Questions about the etiquette of reading the Quran and remembering God are common, including whether a person may read the Quran while lying on a bed or while lying on their stomach.
Another common question concerns whether it is appropriate to repeat dhikr and tasbih quickly, especially when someone is trying to complete a specific number of repetitions.
Dr. Magdy Ashour, former adviser to the Grand Mufti, and Sheikh Mahmoud Shalaby, an Islamic legal secretary, addressed these questions and explained the relevant etiquette.
Is It Permissible to Read the Quran While Lying on a Bed?
Dr. Magdy Ashour explained that reading the Quran while lying on a bed is permissible and is not prohibited.
He referred to the Quranic verse:
“Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides.” [Quran 3:191]
He also explained that Quran recitation has its own etiquette because the reader is engaging in worship and communicating with God through His Book.
What Is Preferable When Reading the Quran?
Ashour explained that it is preferable for a person to sit while reading the Quran, face the direction of the Qiblah, be in a state of ritual purity, and maintain humility and attentiveness.
Nevertheless, sitting is not a condition for the permissibility of Quran recitation. A person may read while lying on a bed.
Ruling on Reading the Quran While Lying on the Stomach
Regarding reading the Quran while lying on one's stomach, Dr. Magdy Ashour explained that doing so is not prohibited and that being on a bed does not prevent a person from reading the Quran.
He cited the Quranic description:
“Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth...” [Quran 3:191]
He also noted that sleeping on the stomach for men is not considered recommended, based on prophetic guidance. However, this does not make Quran recitation while on a bed prohibited.
What Matters When Reading the Quran in Bed?
Ashour emphasized that what matters is maintaining respect for the Quran and avoiding any attitude that could be considered disrespectful toward the Book of God.
Ruling on Repeating Dhikr and Tasbih Quickly
Regarding repeating dhikr and tasbih quickly, Sheikh Mahmoud Shalaby explained that remembrance of God should involve humility and presence of heart so that the person can experience its spiritual meaning and tranquility.
The purpose of dhikr is not limited to the movement of the tongue. It also involves the heart being attentive and connected to God.
Does Reciting Tasbih Quickly Affect Dhikr?
Trying to complete a large number of repetitions quickly should not come at the expense of humility and attentiveness.
Shalaby cited the Quranic verse:
“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith, and upon their Lord they rely.” [Quran 8:2]
He also cited:
“So give good tidings to the humble, those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned...” [Quran 22:34-35]
Maintaining Presence of Heart During Dhikr
The Islamic legal secretary emphasized the importance of keeping one's thoughts present during tasbih and remembrance so that the heart remains connected to God.
He also advised against becoming so focused on the number of repetitions that humility, tranquility, calmness, and attentiveness are neglected.
Dhikr and Tranquility of the Heart
The Quran connects remembrance of God with peace and tranquility of the heart:
“Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” [Quran 13:28]
For this reason, dhikr is not merely about rapidly repeating words. It is also about reflecting on their meaning and maintaining awareness of the act of worship.
FAQ
Can I read the Quran while lying on a bed?
Yes. Reading the Quran while lying down is permissible, although sitting and maintaining humility during recitation are preferable.
Can I read the Quran while lying on my stomach?
Yes, reading the Quran in this position is not prohibited. However, sleeping on the stomach for men is not considered recommended.
Is it permissible to repeat dhikr and tasbih quickly?
A person should avoid allowing speed to interfere with humility and presence of heart. The purpose of dhikr involves more than simply moving the tongue.
What is preferable when reading the Quran?
It is preferable to read while sitting, facing the Qiblah, being in a state of ritual purity, and maintaining humility and reflection.
Why is presence of heart important during dhikr?
Because remembrance of God is connected with faith, tranquility, and peace of the heart, rather than merely repeating words.
