with the Quran.
Join us at RAHIQ Academy to elevate your Quranic journey and gain a deeper understanding of this divine revelation. May Allah ﷻ guide us all to approach the Quran with sincerity, understanding, and reverence. Ameen.
