❀ Moderation in Recitation Volume During Salah – Prophetic Guidance ❀
Written by: Imran Ayyub Lahori◈ Balance in the Volume of Recitation During Prayer
Islam emphasizes moderation in every aspect of worship, and the volume of Qur'anic recitation during Salah is no exception. Shariah instructs us to neither recite so loudly that it disturbs others, nor so silently that even the lips are not seen moving. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has provided clear guidance in this matter.
➊ Prohibition of Loud Recitation That Disturbs Others
Reciting in a voice so loud that it disturbs other worshippers and disrupts their concentration is not permissible.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The one who prays is conversing privately with his Lord, so he should consider Whom he is conversing with. Do not raise your voice with the recitation of the Qur’an in a way that causes discomfort to your companions."
(Abū Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Bāb Rafʿ al-Ṣawt bi al-Qirāʾah fī Ṣalāt al-Layl, 2331 – authenticated by Ibn Ḥibbān and Ibn Khuzaymah)
➤ This Hadith clearly instructs that one must be mindful of others praying nearby and avoid causing disturbance through excessive loudness.
➋ Clarification on Extremely Low Recitation
On the other hand, reciting so softly that there is no visible movement of the lips is also incorrect. The recitation should be audible to oneself, even in silent prayers like Ẓuhr and ʿAṣr.
Narration of Abū Maʿmar رحمه الله:
He said: I asked Sayyidunā Khabbāb ibn al-Aratt رضي الله عنه: “Did the Messenger of Allah ﷺ recite during Ẓuhr and ʿAṣr prayers?”
He replied: “Yes.”
I asked: “How did you know?”
He said: “From the movement of his beard.”
(Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Adhān, Bāb: Man Khāfata al-Qirāʾah fī al-Ẓuhr wa al-ʿAṣr, 777)
➤ This Hadith proves that even in quiet prayers, the Prophet ﷺ's lips moved, indicating audible self-recitation, though not loud enough for others to hear.
Conclusion
✔ Shariah instructs moderation in the recitation volume during Salah.
✔ Loud recitation that disturbs fellow worshippers is prohibited.
✔ Extremely low recitation where lips do not move is also incorrect.
✔ The ideal recitation is moderate—audible to oneself, yet undisturbing to others.
