What are the recommended times for reciting the Quran?

A Muslim should read the Qur’an and ponder its meanings. The righteous predecessors used to complete the recitation of the Qur’an at varying intervals, but it is better not to complete it in less than three nights, based on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: "I do not recite the Qur’an in less than three [nights]."

If a Muslim is unable to do so, the best time for recitation is the night, as Allah Almighty says: "Among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating." [3:113] And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "What an excellent man 'Abdullah is, if only he would pray during the night." This is because night prayers and recitation are more conducive to focus and further removed from distractions and showing off.