One interpretation is that when Quran is being
recited, one must observe absolute silence and listen to its verses
attentively.
Zurarah asked Imam Ja’ffar Ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq
(as), “When a person is reciting Quran, is it obligatory to observe
silence and listen to its recitation?” Imam (as) replied,
“Yes! When Quran is being recited to you (near
you), it is compulsory upon you to listen to it and be silent”.
(Bihar al-Anwaar)
Some people have the tendency of being disrespectful
towards the Holy Quran when it is being recited. They either talk or
create unnecessary commotions. Most of our Muslim scholars are of the
opinion that when Quran is being recited at a place and one feels that
by his entrance into such place will create commotion and distraction
then one should wait until the recitation is finished. Likewise, it is
improper that when Quran is recited, people should greet each other
loudly thereby causing disrespect to the words of Allah (SWT).
The other interpretation is to remain silent and
listen to the recitation of the Surahs (chapters) of the Holy Quran
during Fajr, Maghrib and ‘Isha congregational prayers.
According to Shia’h Fiqh, In Salaatul-Jama’ah
(congregational prayers) the recitation of the two Surahs in the first
two Rak’aat is done only by the Imam. In Fajr and Maghribayn prayers,
when the Imam is reciting the Surahs loudly, the followers cannot even
whisper the same. They must remain silent and listen to the Imam’s
recitation. In Dhuhrayn prayers, when the Imam is reciting the Surahs
silently, again the followers cannot recite the Surahs but perform any
Dhikr.
All the Maraje’ (Mujtahideen), including Ayatullah
Sayyid Ali al-Seestani have stated in their Risalah: It is necessary
for the follower (Mamoon) to recite all the things of the prayers
himself, except Suratul-Hamd and any other Surah.
They also state: The follower should not recite
Suratul-Hamd and Surah in the first and second Rak’aat of Dhuhr and ‘Asr
prayers and it is Mustahab (recommended) that instead of them, he should
recite Dhikr.
Partly, this ruling has been derived from the verse
stated above and the verse that follows and reads:
“And remember your Lord within
your heart beseechingly and reverentially, without being loud, morning
and evening, and do not be among the heedless”.
(7:205)
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as) has said,
“Verily Allah is telling the believers:
‘And when Quran is being recited’
meaning in obligatory prayers behind an Imam,
‘listen to it attentively and remain
silent’.”
(Bihar al-Anwaar)