Reading in Arabic
Question :

I don't know how to read or speak Arabic, so I read the Quran in English, but is it obligatory to read the Quran in Arabic?

Answer :

Reciting the Quran in its original Arabic is essential in the prayers, and it must be learnt if you do not know how to. Outside of the prayer, reciting the Quran – in its original Arabic – is a recommended deed and not obligatory.

Reciting of Non-Arabs
Question :

It has been narrated in many traditions from the Holy Prophet and the infallible Imams (Peace be upon them all) that the recitation, memorization, reading and listening of the Qur'an carry great rewards in this world and the Hereafter as well. How can non-Arabic speakers recite with contemplation if they do not understand the meaning of what they read?

Answer :

It is recommended to recite the Holy Quran even for those who do not understand its meanings. Reciting with contemplation and understanding is definitely better, but this does not mean that reciting without it has no value.

Reciting During Ramadan
Question :

If a person was reading the Quran and had not completed before the start of Ramadan, can he continue the same recitation or start from the beginning so that he can complete the whole Quran in Ramadan?

Answer :

Both ways of recitation are permissible.

Rhythms of Quran
Question :

Is it allowed to recite the Quran with notes and rhythms which are used for music or nasheed?

Answer :

It is not permissible if the recitation is with the rhythm of songs which are prohibited. It is preferable to avoid it even if it was without the prohibited rhythms if they were in a way that does not relate to the holiness of the Book and its sanctity.

Mistakes in Quran Recitation
Question :

If one hears someone recites the Quran, is it obligatory on him to correct the mistakes of his recitation?

Answer :

Although it is a good thing to correct another person’s recitation of the Quran, it is not obligatory to do so.

Talking while Someone Reciting Quran
Question :

If someone is reciting Quran in front of me, am I allowed to speak? Does it make a difference if the recitation is not live, but is a recording?

Answer :

We have been ordered in some narrations to listen to whoever recites Quran. This does not include recorded recitations.

Reciting Quran in Mobile Phone
Question :

I have the whole holy Quran in my mobile phone, so am I allowed to read the holy book when I am lying down in bed?

Answer :

Yes, it is permissible.

Covering The Head
Question :

Is it obligatory to cover our head when reciting the Quran?

Answer :

No, it is not obligatory.

Smart Phone
Question :

What is the ruling on reading the Quran from a smart phone in an app? Do the same rules apply in terms of touching the screen without wudhu?

Answer :

It is permissible to touch the screen of the phone which is showing the text of the Holy Quran.

Recitation of Quran for Dead
Question :

I want to dedicate the reward of a complete recitation of the whole Quran to ten deceased people. Will every deceased receive the reward of the recitation of the whole Quran, or will they receive a proportionate reward (i.e. one-tenth in this case)?

Answer :

It has been reported from the Infallibles (peace be upon them) that each one of them will receive the reward of reciting the whole Holy Quran.

Reciting the Quran in the Computer
Question :

Is it ethical to recite the Quran on the computer or internet, when one has the book at home on the shelf? Will this book complain about the person on the Day of Judgement? The individual has problems reading small words, so the computer enlarges the writing on the screen. Is anything being done wrong here by leaving the Quran in the house without reading it physically?

Answer :

It is permissible to recite the Holy Book from the internet or via the computer, but it is disliked to fully abandon reciting from the physical book.

Translation of the Quran
Question :

I have a Sunni and a Shia translation of the Holy Quran. Which is better and can I rely on the Sunni translation?

Answer :

Translating the Holy Book of Allah into various languages is a task that should comprise of two things:
First: Transferring the precise meaning from a language to another, which requires a great deal of understanding in both languages.
Second: Expressing the meaning of the verse from the commentary of the Holy Book, and presenting the facts that correspond to the verse in an honest and precise way. This requires referring to the trustful sources that depend on the teachings of the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them).