Both listening and reading the Quran are essential ways to stay connected with the Book of Allah. Each has its own place sometimes listening is easier, while in other moments reading becomes necessary. Many people naturally prefer listening, which raises the common question: “Is listening to the Quran the same as reading it?”
In this topic, we will address the question “Can I listen to the Quran instead of reading it?” and highlight the benefits of each method and when one may be more suitable than the other.
Can I Listen to The Quran Instead of Reading It?
You can listen to the Quran for great reward and benefit, but it cannot replace reading in essential cases like prayer, memorization, and ruqyah. The best approach is to combine both listening and reading to achieve deeper understanding, reflection, and stronger connection with the Quran.
Situations where you can’t Listen to the Quran instead of reading:
Although listening to the Quran carries great virtue,there are situations in which listening cannot replace actual recitation or it may be not sufficient, among these situation:
Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in Prayer:
Listening cannot replace reading in prayer because Surah Al-Fātiḥah must be recited verbally by every worshipper, whether praying alone, as an imam, or as a follower. The prayer is invalid without its recitation, making listening insufficient in all cases.
Required Recitation During Prayer in General
In the act of prayer, the worshipper should recite any Ayahs, at least one, after Surah Al-Fātiḥah. The pillars of prayer depend on verbal Azkhar, not passive listening, which is why listening cannot replace reading in the five prayers.
Although reciting a surah after Al-Fatihah is not a pillar of the prayer; rather, it is a Sunnah from the recommended practices of salah. You should learn about the five prayers and teaches them to your kids. you can also enroll them in our “Five Prayers of Islam for Kids” course.
Memorizing the Quran
Listening to the Quran helps with familiarity and rhythm, but it cannot replace actual reading when memorizing. Memorization requires proper articulation, applying rules of reading and reciting the Quran and reproducing the verses exactly as Jibrīl taught the Prophet.
When no Mushaf or recorder is available but recitation is required memory becomes essential,This cannot be achieved through listening alone, you should recall the versed directly, not merely heard. For this reason, we offer a comprehensive Memorization and Hifz Course to support you throughout your journey.
In case of Ruqyah:
If you want to recite Quranic Duaa for Shifa for other person or even for yourself since although ruqyah can be performed for others, it is preferable that a person recites for themselves. Listening alone does not provide the personal engagement, intention, or verbal recitation required for proper ruqyah and dhikr.
Ruqyah is not fulfilled by listening alone; it requires actual recitation, blowing (nafth), and firm certainty and reliance upon Allah. Although the entire Quran is a source of blessing and healing, proper ruqyah must be performed through active recitation, not passive hearing.
Read Also: Does Reading The Quran On The Phone Count?
Daily Adhkar You Need for Verbal Recitation
Daily adhkār are not fulfilled through listening. They must be spoken in classical Arabic to count as dhikr, which emphasizes that verbal reading, not listening, is the essential component.
Some Arabic lessons for beginners can be helpful for you to read the AZKhar and the Quran encountered in the daily Azkhar such as Ayah Al Kursi.
Virtues of Listening to the Quran:
From what we have discussed, it is clear that listening to the Quran cannot replace actual reading. However, listening carries great virtue, Therefore, during your Quran learning Journey, neither reading nor listening can be substituted for the other; both are essential and complement one another. Here some examples of the virtues of listening to the Quran:
1. a means of attaining the mercy of Allah:
This is established in the Quran and is attained not merely by passive hearing, but through attentive listening and reflection. because Allah Almighty said in Surah Al Aaraf:
وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنْصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
“When the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and be silent, so you may be shown mercy.”
2. It a The Sunnah of the Prophet Mohamed -peace be upon him-:
It is mentioned in the Sunnah that the Prophet, peace be upon him, loved listening to the Quran, He said, “I like to hear it from others.” and encouraged others to do so. See the following Hadith:
حَدَّثَنَا الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ الْخَلاَّلُ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ آدَمَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ عَيَّاشٍ، عَنْ عَاصِمٍ، عَنْ زِرٍّ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، . أَنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ، وَعُمَرَ، بَشَّرَاهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ قَالَ “ مَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يَقْرَأَ الْقُرْآنَ غَضًّا كَمَا أُنْزِلَ فَلْيَقْرَأْهُ عَلَى قِرَاءَةِ ابْنِ أُمِّ عَبْدٍ ”
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud that:
Abu Bakr and ‘Umar gave him the glad tidings that the Messenger of Allah had said: “Whoever would like to recite the Qur’an as fresh as when it was revealed, let him recite it like Ibn Umm ‘Abd.'”
When you learn this Hadith ask yourself How to recite like “Ibn Umm ‘Abd.” without listening to him to emulate his reciting at first.
3. Helps with reflection (Tadabbur):
Some people recite the Quran with a humble heart and a beautiful, attentive voice, such as Al Menshawy. We also learn from the Sunnah why the Prophet, peace be upon him, loved listening to the Quran and how he would reflect deeply upon it when he heard it.
وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ قَالَ: قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَهُوَ عَلَى الْمِنْبَرِ: «اقْرَأْ عَلَيَّ» . قُلْتُ: أَقْرَأُ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَيْكَ أُنْزِلَ؟ قَالَ: «إِنِّي أُحِبُّ أَنْ أَسْمَعَهُ مِنْ غَيْرِي» . فَقَرَأْتُ سُورَةَ النِّسَاءِ حَتَّى أَتَيْتُ إِلَى هَذِهِ الْآيَةِ (فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جِئْنَا مِنْ كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ بِشَهِيدٍ وَجِئْنَا بِكَ عَلَى هَؤُلَاءِ شَهِيدا) قَالَ: «حَسْبُكَ الْآنَ» . فَالْتَفَتُّ إِلَيْهِ فَإِذَا عَيْنَاهُ تَذْرِفَانِ
Abdallāh b. Mas’ūd said: When God’s Messenger was on the pulpit he asked him to recite to him and he replied, “Shall I recite to you when it was sent down to you?” He said that he liked to hear it from someone else, so ‘Abdallāh recited Sūrat an-Nisa’ up to this verse, “How then shall it be when We bring from every people a witness and bring you against them as witness?”(Al-Qur’ān, 4: 1-41) Then on being told that that was enough for the present, he turned round to him and saw the tears falling from his eyes.
We can not reach near this level of reflection without understanding the meaning of the Quran, for this you can attend our online Quran Tafseer Course
4. Facilitates memorization (Hifz):
Some people have an auditory memory and memorize better when they listen, as the words they hear stick more easily in their minds. Also we learn the the Tajweed rules, which is necessary, because the Quran is preserved through both recitation and listening.
5. Allows you to live with the Quran daily:
You can play and listen to the Quran at any time, while working in the kitchen, driving your car, or even before sleeping. Listening to the Quran can occupy most of your time.
This is not always easy to achieve by reading from the mushaf, as you may not be able to sit and open the mushaf easily, for example while driving. Sometimes, a mushaf may not even be available with you.
6. Attaining great reward and blessings:
There is no doubt that listening to the Quran carries great reward, especially when done with attention and reflection. But regarding the reward, Does it equal that of recitation?
Is Listening To The Quran The Same As Reading It?
Actually, There is a difference between listening to the Quran and reciting it in terms of reward, the application of tajwīd rules, and the requirements for memorization.
| Aspect | Reading the Quran | Listening to the Quran |
| Reward | Full reward for recitation ( a good deed for every letter, A good deed is rewarded ten times its like) | According to Ibn Baz statement, (Whoever listens is considered a partner to the reciter. He receives a great reward, equal to the reward of the reciter, or even greater if he listens with sincerity, truthfulness, and a genuine desire for what is with Allah. |
| Tajwīd Rules | Must apply tajwīd rules while reciting | Can hear tajwīd correctly, but doesn’t practice articulation |
| Memorization | directly aids memorization, since you repeat and recall.Important for visual learners | Helps with familiarity and rhythm , so it is a necessary during learning. essential for auditory learners |
| Practicality | Requires sitting with a mushaf, which in applicable in some cases. | Can be done anywhere, driving, working, before sleeping |
| Personal Engagement | Active participation; requires effort. | Passive listening unless intentionally attentive |
| Use in Prayer | Required (e.g., Surah Al-Fatihah) | Cannot replace recitation in prayer |
Which Is Better Reading or Listening to the Quran?
Both reading and listening to the Quran are righteous and rewardable acts. A Muslim should choose the method that has the greatest impact on him, focusing on understanding, reflection, and acting upon its guidance. Ideally, one should combine both, paying attention and following what brings the heart closer to humility, reflection, and comprehension.
Read Also: Is it Haram to Listen to the Quran while Sleeping?
Listen and read the Quran correctly with Quranica:
Join our online Quran recitation course to learn the right recitation. That’s why you might want to rely only on listening, but it won’t be enough, because reading is sometimes necessary. We simplify the correct recitation for beginners.
You will learn in a gradual methodology by the help of native Arab teacher to listen and recite with them online. We promise you that, after a short period, you will be able to recite the Quran fluently.
Our courses include:
- Arabic-related courses: whether you are a beginner or mid-level. You can choose your level and start from it.
- Memorization (Hifz) Programs: Structured memorization plans that guide students through the Quran at their own pace, supported by experienced instructors.
- Tajweed Courses: Well-designed courses help Muslims to reach the right recitation of the Quran correctly.
- Islamic Studies Courses: These courses help you know more about Islam and Tafsir. This is important since you need to understand the Quran and reflect on your daily life.
Our teachers are carefully selected to be able to explain personalized programs that adapt to each student’s level and goals. They know how to teach a child or an adult, a beginner or an advanced learner. We provide the support you need to grow.
Explore our full range of courses and start a free evaluation session.
Conclusion:
When you ask Can I Listen to The Quran Instead of Reading It? I have an advice for you to give great attention to listening to the Quran with reflection and understanding.
The sincere attentive listener who is is considered a partner to the reciter and receives tremendous reward if their intention is pure, truthful, and directed toward what is with Allah.
Although Listening is not enough is certain circumstances, it has many virtues. It is enough to know that it is a mean of getting the mercy of Allah and it is a prophetic guidance. You should combine both listening and reading the Quran during your learning journey to achieve best results.
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