Is It Permissible to Play Qur’an in the Background While Studying, And to Use “Focus Music”?
Question
Is it permissible to listen to focus music while studying, if my intention is only to improve concentration and I don’t use it outside of that? Also, is it permissible to listen to the Qur’an while I am studying, even though my primary focus is on my school material, given the verse: “When the Qur’an is recited, listen to it and be silent that you may receive mercy” (al-A‘raf 7:204)?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in.
1) Playing Qur’an while studying (background recitation)
- The ethic of the Qur’an is ta‘dheem (veneration): it deserves attentive listening when one is able. The verse (7:204) is the foundation of this adab.
- وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنْصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
“And when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it attentively and remain silent, that you may receive mercy.”
(Surat al-A’raf 7:204) - Hanafi Madhhab:
The Hanafis held that this verse refers primarily to the recitation during salah (prayer), especially when the imam is reciting aloud, and by extension, during the Friday khutbah. In these contexts, listening silently is wajib (obligatory).
Outside of these two situations, listening to Qur’an is mandub (recommended) and part of showing respect to the Book of Allah, but it is not an obligation.
This interpretation was explained by scholars such as al-Kasani in Bada’i al-Sana’i and al-Jassas in Ahkam al-Qur’an, who both clarified that the command in this verse was revealed concerning recitation in prayer. - Maliki Madhhab:
The Malikis agreed that the verse’s original cause of revelation concerns the prayer and khutbah, where silence and listening are required. However, outside these contexts, they viewed listening to Qur’an as mustahabb (recommended) and part of ta’zim al-Qur’an (honoring the Qur’an). - Earlier scholars mentioned that when the Qur’an is recited and a person is occupied in something else that is not disrespectful, such as studying or working, there is no sin in not listening attentively, as long as he does not engage in disrespectful or vulgar behavior in the presence of the Qur’an.
This interpretation is supported by al-Qurtubi in his Tafsir, who clarified that the verse is not a general obligation for all situations but rather a matter of reverence and adab. - At the same time, customary practice in the early community accommodated recitation in mosques and homes while others were engaged in learning, dhikr, or duties; not every listener was always in full, undivided silence.
- Accordingly, having Qur’an on in the background while you study is permissible, provided conditions are kept:
- No disrespect occurs (e.g., no profanity, mockery, or inappropriate content in its presence).
- Hearing the recitation incidentally (e.g., you walked to the bathroom and can still hear it playing in the house, or you hear salah starting while in a mosque restroom) is not sinful; that is a natural occurrence and not a deliberate act of disrespect.
Usul principles
الميسور لا يسقط بالمعسور
“The attainable part is not waived because of the unattainable part.”
This principle means that when part of an act can be achieved, one should still do what is possible, even if the complete or ideal form cannot be fulfilled.
2) “Focus music” for study
- Content matters: Lyrics with indecency, suggestive themes, or calls to sin are haram.
- Medium matters: Many jurists prohibit musical instruments categorically; others allowed limited, non-lahw, non-sensual sounds in non-frivolous contexts.
Situational rulings
- Therapeutic/medical need (e.g., clinically advised sound therapy to manage anxiety or attention disorders): this may fall under hajah (pressing need) or darurah (necessity) with professional guidance and strict limitation use the least problematic medium that achieves the benefit.
- General focus for normal study:
- The safest path is non-musical options: white noise, rain, nature, fan/ambient sounds.
Usul principles
- الوسائل لها أحكام المقاصد
- (means take the ruling of their ends): if the audio’s function is a neutral aid and not entertainment and it doesn’t entail prohibited content its ruling follows that purpose.
- سد الذرائع
- if a permissible-looking medium predictably opens the door to heedlessness or haram, it should be closed.
Final Ruling
- Qur’an while studying: Permissible as background recitation seeking barakah and calm so long as respect is maintained.
- Focus music:
- Impermissible when it contains haram content (lyrics/associations) or causes neglect of worship.
- For ordinary study needs, the preferable alternative is non-musical ambient sound.
- If one adopts a qualified lenient view for lyric-free, neutral, low-stimulus audio strictly for focus, then it may be tolerated within the limits stated above; otherwise avoid it.
And Allah knows best.