Q 2: Is reciting Qur'an considered a form of making Du`a' (supplication)?

A: Reciting Qur'an is not considered Du`a' as far as making requests is concerned. However, certain meanings are common to reciting Qur'an and making Du`a' such as, acknowledging the person's need for Allah (Exalted be He), His Benevolence, Mercy, and Reward. When a person recites Qur'an with sincerity and truthfulness, they ask Allah (Exalted be He) by their recitation to bless them and protect them against evils and trials. They may come across Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) which contain Du`a' such as: Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maulâ (Patron, Supporter and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people." (Part No. 24; Page No. 214) and: So when you have accomplished your Manâsik, remember Allâh as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!" and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter. And of them there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!" For them there will be allotted a share for what they have earned. And Allâh is Swift at reckoning. And: And those who came after them say: "Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful. If a person intends by their recitation to make Du`a' at the same time for living and deceased Muslims, we hope that Allah (Exalted be He) avails them from this out of His Grace and Mercy and accept it from them as a valid Du`a'.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.