Etiquettes of Reciting the Noble Qur’an

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) compared the one who studies the Qur’an and is accustomed to reciting it—whether by looking at the Mus'haf or from memory—to a person with camels tied from their knees with a rope. If he keeps them tied, he will keep hold of them, but if he unties them, they will run away and escape. Similarly, when the companion of the Qur’an recites it, he remembers it, and if he neglects it, he forgets it. As long as the connection is regularly maintained, the memorization remains intact.

1. Encouraging regularly maintaining the connection with the Qur’an and reciting it, and being cautious against exposing it to forgetfulness.
2. Constantly reciting the Qur’an humbles the tongue and makes its recitation easier. However, if it is neglected, recitation becomes difficult and burdensome.
3. Al-Qādi said: The meaning of "the companion of the Qur’an" is: the one who is familiar with it. Companionship: being familiar with. This is the same as saying: So-and-so is the companion of so-and-so or referring to the "companions of Paradise" and the "companions of Hellfire."
4. Using examples is one of the methods of Da‘wah (calling people to Islam).
5. Ibn Hajar said: He mentioned camels specifically because they are the most difficult domestic animals to tame. It is challenging to regain control over them once they have become accustomed to their freedom.

صحيح البخاري (6/ 193) (5031). صحيح مسلم (1/ 543) (789). شرح صحيح مسلم، للنووي (6/ 77). فيض القدير شرح الجامع الصغير، لعبدالرؤوف المناوي (3/ 3). كنوز رياض الصالحين، لمجموعة من الباحثين (13/ 12).

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed out that one who recites the Qur’an openly is like one who gives charity openly, and one who recites the Qur’an secretly is like one who gives charity secretly.

1. Reciting the Qur’an secretly is better, just as giving charity secretly is better, for the sincerity involved and the avoidance of show-off and self-admiration, unless if openness is required for some need or benefit, like teaching the Qur’an to others.

سنن أبي داود (2/ 494) (1333)، سنن الترمذي (5/ 40) (2919)، سنن النسائي (5/ 80) (2561)، الكاشف عن حقائق السُّنن (5/1688)، شرح أبي داود للعيني (5/238)، تحفة الأحوذي (8/ 191)، التنوير في شرح الجامع الصغير (5/286).

The Prophet (ﷺ) was staying in seclusion inside a tent within his mosque, seeking closeness to Allah. He (ﷺ) heard his Companions reciting the Qur’an aloud with such loud voices that they were disturbing one another. So he uncovered the curtain of his tent and reproached those who were doing that, saying: All of you are conversing privately with your Lord through your recitation of the Qur’an. Therefore, do not harm one another, and let none of you raise his voice above another in recitation or in prayer.

1. The prohibition of raising one's voice while reciting the Qur’an if it causes harm or disturbance to others.
2. The Prophet (ﷺ) taught his Companions the proper manners of reciting the Qur’an.

سنن أبي داود (2/ 494) (1332). شرح سنن أبي داود للعباد (162/ 18). شرح أبي داود للعيني (5/238). شرح سنن ابي داود لابن رسلان (6/515). ذخيرة العقبى (11/669).