Fatwa ID: 07628
Answered by: Maulana Ubaidur Rahman
Question:
The verse: “وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْءَانُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ، وَأَنصِتُوا”
Does this only refer to listening to someone live? Or does this include listening to a recording or YouTube video?
Because some people leave the recording on while cooking and just leave it in the background.
Similarly, some people will be playing it in their shops in the background and will be talking to the customers.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
When listening to the Quraan it should be done with complete and devoted attention. The meanings and the way the words are being recited should be pondered over and marvelled over, even if the translation is not fully understood.
When the Quraan is being recited, it should be listened to and paid close attention to attentively.
The translation of the verse is:
“So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention.”
There are many explanations to the above verse. The primary explanation and commentary is that whenever the Quraan is being recited to listen to it attentively. Also, when in prayer behind the Imam, for the followers (muqtadees) to listen and pay close attention to what the Imam is reciting. According to Imam Abu Hanifah (rh); the followers in namaaz should listen attentively and pay attention to what the Imam is reciting whether it is aloud or silently.
This is in every kind of recitation in whatever form, you should pay close attention and listen with devotion. That is the clarification of the meaning of this verse.
Only Allah knows best
Written by: Maulana Ubaidur Rahman
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
References:
Kalaam ala Masalati Simaa, Page 16, Volume 1, Maktabatus Shaamila.
7:204.
وما دعا إليه الرسول – صلى الله عليه وسلم – هو حياة القلوب، ونجاة النفوس، ونور البصائر، وما يدعو (٢) إليه مخالفوه فهو موت القلوب، وهلاك النفوس، وعَمَى البصائر.
