Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
What are the views of the ulema in general regarding listening to the Qur’an in situations such as: working on the compputer, while thinking about something else, or having it played in background? I understand that there is an ayah in the Qur’an where Allah swt says (paraphrasing) “Read the Quran with concentration.”
Therefore, is it disliked to listen to Qur’an in these types of circumstances? I generally listen to it while at work so that I can be close to my Lord as often as possible? Considering my intentions, what is the ruling?
Walaikum assalam,
We have been commanded to be attentive to the Qur’an if it is being recited. As such, it is not proper to listen to the Qur’an while doing something else, UNLESS one is attentive to the recitation of the Qur’an. Otherwise, it is improper. It would be best, when busy, to put on halal Islamic qasidas or nasheeds if you need to listen to something.
For more details, search the Hanafi list archive for “Qur’an listening” at http://www.SunniPath.com
Many of the righteous continue making dhikr even while working, whether on mundane tasks or tasks requiring concentration.
Wassalam,