What is the ruling on a Muslim who recites the Qur'an but does not avoid prohibitions and does not obey commands?
The reciter of the Qur’an must ponder its meanings and act according to its limits, so he does not argue out of ignorance. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever recites the Qur'an has encompassed prophethood between his sides, except that no revelation comes to him. It is not befitting for the companion of the Qur'an to argue with those who argue, nor to be ignorant with those who are ignorant, for in his heart is the word of Allah Almighty." Otherwise, the Qur’an will be a proof against him, as Allah Almighty said: "And We send down from the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss." (Al-Isra 17:82). He must obey its commands and avoid its prohibitions, for persevering in its recitation helps in obeying Allah. Allah Almighty said: "Indeed, good deeds do away with evil deeds." (Hud 11:114). And Allah Almighty said: "Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing." (Al-Ankabut 29:45).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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