Ask a Muslim Scholar Volume 7
Q: Is it disrespectful to exercise on machines while listening to Qur’an instead of music? A: Although we should treat the Qur’an, the Mighty Revelation of Allah, with utmost respect by giving full attention to it while reciting or listening to it, there is nothing wrong for us in listening to it while doing chores that does not require full attention; for the rule of the Shari’ah is that if we cannot have something in its entirety by fulfilling all of its requirements, it does not mean that we should leave it altogether; so even though you are not able to pay full attention to the Qur’an, still you should not be depriving yourself of whatever benefits you can possibly obtain from reading or listening to it in your given circumstance or situation in life. Moreover, it is definitely far better than listening to music or other mundane activities. Nay, by consistently listening to the Quran in this way you certainly stand to gain tremendous spiritual and moral benefits. The same rule applies to listening to the Qur’an or while doing chores at work in the kitchen, etc. Insha Allah, as many people would vouch for it that such an…