Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
Is eating or drinking allowed when we are listening to the Qurʿān?
Answer:
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
Listening to the Glorious Qur’ān is an act of immense virtue. It is also a prophetic practice that draws much blessings and rewards.
Respect for the word of Allāh requires that when it is being recited or played in any form, one gives it the desired attention. If one is eating and drinking whilst listening to the Qur’ān in a way that they are not oblivious to the recitation, then it is acceptable. However, in the case where one has no attention what so ever to the recitation, this would constitute disrespect and must be avoided.
“When the Qur’ān is recited, listen to it and remain silent, that mercy may be shown to you.” (Qur’ān: 7:204)
And Allāh Knows Best