Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has issued several religious rulings addressing common questions among Muslims, including the ruling on reciting the Quran at condolence gatherings and receiving payment for it, raising hands during supplication, praying behind a smoker imam, and reading the Quran from a mobile phone without ablution.

Ruling on Quran Recitation at Condolence Gatherings and Receiving Payment

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explained that reciting the Quran at funerals, condolence gatherings, and mourning ceremonies is among the practices that Muslims have traditionally observed, and it is considered permissible according to Islamic rulings.

The institution stated that Quran recitation during such occasions has become a symbol of honoring the Book of Allah and a long-standing practice among Muslims, especially in Egypt.

Dar Al-Ifta clarified that claiming Quran recitation at condolences is an innovation is an unnecessary restriction on what Islamic law allows regarding gathering for remembrance, Quran recitation, and comforting one another.

It also explained that receiving payment for Quran recitation during these occasions is permissible, while emphasizing that the purpose should not be showing off or seeking reputation, but rather seeking reward, blessing, and benefit for the deceased through recitation and supplication.

The Virtue of Quran Recitation for the Deceased

Dar Al-Ifta emphasized that reciting the Quran is one of the greatest acts of worship and that Islamic teachings mention the Quran’s intercession for those who recite it on the Day of Judgment.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Recite the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions."

Therefore, Quran recitation remains among the greatest acts of devotion that Muslims maintain during their lives and after the passing of their loved ones.

Is Raising Hands Toward the Sky During Dua Permissible?

Dar Al-Ifta explained that raising hands during supplication is a recommended etiquette of dua and is established in the Sunnah because it expresses humility and seeking Allah’s mercy.

It emphasized that dua is a great act of worship encouraged in Islam. Allah says:

﴿And your Lord says: Call upon Me; I will respond to you﴾

Scholars have also cited the hadith describing a person who raises his hands toward the sky while calling upon Allah as evidence of the permissibility of raising hands during dua.

Scholars explained that raising hands reflects a servant’s need for Allah and acknowledgment of human weakness and dependence on His mercy.

Ruling on Praying Behind a Smoker Imam

Sheikh Ahmed Khalil explained that smoking is a harmful habit discouraged in Islam because of its negative effects on the person and those around him.

He stated that smoking does not invalidate prayer and that praying behind a smoker imam is valid and permissible if the imam fulfills the conditions and pillars of prayer.

He clarified that the validity of prayer does not depend on the imam being completely free from all sins, but rather on performing the worship correctly.

However, he advised choosing an imam known for good character and righteousness, as the imam serves as a role model for worshippers.

Is It Permissible to Stand on the Imam’s Left Side?

Scholars explained that if there is only one person following the imam, the Sunnah is for the follower to stand on the imam’s right side, not the left.

They cited the narration of Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him), who initially stood on the left side of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and the Prophet moved him to stand on his right.

If there are two or more followers, the Sunnah is for them to stand behind the imam rather than beside him, following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.

Ruling on Reading the Quran from a Phone Without Ablution

Dar Al-Ifta answered a common question about reading the Quran from a mobile phone without ablution, explaining that this differs from reading from a physical Quran.

It stated that being in a state of purity is a recommended etiquette when reading the Quran, as it reflects respect for the words of Allah.

Reading the Quran Without Ablution

Dar Al-Ifta explained that a person who does not have ablution due to minor impurity may read the Quran, and there is no sin in doing so according to many scholars.

Reading the Quran from a Mobile Phone

Dar Al-Ifta clarified that a mobile phone does not take the same ruling as a physical Quran, and therefore reading the Quran from a phone without ablution is permissible because the screen is not considered a Quran copy.

However, maintaining ablution remains preferable and more respectful when reciting the Book of Allah.

Reading the Quran During Major Impurity

Dar Al-Ifta explained that the majority of scholars view Quran recitation during major impurity, such as janabah, as not permissible, while some scholars allowed exceptions in certain situations, especially when there is a need, fear of forgetting Quran, or during learning and teaching.

Some scholars also distinguished between men and women in certain rulings related to menstruation and postpartum bleeding due to the nature of these conditions.

The Importance of Ease in Islamic Rulings

Dar Al-Ifta emphasized that Islamic law is based on removing hardship and making matters easier for people while maintaining respect for religious obligations and the Quran.

These rulings highlight the balance between following Islamic manners and considering people’s different circumstances.

Is Quran recitation at condolence gatherings permissible?

Yes. Dar Al-Ifta explained that Quran recitation at condolences is among the permissible practices observed by Muslims.

Is raising hands during dua allowed?

Yes. Raising hands during supplication is a recommended practice established in the Sunnah.

Is prayer behind a smoker imam valid?

Yes. Prayer behind a smoker imam is valid as long as he performs the prayer correctly.

Can the Quran be read from a phone without ablution?

Yes. A mobile phone does not have the same ruling as a physical Quran, so reading from it without ablution is permissible.

Is ablution required for Quran recitation?

Ablution is recommended when reading the Quran, but many scholars allow recitation without ablution in the case of minor impurity.