Reading aloud in Salah

Question: As it is now lockdown where I stay, the Masaajid are now closed; however, I will still be able to go to the Masjid and broadcast. I wanted to ask if I was to read fardh salaah etc., on my own, would it be permissible for me to read aloud the qiraat, takbeer, etc.? The reason for this is so that it can be broadcast over the receiver, and our musalees can still have that attachment to the masjid. They will not be following; rather, they will just be listening. بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

For the audible prayers (Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha), when praying alone, you have the choice between reading loudly or softly; however, it is best to read loudly; the same rule applies to nafl prayers, i.e., a person also has a choice between reading loudly or softly when praying nafl prayers during these three times. Keep in mind when reading loudly, your voice should not be so loud that it disturbs others, e.g., waking someone asleep.

If one decides to read aloud when praying alone, anything besides the Quran’s recitation should be read in a low voice, e.g., the takbeers, salaam, etc. The Quran’s recitation in the silent prayers (Zuhr and Asr) must be rendered in a low voice; the same rule applies to nafl prayers prayed during these two times. As a precaution, we suggest that you make it clear to your community that following the Imam in such a manner (i.e., the Imam is in the Masjid and the followers are at home) would not be correct. Also, inform them of your objective so that they may be saved from any confusion and mistakes.

Fatawa Hindiya: v. 1, p. 79-80 (DKI)

Raddul Muhtar: v. 2, p. 251 (Maktaba Imdadia)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah Darul Ifta Birmingham