What do we say before we read the Noble Quran?
ماذا نقول قبل البدء بقراءة القرآن الكريم؟
This practice is known as the Istia'dah. It is a vital step for every Muslim to prepare the heart and mind for the Word of Allah. By seeking refuge, the believer asks Allah to guard them against the expelled Satan, ensuring a state of focus and spiritual purity while engaging with the Holy Scripture.
تُعرف هذه الصيغة بـ "الاستعاذة"، وهي سنة مؤكدة (وقيل واجبة عند البعض) قبل الشروع في التلاوة. والمقصود بها الاعتصام بالله والالتجاء إليه من كيد الشيطان، حتى يقبل القارئ على كتاب ربه بقلب حاضر وفكر خالٍ من الشواغل.
Quranic Evidence | الدليل من القرآن الكريم
(So when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].)
(فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْآنَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ)
[سورة النحل: آية ٩٨]
Scholarly Insight: The majority of scholars view the Istia'dah as highly recommended (Mustahabb). It serves as a spiritual barrier; since the Quran is a source of guidance, Satan strives to prevent the reader from reflecting (Tadabbur) on its meanings. Starting with the Name of Allah (Bismillah) follows the Istia'dah when beginning a new Surah.