Is it not exciting how technology has helped evolve the timeless practice of reading the Quran without taking any rewards away from the act? Is it not a marvel how modern science and the digital age have made the Divine Book available to us on our smartphones and tablets?

The Quran, a Divine revelation, is not just our connection to Allah but also a roadmap showing us the path to success. Each word on its pages, each ayat, holds immense significance and brings countless rewards and hasanaat when recited. These verses offer us comfort in times of hardship and provide us with the strength and resilience to face any challenge we might face. 

Reciting the Quran regularly is not just an act of devotion but also our way of ensuring we become worthy of a place in Jannah. With the development of Quran apps, it has become possible to access the Holy Book at all times and reading the Quran digitally has become a breeze.

Although many apps are available today to help recite the Quran regularly, some people still prefer traditional reading methods. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using a Quran app and the traditional reading method using a mushaf. 

Traditional Reading Using a Mushaf

The age-old tradition of holding the mushaf in your hands, of ensuring a state of purity before touching it, has its own blessings and emotional rewards. For centuries, Muslims all over the world have found solace and a profound connection to the Divine by reading from these blessed pages of the Quran in its physical form. There is a feeling of following in the footsteps of our ancestors who had an intense bond with the Quran and would recite from the mushaf regularly. We all hold a strong bond with those well-used pages of the frequently read Quran copies passed on to us from our parents and grandparents. They give us a sense of connection to our Islamic traditions and history.

Traditional reading from the mushaf allows for a deep sense of focus and concentration as there are no distractions from the screens in the form of alerts and notifications. This tangible connection with the mushaf, while we turn its pages, running our fingers across them, ensures that we are focused and attentive towards Allah’s words. We have a better chance of paying attention to the text and the meanings with concentration.

When we hold the Quran in our hands, we are not just engaging with the words but also interacting with the Quran physically. This makes for an immersive and holistic experience. Some older mushafs are decorated with beautiful calligraphic designs that add to the appeal of that manuscript, making the experience of tilawat more enjoyable and engaging.

Reading the Quran Digitally Using a Quran app

Although reciting the Quran in a traditional way from a mushaf has its own set of unique rewards and benefits, using a Quran app can be very useful for many. These apps have become very popular among modern readers as they cater to their demands and preferences. 

• The first benefit of using a Quran app is that it makes the Divine book available to readers easily. When the Quran is readily available on your smartphones or tablets, you have the luxury of accessing it at any time or place. This comes in especially handy for those who are constantly on the run and so can read or listen to the Quran during their commute or during their work break. 
  
  
  

• Quran apps are especially beneficial to those learning to read the Quran and require help in recitation and pronunciation. These apps help with tajweed and the correct pronunciation of the verses. Apps such as Quranly provide exceptional guidance to users new to the Arabic script with the help of transliteration. Transliteration is where the Arabic text is written down in Latin characters, allowing people who are not proficient in reading the Arabic language to read it more fluently. It gives them the confidence to pronounce the words with precision.
  
  
  

• The audio recitation on Quranly also plays a significant role in helping learners polish their recitation skills. This way, listeners can emulate the recitation style of renowned Qaaris and copy their pronunciation and intonation.
  
  
  

• Apps such as Quranly, also have another significant feature which allows bookmarking so that readers can easily find the place where they left off. This is valuable as it saves them precious time searching for the Ayaat they last stopped at. Bookmarking also allows users to save their favourite ayaats that they can later use for referencing.
  
  
  

• Quran apps such as Quranly come with many interactive features that make reading and understanding the Quran more straightforward. They provide translations in many languages, making the Divine message accessible to people all over the world.
  
  
  

• At the same time, recitations by various renowned qaaris or reciters give the listeners the freedom to listen to the Quran in the voice of their favourite reciter.
  
  

Is it OK to Recite The Quran Digitally?

Reading the Quran digitally is acceptable in Islam as long as it is done with respect and decorum. With some conditions, it is okay for the Quran to be read on digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.

It is vital to approach digital Quran reading with a sense of reverence, just as you would with a physical copy. One should maintain a state of wudu and taharat when reading the Quran.

We should avoid distractions that are ever present on our digital devices when we sit down to read the Quran. The intention behind reading the Quran digitally should be for religious, educational, or spiritual purposes. Using a digital Quran app with a disrespectful attitude should be avoided entirely.

Most importantly, we should make sure we are engaging only with a reliable Quran app that is sure to be free from errors. 

Is it OK to Listen to the Quran Instead of Reading?

Narrated `Abdullah bin Masud:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, "Recite (of the Qur'an) for me," I said, "Shall I recite it to you although it had been revealed to you?" He said, "I like to hear (the Qur'an) from others." (Sahih Bukhari 4582)

It is evident from this Hadith that listening to the Quran being recited by someone else was something The Prophet (SAW) engaged in himself. Although it may not be better than reading the Quran. this practice has its own rewards and blessings.

Final Words: Which is Right For You?

The answer to the question of whether you should use a Quran app or the traditional reading method depends on your individual preferences and circumstances. Both these modes of reciting the Quran have unique advantages and can be practised together to suit your Quranic journey. Whereas the traditional method allows the physical experience of holding the mushaf, which in itself can be pretty rewarding, using a Quran app such as Quranly gives users many added features for a holistic and interactive experience.

Many individuals use both methods, combining the traditions of the past with the innovations of the present, to enjoy the Quran recitation according to their convenience.

Vocabulary:

Mushaf: Physical Copy of the Quran

Dua: Supplication

Qaari: Quran reciter

Taharat: Purity

Hasanaat: Rewards