Can a Follower Read from a Mushaf or Phone Behind the Imam During Salah?
Question
Salam, can a person who is standing behind the imam in congregation for salah read from either a physical Qur’an or a digital Qur’an app on their phone to follow along as the imam recites the surah? And is there a difference in ruling for this in fardh salah and sunnah salah (such as taraweeh)?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shari Context
Congregational prayer is built upon following the imam with attentiveness and humility. The role of the follower is to listen, reflect, and follow, not to engage in independent actions that distract from the unity of the prayer.
Allah says:
“When the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and remain silent so that you may receive mercy.”
Surat al Araf 7:204
The Prophet also said:
“The imam is only appointed to be followed.”
Sahih al Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
These texts establish that the primary duty of the follower in audible prayer is listening and attentiveness, especially when the imam is reciting aloud.
2. Scholarly Discussion
The scholars discussed the permissibility of reading from a mushaf during prayer.
In general, many scholars allowed reading from a mushaf in voluntary prayers, particularly when there is a need, such as longer recitation in night prayers. This is based on reports that some early Muslims did so in non-obligatory prayers.
However, in congregational prayer behind an imam, the majority of scholars discourage or disallow actions that distract from listening to the imam, including reading from a mushaf, especially when it involves movement such as holding, turning pages, or handling a device.
In fardh prayers, the ruling is stricter. Scholars generally emphasize minimizing unnecessary movement and maintaining full attentiveness to the imam. Therefore, reading from a mushaf or phone while following the imam is generally discouraged or considered contrary to the intended state of the prayer.
In voluntary prayers, such as taraweeh, some scholars are more lenient, particularly if there is a clear benefit such as following the recitation or aiding concentration. Even then, they emphasize that it should not lead to distraction, excessive movement, or loss of attentiveness.
3. Application to the Question
If a person is praying behind the imam in congregation, the default and preferred practice is to listen attentively to the imam’s recitation, not to read along from a mushaf or phone.
In fardh salah, it is best to avoid reading from a physical Quran or phone altogether, as it goes against the purpose of following the imam and maintaining stillness and focus.
In taraweeh or other voluntary prayers, there is more room for leniency. If a person occasionally follows along using a mushaf or phone to help with concentration or memorization, some scholars allow it, provided:
- It does not cause excessive movement
- It does not distract the person or others
- It does not take away from listening to the imam
However, even in taraweeh, the more complete and recommended approach remains listening attentively without engaging in additional actions.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
سد الذرائع
Blocking the means to harm
This principle means that actions which may lead to undesirable outcomes are restricted. Reading from a mushaf or phone during congregational prayer may lead to distraction, loss of attentiveness, and unnecessary movement, so scholars discourage it in order to preserve the integrity and focus of the prayer.
Final Ruling
In congregational prayer behind the imam, it is best to listen attentively and not read from a mushaf or phone, especially in fardh salah. In taraweeh or other voluntary prayers, some leniency exists if there is a benefit and no distraction, but the preferred practice remains to focus on listening to the imam.
And Allah knows best.