Reciting the Qur'an or occupying oneself with Tasbih, Tahlil, Istighfar, and Du`a'?

Q 2: Which is better, reciting the Qur’an or occupying oneself with Tasbih (saying: “Subhan Allah [Glory be to Allah]”), Tahlil (saying: “La ilaha illa Allah [There is no god except Allah]”), Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah), and Du‘a’ (supplication) between the Adhan (call to Prayer) and Iqamah (call to start the Prayer) in the Fajr (Dawn) and the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayers? Please advise.


(Part No. 4; Page No. 32)  A: Reciting the Qur’an is better, unless there is a text that indicates the preference of another Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah), such as Tasbih, Tahmid, Takbir, or Tahlil at certain positions during Salah (Prayer), based on evidence from the Sunnah, and also after Salah, based on evidence of permissibility. The basic rule is that any Dhikr prescribed by Shari‘ah (Islamic law) to be said at a particular time or place takes precedence. It is even forbidden to recite the Qur’an at certain positions during Salah, whereas other Adhkar (invocations and remembrances said at certain times on a regular basis) are specified for them, such as Tasbih during Ruku‘ (bowing) and Sujud (prostration).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.


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