Question
Are there any etiquettes for handling and holding the Quran, or just general etiquettes?
Answer
Before commencing Tilaawat:
1. Perform Wudhu and take a bath if compulsory. It is prohibited to touch the Qur’aan without Wudhu and in the state of Janaabah/impurity.
2. Use a Miswaak and ensure that the mouth is thoroughly cleansed of any strong or offensive smell such as garlic, raw onion and cigarettes.
3. Sit in a secluded place facing the Qibla in an extremely dignified manner. One should not sit in a disrespectful manner whilst reciting the Qur’aan.
4. The Qur’aan must be placed on an elevated position such as a Qur’aan stand, desk or pillow. Do not place the Qur’aan on the floor, carpet or the Mimber or any place on which people stand and sit.
5. The use of I’tr permissible fragrance) is recommended before recital. When commencing Tilaawat and during Tilaawat:
a. Seek only Allah’s Ta’aala Pleasure and not any worldly gain.
b. Begin with A’aadhu billaah and Bismillaah.
c. Recite the Qur’aan with complete attention, humbleness and in a dignified manner.
5. Read at a moderate pace with Tajweed (according to the rules of recitation).
6. Recite in a melodious voice because it has been emphasized in many Ahaadeeth.
7. Ask for Allah’s Ta’aala mercy when reciting a verse describing Allah’s Ta’aala mercy and seek Allah’s Ta’aala protection when reciting a verse which depicts the punishment of Allah Ta’aala.
8. Try to shed tears while reciting, even if one has to compel oneself to do so.
8. One should not indulge in any worldly talks during Tilaawat.
9. Do not place any other book, Kitaab or object (hat, cap, turban, spectacles, etc.) on the Qur’aan before, during or after recital.
10. Do not face your back towards the Qur’aan and do not sit with the Qur’aan in such a position that it faces somebody else’s back.
11. If one feels tired and begins to yawn then one should only continue after having rested.