What Are the Best Times to Recite the Quran?

Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa

Question

What are the best times to recite the Quran?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

No Specific Time Designated for Reciting the Quran

In reality, there is no specific time that Allah (Most High) has commanded, nor has the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) designated a particular time as better than others. Reciting the Quran is not confined to a specific time, so Muslims can read it whenever they wish. Allah (Most High) says:

“…and to recite the Quran.” [Quran, 27:92], and

“…and recite the Quran (properly) in a measured way.” [Quran, 73:4], and

“(They are) those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides…” [Quran, 3:191]

These are general terms that encompass all times in which a servant is able to read, provided that the time, place, and condition of the reader are appropriate for it. If the reader is in a state of major ritual purity and the place is suitable for reciting the Quran—meaning it is not a filthy place—then there is no objection to reading at that time.

Choosing the Appropriate Time

Choosing the appropriate time for reciting the Quran is determined by the individual who wishes to recite it. It varies according to their circumstances; the time when their heart is present, and their mind is clear for contemplation and understanding is undoubtedly a suitable time for reading. This could be while riding a means of transport like an airplane, ship, car, etc.

Impact of Night Recitation

It is also important to note that reciting the Quran during the quiet of the night, when people are asleep, has an undeniable impact on the heart. This is confirmed by Allah’s (Most High) words:

“Indeed, worship in the night is more impactful and suitable for recitation.” [Quran, 73:6], and

“Yet they are not all alike: some among the People of the Book are upright, who recite Allah’s revelations throughout the night, prostrating (in prayer).” [Quran, 3:113]

Emphasis by Scholars

Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) emphasizes the importance of reciting the Quran at night, based on Allah’s words:

“Yet they are not all alike: some among the People of the Book are upright, who recite Allah’s revelations throughout the night, prostrating (in prayer).” [Quran, 3:113], and the report from Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whoever stands for ten verses in the night prayer will not be recorded among the heedless. Whoever stands for a hundred verses will be recorded among the devout.

And whoever stands for a thousand verses will be recorded among those with a multitude of good deeds” [Abu Dawud]. Night prayer includes prayer, recitation of the Quran, and remembrance of Allah (Most High). [Nawawi, al-Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat al-Quran]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said about Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them): “What an excellent man Abdullah is if he would pray at night.” [Bukhari]

Ibrahim Nakha‘i used to say: “Recite (the Quran) during the night, even if it is as much as the time it takes to milk a sheep.” [Nawawi, al-Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat al-Quran]

Imam Nawawi explained the preference for reciting at night, saying: “The night prayer and recitation are preferred because they gather the heart and are free from distractions, diversions, and engagements in needs. They are also more sincere and protected from showing off and other nullifiers of deeds.

Furthermore, the Sacred Law has emphasized doing good deeds at night; for instance, the night journey of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) was at night, and the hadith mentions that ‘Your Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night has passed and says: Is there anyone who calls upon Me so that I may answer him?’” [Ibid.]

Best Time for Reading the Quran

Some scholars have mentioned that the best time for reading the Quran is at dawn, and they base this on Allah’s words:

“Observe the prayer from the decline of the sun until the darkness of the night and the dawn prayer, for certainly the dawn prayer is witnessed (by angels).” [Quran, 17:78]

This means that it is witnessed by the angels of the night and the angels of the day. Undoubtedly, beginning the day by reciting the Quran and remembering Allah (Most High) brings tranquility, peace, and success from Allah (Most High) in all matters.

Devotion to Quran Recitation

Finally, Muslims should devote most of their time to reading the Book of Allah (Most High) and contemplating its meanings, just as the righteous predecessors used to do. Some of them would complete the Quran in seven nights, some in six, some in five, and many in three nights.

Among them were those who completed eight recitations: four during the night and four during the day. Among those who completed a recitation in one night and day were ‘Uthman Ibn ‘Affan (Allah be pleased with him), Tamim al-Dari, Sa‘id Ibn Jubayr, Mujahid, Shafi‘i, and others.

So, choose the time that suits you, the time when you feel present with Allah (Most High), the time when you can leave your distractions behind, and recite the Quran at that time.

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa

Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.

He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.

He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.

Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.