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What is the ruling on an Imam who reads from the Mushaf during congregational prayer?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is permissible to recite the Quran from the Mushaf (copy of the Quran) in supererogatory prayers. However, some jurists deemed it disliked in obligatory prayers because there is usually no need for it, unless a necessity arises, in which case there is no harm. The evidence for its permissibility is the action of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, and the recitation from the Mushaf by the best of the Tabi'in (successors). The reason for it being disliked in obligatory prayers is that it distracts the worshiper from devotion (khushu') and from looking at the place of prostration, and because the need to recite from the Mushaf usually does not exist in obligatory prayers. Generally, reciting from the Mushaf does not invalidate the prayer, whether the worshiper has memorized the Quran or not, and it becomes obligatory if one has not memorized Al-Fatiha. It is also permissible for the Imam to recite from the Mushaf in Fajr prayer if there is a need or if he has not memorized, while it is recommended to strive to memorize.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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