Is It Wrong to Scroll Past Qur’an Recitation on TikTok?

Question

Is it sinful to scroll past Qur’an recitation on TikTok without listening to it?

Bottom Line

Keep Halal scrolling on.

Quick Answer

No. It is not sinful to scroll past Qur’an recitation on TikTok or similar platforms. The command to listen attentively applies when the Qur’an is being recited in prayer.  Online feeds are different; you are not obligated to stop and listen every time a clip appears.

Key Takeaway

• Obligation to listen applies in prayer, not casual social media feeds.
• Scrolling past without mockery or disrespect is not sinful.

Detailed Answer

Allah says:

“So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.”

Al-A‘raf 7:204

Scholars explain that this verse refers to contexts like prayer or communal recitation where listening is part of the act of worship. Ibn Kathir writes in his tafsir that the command to listen is tied to prayer and khutbah, not every possible situation.

On social media, clips appear randomly, often mixed with other content. You are not obligated to stop and listen to each one. What matters is respect, do not mock, belittle, or treat the Qur’an lightly.

If you deliberately play a recitation, then it is from good manners (adab) to listen attentively. But scrolling past a clip without listening is not sinful.

What This Means for You

Scrolling past the Qur’an on TikTok is not a sin. If you want an extra reward, pause and listen with attention when you can. If not, you are not blameworthy for simply moving on.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-A‘raf 7:204: Command to listen to Qur’an recitation in a worship context.

Secondary Sources

2. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim, commentary on 7:204: Explains that the verse applies in Salah and khutbah, not every instance.
3. Al-Nawawi, Al-Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat al-Qur’an: Emphasizes the etiquette of respect toward Qur’an recitation.