Egypt’s Dar Al-Iftaa has settled the ongoing debate about reading the Holy Quran from a mobile phone, confirming that the reward remains the same as reading from the printed Mushaf, since what truly matters is reciting and reflecting upon the words of Allah — not the method used.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Ajmi, Secretary of Fatwa, explained that reading from the printed Mushaf carries additional blessings because it combines both recitation and contemplation, but reading from a phone is completely permissible, especially when a Mushaf is not available.
Likewise, Dr. Ahmed Wissam affirmed that there is no difference in the reward, as Allah rewards based on sincerity and understanding. He emphasized that reading from a phone does not count as neglecting the Mushaf, since true neglect means abandoning the Quran entirely.
Dr. Ahmed Mamdouh, Director of the Department of Sharia Research, also stated that reading from a phone during prayer is valid, whether in obligatory or voluntary prayers. He referenced a narration that Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was led in prayer by her servant reading from a Mushaf, which supports the permissibility of reading from written sources.
Regarding purity while reciting, Dr. Magdy Ashour clarified that one who is not in a state of ritual purity should not touch the Mushaf, but it is allowed to read from a phone without wudu, although performing ablution remains preferable out of respect for Allah’s words.
As for women in menstruation, the majority of scholars prohibit reading directly from the Mushaf, though Imam Malik allowed recitation without touching it. Scholars unanimously agree that a person in major impurity (junub) must not read the Quran until after ghusl.
Dar Al-Iftaa also noted that there are times and places when recitation is discouraged, such as during bowing and prostration, in the restroom, or while performing wudu, emphasizing that the Quran should be read in a state of mindfulness and reverence.
The institution concluded that maintaining a consistent connection with the Quran—whether through a phone or a physical copy—is what truly matters, as reward lies in devotion and reflection, not in the medium.
