Which is better, to recite Qur’aan from the Mushaf or from memory?
Praise be to Allaah.
If one is reciting Qur’aan in situations other than in prayer, then reading from the Mushaf is better, because it is more accurate and helps one to remember better. But if reciting from memory is easier and helps one to concentrate more and have better presence of mind (khushoo’), then one should recite from memory.
In prayer, however, it is better to recite from memory, because if a person recites from the Mushaf, he will be doing repeated actions such as holding the Mushaf, putting it down, turning its pages and looking at the letters. By doing so he will miss out on putting his right hand over his left hand on his chest when standing during the prayer, or spreading out his arms during rukoo’ and sujood, if he puts the Mushaf under his arm. Hence we think that it is preferable for a person who is praying to recite from memory rather than from the Mushaf.
We see some people when they pray behind the imaam, carrying the Mushaf and following the imaam’s recitation. This is something which should not be done, for the reasons we have referred to above, and because they do not need to do anything except follow the imaam.
However, if the imaam does not have such a good memory, and he says to one of the members of the congregation, “Pray behind me, and follow me (my recitation) in the Mushaf, and if I make a mistake, correct me,” then there is nothing wrong with this.
From the fataawa of Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen, al-Fataawa al-Islamiyyah, 8/4). (www.islam-qa.com)
Is it better to recite Qur’aan from memory or to read from the Mus-haf?
Is it better to recite Qur’aan from memory or to read from the Mus-haf?
Praise be to Allaah.
In prayer, it is better to recite from memory. See question no. 3465.
Outside of prayer, it is better for a person to do that which will increase his khushoo’ (humility, focus). If his khushoo’ will be increased by reciting from memory, then that is better; if his khushoo’ will be increased by reading from the Mus-haf, then that is better. If it is the same in either case, then reading from the Mus-haf is better, because it combines reading and looking, and his eyes will be protected from looking at things that may distract him from reciting and pondering the meaning.
Al-Nawawi said in al-Adhkaar (p. 90-91):
Reading Qur’aan from the Mus-haf is better than reciting from memory; this is the view of our companions and it is well known from the salaf (may Allaah be pleased with them). This does not apply in all cases however; if the reader can focus and ponder the meanings more when reciting from memory than when reading from the Mus-haf, then reciting from memory is better. If it is the same in both cases, then reading from the Mus-haf is better. This is what the salaf meant.
There are weak (da’eef) ahaadeeth narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) which cannot be used as proof that it is better to look at the Mus-haf. We mention them only to draw attention to the fact that they are weak. These include:
“Looking at the Mus-haf is an act of worship; for a child to look at his parents is an act of worship; looking at ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib is an act of worship.” This is a fabricated (mawdoo’) hadeeth, as al-Albaani said in al-Silsilah al-Da’eefah, 1/531.
“Give your eyes their share of worship: looking at the Mus-haf, thinking about it and pondering its wonders.” This is also fabricated (mawdoo’). Al-Silsilah al-Da’eefah, 4/88.
“Five things are acts of worship: eating little, sitting in the mosque, looking at the Ka’bah, looking at the Mus-haf and looking at the face of a scholar.” This is a very weak (da’eef jiddan) hadeeth. Da’eef al-Jaami’ al-Sagheer, no. 2855.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
ok lets see....i think that it really doesnt matter at all...coz the purpose is not just blind recitation, but instead, the purpose of reading Qura'n is to be with the intent of understanding it...
There are people who do not know how to read Quran, what shall they do?
Quran key sorarats per nazar dalna souwab hai
Quran recite karna aeik dousra souwab hai
Quran sunna teisra souwab hai.
So those who take quran, look at it carefully and recite a bit loud get three fold souwab; also reading or AADA EAYGEI of word wrongly is sin.So it is better to see and read.
Oral reading has souwab of memorizing, but there are chances of doing mistake. Therefore all big big scholars of islam when explain or read quran they keep the Quran infront of their eyes; to avoid possible mistake.
Also some muslim say that when one memorizes Quran it is souwab for him,HASANATS for him. But when he looks at quran verses, read it and listens it , he gets three folds souwab. Otherwise oral reading gives one fold souwab.
But if there is a folk of muslim who are UNPERH then for them listening quran is a very nice ebadat as they are doing it with their SIQ E DIL.