Forbidden and Makrooh Times to Read Quran

While the Quran is a source of light and mercy, the manner and state in which you recite it matters enormously in Islamic jurisprudence. 

Understanding when recitation is forbidden or disliked isn’t about restriction — it reflects the profound respect this sacred Book deserves.

Is There a Specific Forbidden Time of Day to Read Quran?

No specific time of day is forbidden or disliked for Quran reading. The prohibited times for voluntary Salah — such as during sunrise, sunset, or midday — do not restrict Quran recitation. Reading after Fajr, after Asr, or at any point during the night is fully permitted and rewarded. 

The restrictions relate to ritual state, not the clock.

Times Commonly Misunderstood as Forbidden for Quran Reading

Many people believe that because supererogatory Salah is forbidden at certain times (like just before sunrise or after Asr), reading Quran is similarly restricted.

This is incorrect. Reading Quran is permitted at all such times. The prohibition on voluntary Salah at specific hours does not extend to Quran recitation, Dhikr, or Du’a. Similarly, there is no authentic basis for restricting Quran reading after Fajr or after Asr — these are actually among the most rewarding times to recite.

Times That Are Fully Permitted for Quran Reading

• After Fajr prayer — one of the most blessed times
• After Asr prayer — no restriction whatsoever
• During the prohibited Salah times (sunrise, midday, sunset) — recitation is permitted
• In the night hours — encouraged and spiritually elevated

For those building a structured reading practice, our Quran reading plan for beginners outlines how to distribute reading across the day with wisdom and consistency.

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When Is Reading Quran Forbidden or Makrooh?

The forbidden and makrooh times to read Quran are determined by a person’s ritual state, physical location, and level of mental presence — not by the clock. 

Scholars of Islamic jurisprudence distinguish between two categories: what is Haram (strictly forbidden) and what is Makrooh (disliked but not sinful). Knowing this distinction protects your recitation from inadvertent disrespect toward Allah’s words.

The table below summarizes these categories clearly:

Situation	Ruling	Reason
State of Janabah (Major Impurity)	Haram (Forbidden)	Confirmed by authentic narration; Ghusl is required first
During Ruku and Sujood in Salah	Makrooh	These positions are for Tasbeeh and Du’a
Severe drowsiness / inattention	Makrooh	Risk of distorting or mispronouncing words
Ma’moom in Jahri prayer (hearing Imam)	Makrooh to recite beyond Fatiha	Commanded to listen attentively

For a fuller understanding of the etiquettes surrounding Quran reading, our guide on Quran reading etiquettes and manners covers the broader framework of adab in recitation.

1. Reading Quran in a State of Janabah Is Strictly Forbidden

Reciting Quran while in a state of major ritual impurity (Janabah) is Haram and must be avoided until a complete Ghusl (ritual bath) is performed. 

This ruling is grounded in authentic narrations from the Sunnah and represents the consensus position of the major schools of Islamic jurisprudence. 

Minor impurity (without Wudu) does not carry the same prohibition — reciting from memory without touching the Mushaf is permitted, though it remains best practice to have Wudu.

The narration reported on the authority of Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Prophet ﷺ would recite Quran at all times except when he was in a state of Janabah. This is authenticated in Sunan Abu Dawood and cited by scholars of Fiqh as the primary textual basis for this ruling.

Why This Ruling Protects the Sanctity of Recitation

The Quran is the direct speech of Allah. Approaching it while ritually impure contradicts the foundational principle of Tuhur (purity) that Islamic worship requires. This isn’t a bureaucratic rule — it reflects that recitation is an act of worship, not merely reading.

If you accidentally begin reciting and remember you are in a state of Janabah, stop immediately and perform Ghusl before continuing. 

Students enrolled in our Quran Reading Classes for Adults are taught from the outset how ritual purity connects to recitation quality and spiritual presence.

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2. Reciting Quran During Ruku and Sujood in Salah Is Makrooh

Within the Salah, reciting Quran during the positions of Ruku (bowing), Sujood (prostration), and Tashahhud (sitting) is Makrooh. These positions have their own designated forms of remembrance. 

The Prophet ﷺ prohibited Quran recitation in these positions and instructed worshippers to glorify Allah instead.

أَمَّا الرُّكُوعُ فَعَظِّمُوا فِيهِ الرَّبَّ، وَأَمَّا السُّجُودُ فَاجْتَهِدُوا فِي الدُّعَاءِ

“As for Ruku, glorify the Lord in it; and as for Sujood, strive earnestly in supplication.” (Sahih Muslim 479)

What Should Be Said in These Positions Instead?

• Ruku: “Subhana Rabbiyal-Adheem” — Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great
• Sujood: “Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la” — Glory be to my Lord, the Most High, and sincere personal Du’a
• Tashahhud: The established Tashahhud formula and Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ

Many beginners make the mistake of continuing the Surah they were reciting into the Ruku position. 

This is a common correction point in our Quran Reading Classes with Tajweed — where instructors address not just recitation mechanics, but the correct integration of Tajweed within actual Salah.

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3. Reading Quran While Severely Drowsy Is Disliked to Protect Accuracy

Reciting Quran while in a state of severe drowsiness — where words blur, mispronunciations become likely, or letters are confused — is Makrooh. The reasoning is straightforward: distorting the words of Allah through inattention shows a lack of proper reverence, even if unintentional. Reciting incorrectly risks changing the meaning of sacred text.

The Prophet ﷺ addressed this directly. As recorded in Sahih Bukhari 5199, he instructed that when a person praying at night becomes drowsy, they should sleep until the drowsiness passes so they do not accidentally curse themselves while asking for forgiveness.

Read Also: Can You Read Quran After Asr?

How to Handle Fatigue During a Quran Reading Session?

If you feel drowsiness setting in during a reading session, stop. Perform Wudu with cold water, stand and stretch, or rest briefly. 

This is especially relevant for students pushing through late-night Tahajjud sessions. Resuming with a clear, focused mind produces more blessing than persisting through exhaustion.

For students working on building a consistent reading habit, our daily Quran reading plan and schedule offers structured guidance that accounts for energy levels and optimal reading times.

Read Also: Can You Read Quran During Sunrise?

Begin Your Quran Reading with the Right Foundation at The Quran Reading Academy

The boundaries around Quran recitation are few, clear, and manageable. The rest is open invitation.

The Quran Reading Academy offers:

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Book your free trial class today and start reciting with clarity, confidence, and correct knowledge — Insha’Allah.

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Conclusion

The rules around forbidden and Makrooh times for Quran reading are fewer and more precise than most people assume. Major ritual impurity forbids recitation; bathroom settings, certain Salah positions, and severe drowsiness make it disliked. Beyond these specific situations, the door to Quran recitation remains wide open — at every hour, in every place of purity.

Learning these boundaries isn’t a burden. It’s what allows you to recite with full peace of mind, knowing that your reading is in its proper, honored place. 

The more clearly you understand the conditions of recitation, the more naturally reverence becomes part of how you open the Mushaf every day.

Read Also: Reading Quran While Traveling

Frequently Asked Questions About Forbidden and Makrooh Times to Read Quran