Gathering for reciting the Qur'an

A: First, gathering to recite and learn the Qur'an by having someone to recite while others listen to it, mutually studying and trying to understand the meanings of it, is permissible. It is even an act of worship, beloved and rewarded greatly by Allah (Exalted be He). It is recorded by Muslim in his Sahih and Abu Dawud on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Any group of people that assemble in one of the Houses of Allah to study the Qur'an, tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will engulf them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them to those (the angels) in His proximity. Moreover, supplicating Allah (Exalted be He) after reciting the entire Qur'an is also permissible on condition that it is not done on a regular basis and that there is no specific formula of supplication as if it is a recurrent Sunnah. In fact, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), not the Prophet (peace be upon him), are reported to have done so. Likewise, inviting those who attend the recitation to eat is also not objectionable as long as it is not made a regular custom specifically after recitation. Second, reciting the part of the Qur'an assigned to them, each of those attending such a gathering may not necessarily be considered to have recited the whole Qur'an. Moreover, seeking blessings in this way is defective, for recitation of the Qur'an should be meant to draw closer to Allah (Exalted be He), memorizing, reflecting on, understanding (Part No. 2; Page No. 481) the meanings of the Qur'an, while seeking reward and training one's tongue to recite it as well as many other benefits.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.