Many Muslims wonder about the right times to recite the Holy Quran throughout the day. Questions like “can I read the Quran during sunrise?” or “can we read the Quran at zawal time?” are common among those who want to ensure their worship aligns with Islamic teachings.
While certain times are prohibited for voluntary prayers, the rules regarding Quran recitation are different and more lenient. Understanding these distinctions is essential for every Muslim who wishes to maintain a consistent relationship with the Quran without unintentionally violating any religious guidelines.
This article clarifies when you can recite the Quran and explains the specific rulings about sunrise and zawal times.
Table of Contents
What is Zawal Time?
Zawal time refers to the precise moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, directly overhead at noon. In Arabic, “zawal” literally means “to decline” or “to move away,” indicating the moment the sun begins to shift from its zenith position.
This period typically lasts for approximately 10-15 minutes, varying by location and season.
Zawal time holds special significance in Islamic jurisprudence because it marks the transition between the prohibition of voluntary prayers and the beginning of Dhuhr (noon) prayer time.
During zawal, the sun appears to stand still momentarily before starting its descent toward the western horizon. This astronomical phenomenon has been recognized since the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a distinct period with specific religious rulings.
Can We Read the Quran at Zawal Time?
Yes, you can read the Quran during zawal time without any restriction. The prohibition during zawal applies specifically to voluntary (nafl) prayers, not to Quran recitation. This is an important distinction that many Muslims may not fully understand.
Islamic scholars universally agree that reciting the Quran is permissible and even encouraged at all times, including zawal.
The evidence for this comes from the general encouragement in the Quran and Hadith to recite Allah’s words frequently. There are no authentic narrations that prohibit Quran recitation during zawal time.
The confusion often arises because zawal is one of the three times when voluntary prayers are discouraged. However, reading the Quran is an act of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and worship that falls into a different category than performing salah.
You can sit with the Mushaf (physical Quran), recite from memory, listen to recitation, or study Quranic meanings during zawal without any concern.
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Can You Read the Quran During Sunrise Without Sin?
Absolutely, you can read the Quran during sunrise without committing any sin. Like zawal time, sunrise is a period when voluntary prayers are prohibited, but this restriction does not extend to Quran recitation. Reading the Quran at sunrise is not only permissible but can be spiritually rewarding.
The prohibition during sunrise specifically concerns performing voluntary prayers, not engaging in dhikr, supplication, or Quran recitation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged his companions to remember Allah at all times, and there is no authentic evidence suggesting that Quran recitation should be avoided during sunrise.
The Prohibited Times for Salah in Islam
Islamic law identifies three specific times when voluntary (nafl) prayers are prohibited, though obligatory prayers can still be performed if their time arrives during these periods. Understanding these times helps clarify why people sometimes confuse prayer restrictions with Quran recitation rules.
1. After Fajr Prayer Until Sunrise
Once you complete the Fajr prayer, voluntary prayers are discouraged until the sun has fully risen and ascended to about a spear’s length above the horizon (approximately 15-20 minutes after sunrise).
2. At Zawal (True Noon)
As mentioned earlier, the brief period when the sun reaches its zenith marks a time when voluntary prayers should be avoided. This lasts approximately 10-15 minutes until the Dhuhr prayer time begins.
Read Also: Can You Recite Quran for the Dead?
3. After Asr Prayer Until Sunset
From the completion of Asr prayer until the sun has fully set, voluntary prayers are prohibited. This is the longest of the three restricted periods.
It’s crucial to note that these restrictions are specific to voluntary prayers only. Obligatory prayers, Quran recitation, dhikr, supplication, and other forms of worship remain permissible during these times. If you missed an obligatory prayer, you can and should make it up immediately, even during these restricted periods. Similarly, you can continue your Quran reading, tasbih, or remembrance of Allah without any concern.
Read Also: When Not To Recite The Quran? Forbidden Time To Read Or Recite The Quran
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Now that you understand when you can read the Quran throughout the day, including during sunrise and zawal time, it’s the perfect moment to deepen your connection with Allah’s words. Whether you’re a beginner learning to recite or looking to memorize and understand the Quran’s meanings, Riwaq Al-Quran offers comprehensive online Quran classes designed for students of all ages and levels.
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- Online courses for kids.
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Here are a sample of our set of Quran Courses that will be helpful for you:
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Conclusion
The question “Can I read the Quran during sunrise and zawal time?” has a clear and encouraging answer: yes, you absolutely can. While Islamic law prohibits voluntary prayers during three specific times, after Fajr until full sunrise, at zawal (true noon), and after Asr until sunset, these restrictions do not apply to Quran recitation. Reading the Quran is permissible and praiseworthy at any time of day or night.
The distinction between prayer prohibitions and Quran recitation permissions is important for every Muslim to understand. Can you read the Quran during sunrise? Can we read the Quran at zawal time? Can we recite the Quran during zawal time? The answer to all these questions is a resounding yes. The only true restrictions on Quran recitation relate to your state of purity and the appropriateness of your environment, not the time of day.
