Is It Permissible To Read The Quran While Lying Down
Is it permissible to read the Quran while lying down is a question frequently asked by Muslims. In this blog, we will examine the debate and reach a conclusion.
Many Islamic scholars agree that reading the Quran from a phone is acceptable while lying down, they say that physical position does not matter much if you are spiritually focused.
They also agree that it is permissible to recite the Quran while reclining as long as the person reciting it respects the sacred words of the Quran
In the light of Quran
People consider the recitation of the Quran as Dhikr (Remembrance) of Allah SWT.
Allah States in the Quran:-
“And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.”
Surah Taha (124)
Imam al-Qurtubi provided detailed comments on this verse and said
“He who (turns away) from My religion, reciting My book (al-Quran) and (turns away) from practicing what is stated in it.”
Refer Al-Jami’ li Ahkam Al-Quran, Al-Qurthubi (11/258)
Therefore it means the Recitation of the Quran is the Dhikr of Allah. Coming back to our above-mentioned question now. The Quran itself provides us with the answer. Allah SWT says in the Quran
“Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], “Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
Surah Ali ‘Imran (191)
Imam al-Nawawi argued based on this verse. While stating his own opinion he said that:-
“If a person recites the Quran while he is standing, lying on his bed or in other positions, it is permissible and he is rewarded.”
Refer Al-Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat Al-Quran, Al-Nawawi (pg. 80)
According to Sunah
The life of the Prophet (ﷺ) is a beacon of light for all Muslims. The Prophet’s(ﷺ) life has answers to almost all the questions a human mind can ask. So, Is it permissible to read the Quran while lying down, Well the sunnah has the answer to this question too.
Aisha Siddiqah, the spouse of the Prophet (ﷺ), narrates a Hadith that states:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to lean on my lap and recite the Qur’an while I was in menses.”
Bukhari 297
This tells us there is no prohibition against reading the Quran while lying down.
Fatwa
Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan said while declaring a fatwa that :
“There is nothing wrong with reading the Quran when lying down, whether one is lying on a bed or the ground. There is nothing wrong with that. A person may recite the Quran whatever position he is in, standing or sitting or reclining.” (Al-Muntaqa min Fatawa al-Fawzan)
This tells us that it is permissible to read the Quran while lying down.
Muslims viewpoint
- A user on an online forum commented that it is not just halal, but that it is even encouraged!
He Quoted a Verse from the Quran
“Once you have finished your Salāh, then, remember Allah while standing, sitting, and reclining.”
An-Nisa’ 4:103
- Another user said that he thinks it is better to be in a state of holiness whenever reciting or reading the Quran.
- A user said that he says that lying on the sides is ok, but I am not sure about lying on the back.
- Another person says that, aside from whether something is Halal or Haram, he will not lie down to read the Quran unless he is sick or tired. He feels that reading it while sitting straight shows more respect.
Faqs about whether is it permissible to read the Quran while lying down.
- Is it permissible to read the Quran while lying down?
- Yes, It is permissible. There is no specific prohibition against it. It is a flexible act of worship and can be done in various positions.
- Is there any evidence from the Quran and Hadith telling is it permissible to read the Quran while lying down?
- Yes, The verse Quran(3:191) indicates that remembering Allah (which includes reading the Quran) can be done in various positions.
Also, Bukhari 297 states that the Prophet used to recite the Quran while learning.
- Do people prefer any specific positions while reading the Quran?
- No, people do not prefer any specific positions while reading the Quran, but they generally find it more respectful to sit while reading it.
- Is it permissible to read the Quran while lying down due to health issues?
- Yes, people can lie down to read the Quran if they are ill, tired, or unable to sit comfortably.
- Can I hold the physical copy of the Quran while lying down?
- Yes, it is permissible to hold or read a physical copy of the Quran as long as you treat it with respect.
- Is there a difference between reciting the Quran and reading its translation while lying down?
- The same permissibility applies to both. The key is to maintain a respectful attitude towards the Quran.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we would say that the ruling of whether is it permissible to read the Quran while lying down or not is that it is permissible. The faith of Islam characterizes itself by simplicity and adaptability.
Although the most perfect way is to recite it while sitting, properly focused, the same way we sit in front of a teacher.