The Masha’ikh have mentioned six external and six internal rules of Reverence for reading the Holy Qur’an, which are given below:
Rules of External Reverence
(1) Perform wudhu and then sit facing the qiblah in an extremely dignified manner.
(2) Do not proceed fast, but read with measure and correct pronunciation.
(3) Try to weep, even if you have to compel yourself to do so.
(4) The response to ayaat of mercy or punishment should be as explained above.
(5) Reading should be in a low voice, if insincerity is apprehended on your own part or disturbance is caused to others. Otherwise read in a loud voice.
(6) Read in a melodious voice, because there are numerous ahaadith laying emphasis on this.
Rules of Internal Reverence
(1) The Heart should be full of the glory of Quran i.e. realizing how sublime it is.
(2) Bear in the heart the Loftiness, Majesty and Magnificence of Almighty Allah, Whose Revelation the Quran is.
(3) The heart should be free from distraction and doubts.
(4) Dwell upon the meanings and enjoy reading it
(5) Submit your heart to the subject-matter of the verses you are reading. For instance, on ayaat containing a message of mercy, the heart should be filled with delight. And on ayaat of chastisement, the heart should tremble with awe.
(6) The ears should be made as attentive as if Almighty Allah Himself is speaking and the reader is listening to Him.
May Allah, out of His mercy and kindness, grant all of us the ability to read the Quran according to these rules of reverence. (Ameen)
