Fatwa's Insights - Worship
Fatwa On Imam Or Congregant Looking At The Quran Mushaf During Prayer
THE 37TH MEETING OF THE PERLIS STATE FATWA COMMITTEE / 2018
11 SEPTEMBER 2018 / 1 MUHARRAM 1440H
FATWA ON IMAM OR CONGREGANT LOOKING AT THE QURAN MUSHAF DURING PRAYER
The imam should ideally recite from memory. However, if the imam does not possess the capability of memorization and proper recitation, then it is permissible for the imam to recite the Quran by looking at the mushaf, based on the athar (narration) from Umm al-Mu'minin 'Aishah (May Allah Be Pleased With Her), who was led in prayer by her freed slave Zakwan, as found in Sahih al-Bukhari. This is only done in recommended supererogatory prayers wherein prolonged standing is encouraged. As for obligatory prayers, the imam recites Quranic verses from memory and does not burden the congregation. This is based on the hadith of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), who said to the person who prayed incorrectly:
ثُمَّ اقْرَأْ مَا تَيَسَّرَ مَعَكَ مِنَ القُرْآنِ
Translation: "...Then recite what is easy for you from the Quran..." (Narrated by Muslim 724)
At the same time, it is prohibited for congregants to alter the original state of the prayer, whether in the form of holding the mushaf or any device to view the Quranic verses being recited by the imam. This action contravenes the Sunnah, and its ruling is at minimum reprehensible (disapproved). If praying in this manner becomes habitual, it may lead to bid'ah (innovation). This is because we are commanded to follow the original state or characteristics of prayer, whether in words or actions, as demonstrated by the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
Furthermore, the original instruction is for congregants to listen to the Quranic recitation attentively and there is concern that congregants looking at the mushaf may lose their humility.
This is as Allah the Almighty says:
وَإِذَا قُرِئَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ فَٱسۡتَمِعُواْ لَهُۥ وَأَنصِتُواْ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُرۡحَمُونَ
Translation: "And when the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and be silent, so that you may receive mercy." (al-A'raf: 204)