Women Reciting Qur’an Use Speakers, Is It OK?

RAMADAN is a special time for Muslim men and women to compete in performing acts of worship, as Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala multiplies rewards during this blessed month.

One of the most common acts of worship is reciting (tadarus) the Qur’an, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam during Ramadan.

It is often heard that Qur’anic recitation is broadcast through mosque or prayer room speakers, enlivening Ramadan nights, especially after congregational Tarawih prayers. This is not unusual. However, what if the recitation is performed by a woman?

In some areas, it is common to see women, including mothers, female youth members of mosques, and young girls whi in tadarus using loudspeakers. This raises the question: what is the ruling on women reciting the Qur’an through loudspeakers in mosques during Ramadan?

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In the treasury of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), there are differences of opinion among scholars regarding whether a woman’s voice is considered awrah (something that must be concealed). The majority of scholars hold and this is considered the strongest and most authentic opinion that a woman’s voice is not awrah.

Regarding this, Shaykh Zainuddin Al-Malibari (d. 987 AH) stated in his book:

“The voice is not part of awrah, therefore it is not forbidden to listen to it unless there is fear of causing temptation (fitnah) or deriving pleasure from it, as discussed by Imam Az-Zarkasyi.” (Fath Al-Mu’in Bi Syarh Qurrah Al-Ain, Beirut: Dar Ibn Hazm, vol. 1, p. 446)

One of the arguments supporting this opinion is that some of the Prophet’s companions listened to explanations from the wives of the Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam to understand various religious rulings.

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Shaykh Ali Ash-Shabuni (d. 1442 AH) explained in his tafsir:

“Scholars of the Shafi’i school and others are of the opinion that a woman’s voice is not awrah, because women are permitted to buy, sell, and give testimony before judges. In such matters, raising the voice is necessary. It is clear that if there is no fear of fitnah, then their voices are not considered awrah. Indeed, the wives of the Prophet used to narrate hadith and speak with male companions, including non-mahrams, without any objection or sin.” (Rawai’ Al-Bayan Tafsir Ayat Al-Ahkam, Damascus: Maktabah Al-Ghazali, vol. 2, p. 167)

However, according to Shaykh Dr. Wahbah Az-Zuhaili (d. 1436 AH) in his fiqh encyclopedia, listening to a woman’s voice that is beautified or melodized even if it is Qur’anic recitation which is considered impermissible due to the fear of causing fitnah:

“It is forbidden to listen to a woman’s voice when it is melodized or beautified, even in the recitation of the Qur’an, because of the fear of fitnah.” (Al-Fiqh Al-Islami wa Adillatuhu, Damascus: Dar Al-Fikr Al-Mu’ashir, vol. 1, p. 665)

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Based on the references above, it can be concluded that women reciting the Qur’an using loudspeakers is permissible as long as it does not lead to fitnah.

This is because the majority of scholars agree that a woman’s voice is not awrah. However, it is important to ensure that the recitation is not excessively beautified or melodized in a way that may lead to temptation.

It is best to recite the Qur’an with humility, reverence, and deep reflection upon the words of Allah. And Allah knows best. []

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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