During Ramadan, many of us strive to recite the Quran in abundance. Below are some tips, as articulated by Shaykh al-Islam Imam al-Nawawi, to enhance our recitation and form a bond with the Quran.

1. Sincerity: Approach the Quran with a sincere heart and an intention of getting closer to Allah Subhana wa T’aala.
2. A clean mouth: Recite with a clean mouth. Any tool, such as a toothbrush or a miswak stick, can be used for this purpose.
3. Ritual purity: It is recommended to be in a state of wudu when reciting the Quran. However, it is permissible to recite in a state of minor ritual impurity (a minor ritual impurity is anything that requires wudu but not ghusl/bath). A person should not recite Quran if they are in a state of major ritual impurity (anything that necessitates a bath). However, such a person can say the Quran (silently) in their heart.
4. Dry Ablution: If a person is in a state of major ritual impurity and does not have access to water, they can make dry ablution or Tayammum.
5. Place of recitation: Recite the Quran in a clean place.
6. Facing the Qibla: it is recommended to face the Qibla when reciting. It has been related in a hadith: “The best way to sit is facing the Qibla” (Abu Yala, al-Tabarani in al-Aswat).
7. Seeking Protection: Before beginning recitation, one should say: Audhu billah min al-shaytan al-rajim - I seek protection by God from the Accursed Devil.”
8. Basmala: One should begin recitation by saying, “Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim” - In the name of God, Most Merciful and Compassionate.
9. Humility and Reflection: Approach the Quran with humility and reflect on its verses during recitation. Scholars have said, “There are five medicines for the heart: reciting the Quran with reflection, emptying the stomach, standing at night in prayer, supplicating during the last part of the night, and sitting with the righteous.”

Adapted from:

Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya al-Nawawi. Etiquette with the Quran. Translated by Musa Fuber. Islamosaic, 2013.