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Quraan Khatams Using Whatsapp

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Darulifta Azaadville

Question:

Our community or people of the community have started Quraan Khitams using whatsapp. People choose a para and then on whatsapp update the community etc once done. We have also noticed that many families are doing khatams in this way. What is the ruling on this?

Answer:

Commonly for Isaal Thawaab people are found doing Qur’aan Khatams collectively in groups . There are two aspects which we would like to address. The first regarding doing Qur’aan Khatams collectively in groups and the second regarding doing Qur’aan Khatams on social media such as WhatsApp etc.

 

1. With regard to the ruling pertaining to the first point of reciting Qur’aan Khatams collectively in groups:

It is permissible to recite Qur’aan and convey the reward to the deceased as it will be of benefit to them . However, it should be kept in mind that it was not a practice during the time of the Sahaba Radiyallahu Anhum for individuals to select Ajzaa (portions) and collectively make a Khatam of the Holy Qur’aan. Hence, this should not be considered as a Sunnah practice nor should it be considered necessary. The preferable way would be for one to individually recite whatever amount is within one’s capacity and then convey the reward to the deceased.  Also special rewards are in place for a person who does a khatam himself which people are being deprived of reading only sporadic paras here and there.

2. With regard to collective Qur’aan Khatams on social media such as WhatsApp etc:

Fundamentally, using WhatsApp and other social platforms for noble causes is permissible provided one abstains from indulging in Haraam. However, Qur’aan khatams on social media groups such as WhatsApp and telegram comes with its harms. Even though they are initiated with good and sincere intentions very often they go against the desired objective which is for one to honestly, sincerely and out of one’s free will recite the Holy Qur’aan for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. The following harms are frequently found:

a. Members of the group feel obliged to participate as by not participating they feel like the odd one out from the entire group.

b. There is a fear of the element of show as each participant wishes to show the others his spirit of dedication and commitment.

c. In the case where any participant does not complete his portion, he feels ashamed to inform the others as he feels that he might be ridiculed or looked down at. This will perhaps even lead him to speak a lie to cover his shame.

d. At times there are interactions with Non-Mahrams.

 

In general, this method goes against the very spirit of Ibaadat. The dictates of Nafl Ibaadat is that it should be done out of one’s free will and choice, with complete sincerity and devotion and without restrictions and conditions such as completing a certain amount by a certain time, etc.

 

Therefore, we discourage WhatsApp group Khatams and at the same time we encourage individual recitation of the Qur’an. Maybe if a group is created for encouraging each other to recite Qur’an and to mention Ahaadeeth and anecdotes on love for the Qur’an, it will serve the original purpose.

We conclude by saying that even if the suggested method is adopted, then too, the ultimate and ideal would be for each person to recite the Holy Qur’aan on his own accord instead of joining a WhatsApp group Khatam, , as there is more sincerity in doing so. 

Checked and Approved By:

Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.

This answer was collected from the official Ifta website of Darul Uloom Azaadville, South Africa. Most of the answers are checked and approved by Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.

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