The Noble Shaykh: Is reading from the mushaf better than reading from memory?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
The questioner : The Noble Shaykh: Is reading from the mushaf better than reading from memory? We also ask for your guidance on this matter.
The Shaykh : As for reading the Qur'an outside of prayer, reading from the mushaf is preferable because it is closer to accuracy and memorization, unless reading from memory is more present in his heart and more humble for him, in which case he should read from memory.
As for in prayer, it is better to read from memory. This is because if he reads from the mushaf, he will be engaged in repeated actions of lifting the mushaf, putting it down, turning the pages, and looking at the letters. Also, he will miss placing his right hand over his left hand on his chest while standing, and he may miss the proper spacing in bowing and prostration if he places the mushaf under his armpit.
Therefore, we prefer the prayer of the one who reads from memory over the one who reads from the mushaf. If we prefer this for the imam, and it is better for him to read from memory so that what we mentioned does not occur, then we likewise say that for some of the followers who we see behind the imam holding the mushaf and following the imam's recitation, this is not appropriate due to the matters we mentioned earlier, and because they have no need to follow the imam. However, if it is assumed that the imam is not good at memorization and he tells one of the followers, "Pray behind me and follow me in the mushaf if I make a mistake, then correct me," then there is no harm in this due to the need.
The Shaykh : As for reading the Qur'an outside of prayer, reading from the mushaf is preferable because it is closer to accuracy and memorization, unless reading from memory is more present in his heart and more humble for him, in which case he should read from memory.
As for in prayer, it is better to read from memory. This is because if he reads from the mushaf, he will be engaged in repeated actions of lifting the mushaf, putting it down, turning the pages, and looking at the letters. Also, he will miss placing his right hand over his left hand on his chest while standing, and he may miss the proper spacing in bowing and prostration if he places the mushaf under his armpit.
Therefore, we prefer the prayer of the one who reads from memory over the one who reads from the mushaf. If we prefer this for the imam, and it is better for him to read from memory so that what we mentioned does not occur, then we likewise say that for some of the followers who we see behind the imam holding the mushaf and following the imam's recitation, this is not appropriate due to the matters we mentioned earlier, and because they have no need to follow the imam. However, if it is assumed that the imam is not good at memorization and he tells one of the followers, "Pray behind me and follow me in the mushaf if I make a mistake, then correct me," then there is no harm in this due to the need.