2a] The Etiquette of reciting the Holy Quran

2a]
Qirat or recitation of the Quran has one basic requirement, that is, the Tarteel or the distinct intonation and pronunciation of the words. While reciting one hasto keep in mind the fasl {division) and wasl ( joining ) of words and sentences.
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) has said that Tarteel is delivering words according to their Makharij (outlets for sound or intonations). Uttering the words clearly and slowly and reciting with understanding and uttering the contents correctly is of prime importance. One should not recite the Quran with such speed that it might become incomprehensible and bore the listener. Neither the recitation be so slow that it takes long time and puts the listeners off.. “Khair al umoore ausatha” or it is better to follow the middle path.
The other important aspect of therecitation is the reading with understanding and thought. One should keep his eyes on the meanings of the Quran. While reciting the verses about Allah’s Blessings, one should seek Astaghfar (Allah’s Help and Foregiveness).
Imam Raza (a.s.) used to recite the Quran with feelings and tears. He used to cry when reference to the Heaven and Hell came during the reading of the Book. At these points he used to seek Allah’s Help. When the Imam (a.s.) recited the verse Qul huwallahu ahad , he used to say Kadhalik Allahu Rabbi three times.Similarly after reciting the verse Qul ya ayyuhal kaferoon in the prayer, the Imam used to say Rabbi Allaho Deenalislam three times. After reciting the verse Wat-teene wazaitune Imam Reza (a.s.) used to say bala wa ana zaalika min al shahedeen. On reciting the verse Ala uqsimo beyoumilqiyamah the Imam (a.s.) said Subhanaka Allahumma Balah.On reciting Sura e Fateha the Imam (a.s.) said Alhamdu lillahe Rab al Aalemeen. Whenever the Imam (a.s.) came across the words ya ayyuhal lazeena aamanu during the recitation of the Quran he would say slowly the words Labbaek Allahumma labbaek.
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) said that whenever one recited In Allaha malaekatahu yusalloona alan-nabi…. It should be followed by benediction (durood) whetherduring the prayers or while at thesession of recitation. He said that after reciting the verse wat-teen one should say Nahnu ala zalika min al shahedeen.
Imam Jafar e Sadiq (a.s.) used to say deenilislam alaihi ahya-an wa alaihi amwaatu insha Allah after reciting the verse Qul ya ayyuhal kaferoon.
Imam Zain al Abedeen (a.s.) has said, “ If a person wishes to converse with Allah, he should recite the Quran. When he comes to the passages where Allah addresses the people, he should say labbaek Allahumma labbaek and in the passages where Allah addresses the Prophet (a.s.) or the people of the earlier times, heshould feel that the communication is for his own benefit only. When he reads about the spread of victuals of the Heaven in the Quran, he should draw pleasure from the very thought of the delicacies. He should visualise that his Friend has made the spread for him. Sometimes Allah recounts His most superior qualities of Beneficence and Sustenence in the Quran, and at other places He talks of the unfathomable treasures of knowledge.
Thus Allah recounts his innumerable Bounties to His creatures in the Book and shows them the way of happiness and pleasure. He promises them a place in the Heaven and also warns them of the Hellfire. The gathering for the recitation of theQuran is the most wonderful gathering. In this gathering Allah is the Host and the courtiers the Prophets and their Vicegerents (a.s.). How could one not be happy in such a gathering! Due respect for such a gathering is very important. One should therefore purify oneself with ablution (Wadu) is necessary.
ABOUT ISTA-AAZA
SEEKING ALLAH’S PROTECTION FROM THE SATAN
Before commencing the recitation of the Holy Quran one should do Ista aaza or seek the protection of Allah against the machination of the Satan. For thisone should say Aa-uzu billahi. This has been mandated by the Quran..
There are two ways of doing the Ista-aaza. The first is saying, ‘ Aa-uzu billahi min al shaitan ir rajeem’ and the second is ‘Aa-uzubillahi samiul aleem min al shaitan ir rajeem’. According to some other traditions, one should say ‘Aa-uzu billahi min al shaitan ir rajeem in Allaha huwal fattahul aleem.’ But the first two methods of seeking Allah’s Help to ward off the Satan are very much in vogue.
FACING THE KAABA OR QIBLA WHILE RECITING THE QURAN
It is advised to face the Kaaba while reciting the Quran, be it in loneliness or in congregation. One should not sit at the back of anyone while reciting the Quran.
ABOUT KHATME-QURAN OR FINISHING A RECITATION OF THE HOLY BOOK
One person told to Imam Jafar e Sadiq (a.s.) that he used to complete the recitation of the Quran in a single sitting in the night. (Abu Baseer )./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en