Salaam brother, could you please tell me if reading quran without moving the lips is permissible? (while reading on my own at fajar time etc) Is it the same or does it give less sawaab etc? please enlighten me! Jazaak Allah
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
The answer to your question will be look at in two angles, firstly, we will discuss recitation of the Holy Qur’an in salah and secondly recitation outside salah. Starting with the former there are two opinions in the Hanafi Fiqh of what is considered the minimal recitation.
One opinion is that one must able to hear oneself when reading. (See Maraqi Falah P.93) and the second view is that one’s recitation will be deemed valid as long as one moves one’s tongue and lips even though no sound is being produced and one is not even able to hear it oneself. (Ahsraful Idaah P.112)
However, reading in your mind in salah is invalid and one’s salah will not be done. (Ibid)
With regards to the second angle, the rewards laid down in the Sunnah for reciting the Quran are based on oral recitation.
The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said: “Whoever recites the Holy Quran well and clearly is equal in rank to the Angels who record creations deeds. These Angels are gracious, honourable and of lofty rank. He who finds difficulty in reciting the Holy Qur’an will obtain double reward. (Sunan Tirmizi p.118 v.2)
In another hadith the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said: “A person who recites one letter of the Holy Qur’an, obtains one virtue each virtue multiplies to ten virtues. I am not saying Alif Laam Meem is one letter, but Alif is one letter, Laam is one letter and Meem is one letter.” (Sunan Tirmizi p.119 v.2)
In regards to your question, Allah (SWA) may reward you for the recitation of the Holy Quran in your mind; however, the virtues from the hadith are based on oral recitation with the moving of your lips is necessary even though no sound is being created.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.
