The Phenomenon of Yawning While Reciting the Quran
Yawning is a natural involuntary response and is not considered a sin for which an individual will be held accountable. People cannot control or inhibit it. However, it is preferred to suppress it as much as possible. If an individual is unable to suppress a yawn, it is recommended to cover the mouth with a hand and avoid making any noise during the act. Imam Bukhari narrates in his authentic collection through Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, Allah loves sneezing and dislikes yawning. When anyone of you sneezes and praises Allah, it is a right upon every Muslim who hears him to invoke blessings upon him. As for yawning, it is from the devil; therefore, one should try to suppress it as much as possible. If one says ‘Ha’, the devil laughs at him.”
Causes of Yawning While Reading the Quran
Yawning during the recitation of the Quran or during prayer is viewed as one of the tactics employed by Satan to distract the reader’s mind and disrupt their focus. The objective is to hinder the depth of reflection and contemplation over the verses of Allah, thus preventing the intended purpose of recitation from being achieved. Consequently, the devil attempts to instill feelings of lethargy, encouraging the individual to seek relaxation away from worship and obedience. The devil delights in seeing Muslims neglect their acts of devotion. It is crucial to clarify that while yawning during acts of worship like prayer or Quran recitation may be influenced by the devil, this does not imply that the act of yawning itself is directly caused by him. Moreover, the linkage of yawning in prayer or while reading the Quran to concepts like envy or witchcraft—which some believe—is not accurate and lacks any legitimate religious or spiritual foundation.
Addressing Yawning While Reciting the Quran
As previously mentioned, yawning is associated with the influence of the devil, and its remedy lies in minimizing its causes. Muslims can adopt several approaches to counteract this issue:
- Confidence in Allah (SWT) and regular engagement with authentic supplications, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) indicated that these supplications serve as protection against Satan. Additionally, reciting legal incantations is a means of safeguarding oneself from what one fears and dislikes.
- Solemnly seeking refuge in Allah from the devil.
- Making an effort to suppress yawning whenever possible.
- Covering the mouth during yawns. Abu Saeed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “When one of you yawns, he should place his hand over his mouth, for the devil may enter.”
- Taking a break from reciting the Quran if yawning occurs excessively, and resume reciting after the yawning subsides.
- Approaching Quran recitation with a sense of seriousness, vitality, enthusiasm, and genuine determination.
- Turning to Allah (SWT) with sincere supplication for relief from the interruptions experienced during Quran recitation, while also striving to eliminate the factors that lead to yawning. Allah (SWT) says: “And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me, that they may be guided.” (Quran 2:186).