THE AKHLAQ OF RECITATION OF THE HOLY QUR'AN

The Holy Qur'án is a book containing the words of Alláh. It should be treated with the respect it deserves. This respect should also extend to any book, such as this manual, wherein there are verses of the Holy Qur’an.

  1. The words of the Holy Qur'án should only be touched after doing Wudhu. Alláh says:

    2. "None should touch it except the purified" (al-Wáqi`áh, 56:79)

  2. However, you may recite the words at any time, even without Wudhu. Alláh says:

    3. "Those who remember Allah (recite Qur’án), standing, sitting and reclining, and think and wonder about the creation of the heavens and the earth… " (Áli Imrán, 3:191) 

  3. Always begin the recitation with Ta`awwudh. Alláh says:

    4. "When you recite the Qur’án, seek refuge in Alláh from Shaitán, the accursed" (an-Nahl, 16:98)

    Ta`awwudh means to recite, "A'udhu Billahi minash Shaytaanir Rajeem" , which means "I seek refuge in Alláh from Shaitán the accursed.

  4. After Ta`awwudh, recite "Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim", which means, "I begin in the name of Alláh, the Beneficent, the Merciful".
  5. Even if you know the verses by heart, it is better to recite while looking at the words, as this increases the rewards many times.
  6. It is Sunnat to recite the Holy Qur'án with your head covered and while facing the Qiblah.
  7. The Holy Qur’an should be recited without rushing, in a clear manner. Alláh says:

    8. "And recite the Qur’án in a regulated tone." (al-Muzzammil, 73:4)

  8. When the Qur’an is being recited, listen attentively and do not eat or talk. Allah says:

    9. "And when the Qur’án is recited, listen to it with (full) attention, so that you may be blessed with mercy." (al-A`ráf, 7:204)

  9. Do not leave the Holy Qur'án open and unattended or in a place where it may be disrespected. Recite from it regularly and do not leave it unread on the shelf. Allah says:

    10. "And the Prophet (S) shall say, "O my Lord! Verily my people abandoned this Qur’án." (al-Furqán, 25:30) 

  10. Worn-out pages of the Holy Qur'án or paper with verses of the Holy Qur'án must not be thrown in the bin, Instead they should be recycled or buried.

 References

Holy Qur’án, Tafsír of S V Mir Ahmed Ali

The Science of Reciting the Qur’án, M Surty, Pages 30-34