Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of proper manners and spiritual mindfulness, urging us to show reverence for the Quran in all settings, even in private moments. One common question that arises is: Is listening to Quran in the bathroom appropriate or not? While the Quran brings countless blessings, it’s essential to understand how to engage with it respectfully in every circumstance.
In this blog, we’ll explore the two main scenarios related to this topic, encouraging thoughtful reflection on how to honor the divine words of the Quran while adhering to Islamic etiquette, even in private spaces like the bathroom.
General Islamic etiquettes regarding the bathroom
- Say the prescribed supplication before entering; The Prophet ﷺ used to say, “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the male and female devils” (Bukhari & Muslim).
- Do not turn your back to the Qibla or face it as well.
- Refrain from speaking, even with dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
- Say the exit supplication after leaving the bathroom, “Ghufranak” (I seek Your forgiveness) as the prophet used to do.
- Don’t stay in the bathroom when there is no need, as this is a place where jinn are attendant, and it is also a location where one’s ‘awrah (private parts) are unnecessarily exposed.
By following these points, Muslims maintain both physical purity and spiritual awareness even in the most private spaces
Is listening to Quran in bathroom permissible in Islam?
When listening to the Quran from the bathroom, scholars have identified a few important distinctions that depend primarily on the source of the recitation. The decision on whether it’s okay to listen to the Quran in the bathroom changes based on if the Quran is actually being played inside the bathroom, or if you’re just hearing it from somewhere else outside.. In the coming lines, we will review each of these contexts to determine the Islamic perspective.
1- Listening to the Quran from an external source in another room
If you can hear the Quran playing from outside the bathroom, like from a speaker in another room or a phone that was left outside, it’s perfectly fine to listen while you’re in there. Since the recitation itself is not happening within the bathroom, this does not contradict the honor and respect due to the words of Allah.
Some scholars even viewed this as a beneficial use of time. For instance, Al-Majd Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) used to ask his students to read to him while he was in the bathroom, so he wouldn’t lose time that could be spent in learning.
2- Listening to Quarn and the record is inside the bathroom
If the recitation of the Quran is playing from a device in the bathroom, it is typically viewed as disrespectful and is strongly discouraged in Islamic teachings. Most scholars see this similar to reciting or bringing the Quran to the bathroom, which is an unclean place and an unsuitable place for the words of Allah to be played or recited.
This practice is clearly forbidden (haram) and strongly discouraged (makruh tahrimi), according to different scholarly views. The reason for this prohibition is that bathrooms are seen as unclean spaces. Since the Quran is the holy word of Allah, it should be treated with the highest level of respect and dignity. Therefore, reciting or playing recordings of the Quran in such places should be avoided.
Reading the Quran in the bathroom
Reading the Quran when you are in the bathroom is haram. This is because bathrooms are seen as unclean and not suitable for the holy words of Allah. The Quran is considered the most noble and beautiful form of speech, so Muslims are expected to treat it with the greatest respect. This means not reading it in places linked to impurities, where private parts are exposed, or where it’s thought that devils gather.
Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Reading the Quran in the bathroom is not allowed because it is a place for relieving oneself. Nevertheless, reading the Quran in areas which are used for ablution or purification is not harmful, but reading it in the bathroom itself is not permissible.
Honoring the sacred rites of Allah
Honoring the sacred rites of Allah includes showing utmost respect for the Quran, which is the divine word of God. This reverence entails handling the Quran with both cleanliness and deep respect, refraining from any actions that could potentially bring it dishonor. Given that bathrooms are seen as places of impurity, they’re just not the right environment for reading or listening to Quranic recitations. Thus, Muslims are encouraged to keep the Quran, as well as any sources of its recitation, out of the bathroom. This practice upholds the sanctity of Allah’s words and ensures that we honor His sacred rites by maintaining the dignity of the Quran in all circumstances.
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Conclusion
Understanding the proper etiquette around listening to Quran in bathroom is important to uphold the sanctity of the Holy Book while also respecting Islamic aspects. By knowing these important points, you will assure that what you do is compliant with Islamic ethics and teachings
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Frequently asked questions
- Is it acceptable to enter the bathroom with a physical Quran (Mushaf)?
Entering the bathroom with a physical Quran varies by school of thought. Hanbali generally forbids it unless necessary, such as fear of theft. Malikis allow it if the Mushaf is covered, like in a pocket. The Shafi’i school views it as disliked (makruh).
Overall, If you have a clean, safe place to leave the Mushaf outside, avoid bringing it in. But if you fear losing it or lack a safe spot, it is permitted out of necessity.
