Q. Are we allowed to listen to the Tilaawat of Quran whilst cooking in the kitchen or whilst studying?
A. When the Quraan is being recited, it is Waajib (compulsory) to listen attentively to the recitation of the Quran. Attentive listening refers to the undivided attention given to the recitation of the Quran.
When one is busy in the kitchen (cooking, baking etc.) and the Quran is being recited through any medium, radio, cd etc. and one is also listening attentively to the Quran and the cooking etc. is not obstructing the listening of the Quran, then attentive listening is found and it would be permissible to listen to Quran at that time.
On the other hand, if the Quran is being recited whilst studying, then attentive listening is not found as in studying the mind is consumed in reading and understanding. In that case, one cannot give undivided attention to the reciting of the Quran and it will not be permissible to listen to Quran at that time.
Also keep in mind that it is disrespectful to listen to the Quran as a secondary option and to simply past time.
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa