✍ Written by: Imran Ayub Lahori
Reciting from the Qur’an by looking into the Mushaf (copy of the Qur’an) during Salah is a matter addressed in the light of authentic narrations and scholarly verdicts. The correct view is that it is permissible, though not preferable as a habitual practice.
It is narrated that the slave of Sayyidah ʿĀ’ishah رضي الله عنها used to lead her in prayer while reciting from the Mushaf.
[Bukhārī (Taʿlīqan): 1/96]
✔ Imām Abū Dāwūd narrated this with a connected chain (mawṣūl) as mentioned by Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar in:
[Fatḥ al-Bārī: 2/147]
It is authentically reported that:
The Prophet ﷺ would carry his granddaughter, Umāmah رضي الله عنها, during Salah.
[Bukhārī: 516]
✔ Based on this, if carrying a child in prayer is permissible, then holding a Mushaf to recite from is also acceptable, provided it does not disrupt khushūʿ (focus).
The Saudi Permanent Committee for Islamic Rulings has issued a fatwa:
“It is permissible to recite from the Mushaf during both obligatory (farā’iḍ) and voluntary (nawāfil) prayers.”
[Fatāwā al-Lajnah al-Dāʾimah: 6/396]
❖ It is permissible to read from the Mushaf in Salah, especially for those who have not memorized the Qur’an or are leading others in prayer (e.g., in Taraweeh).
❖ It is better and more virtuous to recite from memory, as it is closer to the Sunnah and enhances concentration.
❖ Habitually depending on the Mushaf without striving to memorize is discouraged.
❖ One should ensure that movements are minimal, and the focus of Salah is preserved.
✔ Looking into the Qur’an while reciting during Salah is permissible, supported by practice of the Salaf and scholarly consensus.
✔ However, reciting from memory remains superior, and constant reliance on the Mushaf should be avoided without necessity.
❀ Recitation from the Mushaf in Salah: Permissibility and Rulings
Reciting from the Qur’an by looking into the Mushaf (copy of the Qur’an) during Salah is a matter addressed in the light of authentic narrations and scholarly verdicts. The correct view is that it is permissible, though not preferable as a habitual practice.
① Practice of the Companion:
It is narrated that the slave of Sayyidah ʿĀ’ishah رضي الله عنها used to lead her in prayer while reciting from the Mushaf.
[Bukhārī (Taʿlīqan): 1/96]✔ Imām Abū Dāwūd narrated this with a connected chain (mawṣūl) as mentioned by Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar in:
[Fatḥ al-Bārī: 2/147]② Qiyās (Analogy) from Holding a Child in Prayer
It is authentically reported that:
The Prophet ﷺ would carry his granddaughter, Umāmah رضي الله عنها, during Salah.
[Bukhārī: 516]✔ Based on this, if carrying a child in prayer is permissible, then holding a Mushaf to recite from is also acceptable, provided it does not disrupt khushūʿ (focus).
③ Fatwa from Saudi Permanent Committee for Iftāʾ
The Saudi Permanent Committee for Islamic Rulings has issued a fatwa:
“It is permissible to recite from the Mushaf during both obligatory (farā’iḍ) and voluntary (nawāfil) prayers.”
[Fatāwā al-Lajnah al-Dāʾimah: 6/396]
Rulings and Guidelines:
❖ It is permissible to read from the Mushaf in Salah, especially for those who have not memorized the Qur’an or are leading others in prayer (e.g., in Taraweeh).
❖ It is better and more virtuous to recite from memory, as it is closer to the Sunnah and enhances concentration.
❖ Habitually depending on the Mushaf without striving to memorize is discouraged.
❖ One should ensure that movements are minimal, and the focus of Salah is preserved.
Conclusion:
✔ Looking into the Qur’an while reciting during Salah is permissible, supported by practice of the Salaf and scholarly consensus.
✔ However, reciting from memory remains superior, and constant reliance on the Mushaf should be avoided without necessity.
