MANNERS WHEN READING THE QUR'AN

1. Recognize that you are holding Allah's words in your hands. Have a humble heart. (7:204)

2. If the person is in a state of major impurity and needs a Ghusl (bath), than it must be done first. (see 56:79)

3. If ablution, or ceremonial washing (Wudu) is needed, it is strongly recommended to have it.

4. It is recommended to be facing the Qiblah (direction of Mecca) when reading.

5. There should be no eating or drinking while reading Qur'an.

6. Whenever a description of judgment Day or Hell-fire is mentioned, the reader should feel scared and recognize the importance of the real event. (16:107 , 59:21)

7. If the Arabic text is being read out loud (Tilawah), the person should try pronounce it correctly as best they can. Don't be afraid to read it, however, if you can't recitate it well yet. The Blessed Prophet said the person who recites the Qur'an with difficulty will get twice the reward of the person who says it without difficulty. This is consideration of their greater effort.

8. Before reciting, the person should say, "A' oodhoo billahi min ash-Shaytanir-rajeem." "I seek Allah's protection from the rejected Satan."

9. The reader should pay more attention to understanding the meaning of the text then to merely mouthing the words. (47:24)

10. After the reading is finished, the reader should say, "Sadaqallahul owthzeem." "Allah, the Exalted, has spoken the truth."

11. Afterwards, the reader should reflect on the lessons they learned in their reading. It is reported thet the Blessed Prophet once remarked the a person's reward is increased if they understand the meaning of what they are doing. The word Tadabbur means to reflect upon something and Allah, Himself, advises us to do this when reading His Book. (47:24)

12. The best time to read Qur'an is in the early morning. (17:78)

13. Keep the Qur'an in a respectful place, but do not make it a decoration in your home that will go unread or unused.