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The question

Is reciting the Qur'an from memory better than reciting it from the Mushaf, taking into account the words of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: "Are you reciting them by heart?" and the greater likelihood of a focused heart when reciting from memory?

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Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The best way to recite the Quran is that which increases humility (khushu‘). If reciting from memory increases humility, then that is better. If reciting from the Mus'haf (physical copy) increases humility, then that is better. If humility is equal in both cases, then reciting from the Mus'haf is better because it combines recitation with looking, and it protects the eyesight from distraction. As for the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) : “Are you reciting them from memory?”, it does not indicate that reciting from memory is better than reciting by looking. Rather, the intent was to ascertain that the Companion had memorized the surahs so that he could teach them to his wife, thus enabling the teaching.

Summary from Ftawy's records · added here

Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.

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Where this answer came from
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
4198
Added here
. This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
Text
Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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