Can I Read Quran During Azan? A Guide to Islamic Etiquette
The melodious sound of the Azan (or Adhan) is a profound and sacred call that resonates through Muslim communities five times a day. For many, this is a moment of spiritual transition, a pause from worldly affairs to remember Allah. It’s during this powerful moment that a common question arises for those engaged in worship: Can I read Quran during Azan?
If you find yourself in the middle of Quranic recitation when the Mu’adhdin begins the call to prayer, you might wonder if you should continue or stop. This article will provide a clear, evidence-based answer to this important question, exploring the Islamic rulings and the beautiful wisdom behind them.
The Short Answer: What Should You Do?
The majority of Islamic scholars, based on established teachings from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), state that you should stop reciting the Quran when you hear the Azan.
The recommended action is to listen to the Azan attentively, remain silent, and repeat its words after the Mu’adhdin. Your own recitation of the Quran should be paused until the Azan is completed.
The Evidence: Why Pausing is Recommended
This ruling is not merely a cultural tradition but is rooted in the Sunnah of the Prophet. Key evidence includes:
- A Direct Command to Listen: The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:“When you hear the Mu’adhdin, repeat what he says.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)This hadith provides a clear instruction for a Muslim to engage with the Azan by repeating it. It is difficult to fulfill this Sunnah properly if one is simultaneously engaged in another form of Dhikr (remembrance) like Quran recitation.
- The Superiority of the Moment: The Azan is a unique, time-bound proclamation of Tawhid (the Oneness of God) and the core tenets of faith. Scholars consider responding to the Azan as an act of worship that takes precedence over a general voluntary act of worship like individual Quran recitation at that specific moment.
- Showing Respect for the Call: The Azan is a symbol of Islam. Pausing other activities to listen to it is a way of honoring this sacred symbol and showing respect for the call to the prescribed prayer (Salah), which is the most important pillar of Islam after the Shahadah.
What You Should Be Doing During the Azan
Instead of continuing your Quran recitation, here is the Sunnah way to spend the moments of the Azan:
- Listen Silently and Attentively: Give the Azan your full attention.
- Repeat After the Mu’adhdin: Echo the words of the call, except for when he says “Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah” and “Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah.” For these, you should say “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah” (There is no power nor strength except with Allah).
- Recite the Dua After Azan: Upon the completion of the Azan, it is highly recommended to send blessings upon the Prophet (pbuh) and recite the specific supplication taught by him:“Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-d-da’watit-tammati was-salatil-qa’imati, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilata, wab’athhu maqaman mahmudan alladhi wa’adtahu.”(O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer, grant Muhammad the station of Wasilah (a high station in Paradise) and virtue, and raise him to the Praiseworthy Position which You have promised him.)
Exceptions and Nuances
While the general rule is to pause recitation, some scholars have mentioned nuances:
- If You Are in a Noisy Environment: If you are in a place where you can barely hear the Azan (e.g., with headphones on, in a loud vehicle), the obligation to listen is lessened. However, out of respect, it is still better to pause if you become aware of it.
- If You Are Praying a Obligatory Prayer: If you are already in the state of performing your Fard (obligatory) prayer when the Azan begins, you should continue your prayer without breaking it. The ruling primarily applies to voluntary acts outside of Salah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I listen to a recorded Quran during Azan?
A: The same principle applies. It is best to pause any form of Quran recitation (live or recorded) to listen and respond to the live Azan.
Q2: What if I’m teaching Quran or in a Quran class when the Azan starts?
A: In a teaching setting, the teacher should instruct the students to pause. The class can listen to the Azan, respond together, make the Dua, and then resume the lesson. This also serves as a practical lesson in Islamic etiquette for students.
Q3: Is it a sin to continue reading Quran during Azan?
A: It is not considered a major sin, but it is seen as missing out on a great reward and going against the recommended Sunnah (act) of the Prophet. It is an act of discourtesy to the sacred call.
Conclusion
So, to directly answer the question, “Can I read Quran during Azan?”—the clear and recommended Islamic practice is to pause your recitation.
The moments of the Azan are a special time for connection. By setting aside the Quran temporarily, you are not disrespecting it. Rather, you are heeding a higher call at that specific moment—the call to declare the greatness of Allah and to prepare your heart for the upcoming Salah. Embrace this beautiful Sunnah; listen, repeat the words, and make the heartfelt Dua. It is a small pause that carries immense spiritual weight and reward.
