Question to Shaykh ʿAbdul-ʿAzīz al-Rājihī (ḥafiẓahullāh):
If I beautify my voice when reciting Qur’an so that the person next to me is moved or his heart becomes inclined , does this count as showing off (riyāʾ)?
Answer:
That depends on your intention.
- If your intention is to impress people so that they praise you and say, “What a beautiful reciter,” then this is riyāʾ (showing off), which is minor shirk.
- But if your intention is to beautify your voice in order to benefit others, soften hearts, and increase your own humility and devotion, then this is praiseworthy and encouraged.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Beautify your voices with the Qur’an.”
And in another narration: “Adorn the Qur’an with your voices.”
It is also reported that the Prophet ﷺ listened to Abū Mūsá al-Ashʿarī, who had a sweet and melodious voice, and he ﷺ said:
“Indeed, you have been given a sweet and melodious voice like that of the family of Dāwūd (David).”
Later the Prophet ﷺ said to him:
“If only you had seen me while I was listening to your recitation last night.”
And Abū Mūsá replied:
“Had I known you were listening, I would have beautified it even more for you.”
So the ruling depends entirely on what’s in your heart:
- If you do it to seek admiration, it’s showing off.
- But if you do it to please Allah, follow the Sunnah, and move hearts with the beauty of the Qur’an — then you are rewarded, and it becomes an act of worship.
Ultimately, only Allah knows your true intention.
Source:
Fatāwā of Shaykh ʿAbdul-ʿAzīz al-Rājihī
From his telegram channel