Etiquettes of Touching & Reading the Quran in Arabic Written Form

The Quran, as the divine word of God, deserves utmost respect and reverence. Whether you can read Arabic at present or not, here are some essential etiquettes when engaging with the Quran in written form. The Quran in written form is called a ‘MusHaf.’ As you progress through the faith, God willing,  there may come a time when you can read the Quran in its Arabic written form from a ‘MusHaf.’ Until that time, you should read a translation in your language. You may also find translations that have the Arabic text along with the translation. All the rulings that apply to the Arabic written text of the Quran may not apply to the translations or the copies that have both the Arabic and the translations. We will note below those that are specific to the Arabic Quran in its written form, ‘MusHaf.’

It would be good to apply the general etiquette of the Arabic Quran to the translation too out of reverence. This would serve the dual purpose of strengthening your love and reverence for the Quran and also prepare you for the time when you do learn to read it in Arabic from the ‘MusHaf.’

1. Respectful Handling:

• Always treat the ‘MusHaf’ with honor and care, both in how you carry it and where you place it.
• Ensure that the ‘MusHaf’ is placed in a clean and respectful location, away from clutter or any situation where it might be inadvertently disrespected.

2. Purity Before Touching

• Before touching the ‘MusHaf,’ you should be in a state of ritual purity.
• If you are not able to be in ritual purity (such as a woman on her monthly cycle) use a glove (or something similar) to handle it with, or read from a phone or tablet.
• Note: ritual purity is not required for touching a book that has only the translation of the Quran.
• Ritual purity is not required to read from electronic devices like phones, tablets, laptops. etc.

3. Begin with Seeking Refuge

• Begin your recitation of the Quran by saying the prayer of seeking protection, ‘I seek refuge in God from Satan the accursed.’
• If it is the beginning of a chapter, say the prayer of beginning, ‘I start with the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.’

4. Calm Recitation and Thoughtful Reading

• Do not rush in your recitation of the Arabic Quran, but read calmly. Similarly, read the translation calmly and thoughtfully, reflecting on the passages.

5. Melodious Tone

• If you are at the stage where you can read the Quran in Arabic, try to recite in a melodious tone if you can.
• The Messenger Muhammad encouraged this.
• This does not apply to the reading of the translations.

6.Honoring the Quran

• Remember that the Quran is a direct communication from God. Approach it with reverence and humility.
• Whether you understand the Arabic text or not, your sincere intention matters.

May your connection with the Quran be filled with blessings and enlightenment.

*NMA offers free live Quran sessions in small groups with a teaching method specially designed for new Muslims. Please reach out to [email protected] to learn how to join these classes.