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Reading Quran on computer

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Fatwa.org.au
Is it permissible to read the QURAN on the computer (internet / PDF versions)? Will I get the same reward as reading it directly from the HARD VERSION OF OUR HOLY QURAN ? Is it permissible to hear the mp3 version of SURAH’s which helps me memorize them easily with tajweed? Should I have to be in state of WUDU before reading / hearing them on the computer ? Jazakallahu khairan.

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

In principle, wudu is not required to listen to or to read the Quran. Wudu is, however, a requirement to touch the Quran, unless there is a barrier such as a cloth that is wrapped around it. One is not required to have wudu in order to touch a computer screen displaying the Quran as the screen acts as a barrier.

One may make use of listening to the Quran from a mp3 player,a cd player etc. as an aid in learning Tajweed rules and in memorizing the Quran. However, they can never be a substitute for a teacher.

One gets equal rewards for the recitation of the Quran whether it is done by looking at the Mus-haf (hard copy of the Quran) or by looking at the computer screen on which the Quran is displayed. However, one is able to achieve more reverence, humility, devotion and concentration if the Quran is recited by sitting on the floor, facing the Qiblah, freeing oneself of all distractions (including the computer) and following all other etiquettes of reciting the Quran. 

مطلب مس المصحف ( وأما ) الثاني وهو بيان حكم الحدث فللحدث أحكام وهي أن لا يجوز للمحدث أداء الصلاة لفقد شرط جوازها وهو الوضوء قال صلى الله عليه وسلم { لا صلاة إلا بوضوء } ولا مس المصحف من غير غلاف عندنا – بدائع الصنائع ، كتاب الطهارة

A passage of Faza’il-e-Quran by Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Zakariya (Rahmatullahi Alaihi.) regarding etiquettes of reciting the Quran is quoted below for the benefit of the readers:

The Masha’ikh have mentioned six external and six internal rules of reverence for reading the Holy Qur’an, which are given below:

Rules of External Reverence

(1) Perform wudu and then sit facing the qiblah in an extremely dignified manner.

(2) Do not proceed fast, but read with measure and correct pronunciation.

(3) Try to weep, even if you have to compel yourself to do so.

(4) The response to ayaat of mercy or punishment should be as explained above.

(5) Reading should be in a low voice, if insincerity is apprehended on your own part or disturbance is caused to others. Otherwise read in a loud voice.

(6) Read in a melodious voice, because there are numerous ahaadith laying emphasis on this.

Rules of Internal Reverence

(1) The heart should be full of the glory of Quran i.e. realizing how sublime it is.

(2) Bear in the heart the Loftiness, Majesty and Magnificence of Almighty Allah, Whose Revelation the Quran is.

(3) The heart should be free from distraction and doubts.

(4) Dwell upon the meanings and enjoy reading it

(5) Submit your heart to the subject-matter of the verses you are reading. For instance, on ayaat containing a message of mercy, the heart should be filled with delight. And on ayaat of chastisement, the heart should tremble with awe.

(6) The ears should be made as attentive as if Almighty Allah Himself is speaking and the reader is listening to Him.

May Allah, out of His mercy and kindness, grant all of us the ability to read the Quran according to these rules of reverence. (Ameen)

(Faza’il-e-Quran pg. 14-15)

And Allah knows best.

Mufti Faizal Riza

This answer was collected from Fatwa.org.au, which is connected to Darul Ifta Australia, based in Melbourne, Australia.
It is operated by Mufti Faizal Riza, a student of Mufti Ebrahim Desai from South Africa.

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