Can we Recite Quran While Lying on Bed

There’s nothing improper with lying down and reading the Quran from the Mus-haf.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to lay in ‘Aishah’s lap and recite the Quran, according to Al-Bukhari (7549) and Muslim (301).

What Scholars Have Said about Reciting Quran While Lying on Bed

In Sharh Sahh Muslim, Al-Nawawi (may Allah have pity on him) said:

“This shows that reading the Quran while reclining or lying down is permitted.”

Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan said:

“There is nothing improper with lying down and reading the Quran, whether on a bed or on the ground. That is perfectly OK. If reciting from memory, a person may recite the Quran in any posture, including standing, sitting, or reclining, and whether or not he has wudu or is in a condition of slight impurity. But if he’s reading from the Mus-haf, it’s not allowed for someone who hasn’t done wudu to touch it until he’s done wudu.” Al-Muntaqa min Fatawa al-Fawzan (Al-Muntaqa min Fatawa al-Fawzan).

Evidence from the Quran

الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىَ جُنُوبِهِمْ

“Who, when standing, sitting, or [laying] on their sides, remember Allah” [Al ‘Imraan: 191] 

فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلاَةَ فَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَى جُنُوبِكُمْ

“And remember Allah standing, sitting, or [laying] on your sides once you’ve finished praying.” [Nisaa: 103] 

This is due to Allah’s blessings, and He has made it simple for us, with the Qur’an serving as the most powerful reminder. So it’s not a sin to recite the Qur’an while lying down, and it’s also not a sin to do so when sitting. If he comes across a verse of prostration, he can either stand or sit and make prostration. This is because sajdah is a highly recommended sunnah rather than an obligation.

Important Notes

But….!!!

1. When reciting the Qur’an, it is proper to approach Allah’s Book with humility and respect.
2. He or she should be sitting up straight, not slouching or sitting arrogantly.
3. All of the best recitations are done while standing in Salah, and the best of them are done in the mosque.
4. It is not haram, however, to recite the Qur’an while reclining or asleep provided there is a good reason.

In the Qur’an, Allah Almighty describes real believers as follows:

“Such as remembering Allah when standing, sitting, or lying down, and contemplating the creation of the sky and the earth, (and saying): Our Lord! You did not make this for naught. All honour and glory to You! Save us from the Fire’s wrath.”