Listening to Qur’an While Solving Math Problems

Ustadh Farid Dingle is asked about listening to the Qur’an while doing something else.

I pray this note finds you in the best of spirits insha Allah

Alhamdulillah, I love Islam and try my best to practice it in the best way possible.

In my eagerness to do more at the same time, I sometimes listen to Qur’an while solving math problems. Is that permissible or it is against the adab of Qur’an?

Please advise.

Jazak Allah khayr

It is permissible, but the proper way to listen to the Qur’an is to give it your full attention and ponder on its meanings.

Allah Most High says, “So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” (Sura al-A‘raf 7: 204)

One of the scholars that I that asked about this was actually a mathematician and felt it farfetched that someone could ‘pay attention’ while working on something that is very mentally taxing.

Another quoted the verse of the Quran, “Never has God endowed any man with two hearts in one body.” (Sura al-Ahzab 33:4) That is to sat that one cannot focus on two things at the same time.

So, it is not the best way to listen to the Qur’an, but it is not forbidden and certainly better than listening to something inappropriate.

I pray this helps.

Farid

Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.