Fatwa ID: 03124

Answered by: Alimah Sumeyye Sofu

Question

In Islam, why is the Quran in prayers like Fajr, Maghrib and Esha read loudly whilst in Dhuhr and Asr Qur'an is read silently?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

In the beginning, all the prayers were read loudly. This would infuriate the non-believers who then, in turn, would torture the Muslims. Allah tala then revealed the ayah: “Don’t recite too loudly in your prayer.” (Sura Israa 110.) 

The Muslims began reading silently at Dhuhr and Asr. Because the non-believers were ready to torture at that time, so their being silent would not disturb them. Magrib salah was read loudly as the non-believers were preoccupied with eating and drinking during that time. Also during isha and fajr, the non-Muslim would sleep, so those two prayers were also possible for Muslims to read loudly at these times.

The reasons are not here anymore, but the rulings are still the same. (Hashiya Of Quduri 104 Maktabatul Bushra – Fathul Mueen)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Alimah Sumeyye Sofu

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham