Many Muslims wonder: Can I read from the Quran while praying, and if so, how should I do it correctly? The question often comes up when someone wants to recite longer surahs but has not yet memorized them, or when they feel unsure about the ruling of looking into the Mushaf or a phone during Salah.
In this article, we will walk step by step through the scholarly opinions on this matter, covering what the four major schools of thought say, whether it is possible to read from a phone while praying, and what practical advice learners can follow. By the end, you will have a clear, reliable answer and know exactly how to apply it in your own prayer.
Can You Read From Quran During Salah?
Yes, you can read from the Mushaf during Salah, especially in voluntary prayers like Taraweeh or Qiyam al-Layl. The majority of scholars, including the Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools, allow it for both voluntary and obligatory prayers, as long as unnecessary movement is avoided.
Scholars cite authentic evidence from the practice of ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her), whose freed slave recited from the Mushaf while leading her in prayer. The Malikis permit it in voluntary prayers but discourage it in obligatory ones if it distracts from focus.
The Hanafis, however, generally prohibit it, considering the movements involved excessive, though Abu Yusuf and Muhammad al-Shaybani (students of Abu Hanifa) viewed it as valid but disliked.
The same rulings apply to reading from a phone during Salah. Most scholars allow it, provided you minimize distractions—such as notifications or constant scrolling—and prepare the text before beginning prayer.
Whether using a Mushaf or a digital Quran, the key is maintaining khushu‘ (focus and humility), ensuring your heart remains engaged with Allah’s words rather than the device in your hands.
Reading from the Mushaf in Voluntary Prayers
Many scholars permitted reading directly from the Mushaf during voluntary prayers, especially in long prayers such as Taraweeh or Qiyam al-Layl. They considered it not only valid but also a practical way for those who have not memorized much Quran to still recite at length.
One of the strongest evidences comes from the practice of ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her). She used to have her freed slave, Dhakwān, lead her in prayer while reciting from the Mushaf. This narration is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari in a suspended form, and it has been cited by scholars such as Imam Ahmad and Imam al-Zuhri to show its permissibility.
The majority opinion here is that there is no problem in holding and reading from the Mushaf during voluntary prayers, since the goal is to lengthen the recitation and engage with more of the Quran.
Reading from the Mushaf in Obligatory Prayers
When it comes to obligatory (fard) prayers, the matter becomes more detailed, as the four schools of Islamic law reached different conclusions:
Shafi‘i and Hanbali Views
Both the Shafi‘i and Hanbali scholars permit reciting from the Mushaf during Salah,whether obligatory or voluntary. This applies to an imam leading a congregation as well as someone praying alone, and it makes no difference if the person has memorized the Quran or not.
Imam al-Zuhri, one of the early scholars, was once asked about a man reading from the Mushaf in Ramadan. He replied: “The best among us used to read from the Mushaf.” (Reported in al-Mudawwana al-Kubra and al-Mughni of Ibn Qudamah).
They also highlight that looking at the Mushaf is itself an act of worship. So when a person combines recitation with looking into the Mushaf, it brings even more reward. As long as unnecessary movements are avoided, there is no reason to invalidate the prayer.
Hanafi View
The Hanafi school generally adopts a stricter position on this issue.
Imam Abu Hanifa’s Opinion
Imam Abu Hanifa held that reading from the Mushaf during Salah invalidates the prayer. His reasoning was that it:
- Involves additional movements, such as holding the Mushaf, raising and lowering the gaze, and turning pages.
- Resembles the practice of the People of the Book, who recite from scripture in written form rather than from memory.
The View of His Two Students
Abu Yusuf and Muhammad al-Shaybani disagreed with their teacher. They believed:
- Reading from the Mushaf does not invalidate the prayer.
- However, it is disliked (makruh) because it combines two acts of worship and risks disturbing khushu‘.
Responses to the Hanafi position
Other scholars addressed these concerns by noting:
- The Prophet ﷺ carried his granddaughter Umamah during Salah, placing her down at sujood and lifting her again when he stood up. This indicates that small, purposeful movements do not break the prayer. Turning a page in the Mushaf falls into this category if done carefully.
- Resemblance to the People of the Book is only problematic if intentional. Imam Ibn Nujaym (al-Bahr al-Ra’iq) explained that Muslims naturally share many daily practices with others, such as eating and drinking. Imitation is only blameworthy when deliberate and connected to sinful matters.
Maliki View
The Malikis distinguished carefully between obligatory and voluntary prayers:
- In obligatory (fard) Salah: reading from the Mushaf is strongly disliked, as it distracts from focus and khushu‘.
- In voluntary (nafl) Salah:
- If a person interrupts their recitation midway to pick up the Mushaf, it is also considered disliked because it breaks focus.
- If the prayer begins with the intention of reciting directly from the Mushaf, then it is allowed, especially for those who have not memorized much of the Qur’an.
Maliki scholars emphasized that the problem lies not in the Mushaf itself, but in anything that disturbs concentration. Therefore, actions that break khushu‘ are discouraged, while careful and purposeful recitation from the Mushaf in voluntary Salah can be acceptable.
From these opinions, we see that the Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools permit reading from the Mushaf, while the Hanafis prohibit it, and the Malikis set conditions based on the type of prayer. The difference reflects the richness of Islamic scholarship. What matters is that a Muslim follows the opinion they trust and maintains humility and focus in Salah, without turning this issue into a point of dispute.
If you wish to recite longer Surahs in Qiyam but struggle with fluency, Shaykhi Academy’s Online Quran Reading Programs and Tajweed Courses help you gain clarity, confidence, and steady memorization.
You can also read what learners around the world say about their experience.
Can You Read from Your Phone While Praying?
With digital Mushafs and Quran apps widely available, many Muslims ask if it is allowed to read from a phone screen during Salah. The same rulings that apply to reading from the Mushaf generally extend to phones as well.
Most scholars permit it in both voluntary and obligatory prayers, as long as the person avoids unnecessary distractions such as notifications or tapping multiple times on the screen. The Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools consider it valid, while the Hanafi view remains stricter, treating the phone like a Mushaf and thus discouraging its use in obligatory Salah.
For learners who rely on Quran apps, this can be a helpful tool to follow along with longer surahs in Taraweeh or night prayers. Just make sure the app is opened before Salah begins, and keep your movements minimal so that focus and humility in prayer are not disturbed.
To stay fully focused, you can also use apps or tools that block notifications during prayer, such as Focus, to help you maintain khushūʿ without distractions.
Best Practices for Using a Mushaf or Phone in Prayer
Before you start reading from a Mushaf or phone during Salah, it helps to keep a few practical tips in mind. These small steps will protect your concentration, maintain respect for the Quran, and make your prayer more meaningful:
1. Place the Quran Properly
Set your Mushaf or phone on a clean, elevated surface such as a stand or shelf. Avoid holding it while going into sujood, and never place it directly on the ground. By doing so, you preserve the respect due to the Quran, minimize unnecessary movement, and keep your focus fully on the prayer.
2. Limit Page-Turning
Use a Mushaf or digital Quran with clear, larger text to reduce the need for frequent page turns. Less movement means better concentration and fewer distractions.
3. Prioritize Memorization
Work on gradually memorizing short surahs such as al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and an-Nas. Even a few memorized chapters make your Salah smoother, more focused, and less dependent on a copy.
4. Prepare Before Prayer
Open the Mushaf or app to the exact surah you plan to recite before you begin. This minimizes interruptions and helps you maintain khushu‘ from start to finish.
5. Combine Reading with Memorization
Use voluntary prayers as a chance to repeat and practice what you are learning. Over time, your reliance on a physical copy will decrease, while your fluency and confidence increase.
6. Maintain Focus and Reverence
Keep your movements gentle, avoid unnecessary gestures, and direct your gaze mainly toward the text. This protects your humility and presence of heart.
7. Use Digital Tools as Temporary Support
Phones and apps are helpful for beginners or those still learning Arabic, but they should be a bridge rather than a habit. Treat them as temporary aids until you can recite from memory with ease.
And if you’d like to make memorization easier and build the confidence to recite naturally in prayer, join Shaykhi Academy’s Online Hifz Course where qualified tutors guide you step by step toward smooth, lasting memorization.
You can also explore lesson samples to see the progress real learners have achieved.
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Conclusion
The question can you read from Quran while praying does not have one simple answer; it depends on whether the prayer is voluntary or obligatory, and which school of thought you follow. The majority of scholars permit reading from the Mushaf in voluntary prayers, while the debate continues regarding obligatory ones, especially in the Hanafi school. Reading from a phone follows the same rules, as long as distractions are avoided.
For learners, the best path is to combine both approaches: rely on the Mushaf or phone when needed, but keep building memorization step by step. This way, your Salah becomes smoother, more focused, and more rewarding over time.
And if you truly want to move forward, don’t leave it to guesswork. Structured guidance with qualified teachers, like what you’ll find at Shaykhi Academy, can help you build confidence in your recitation and strengthen your connection with the Quran from the very first session.
