Q:
1. If a person is a Haafiz, is it permissible for him to recite the Qur'an in front of everybody without a topi?
2. Can he lead the namaaz?
A:
1. The Qur'an Shareef is the greatest living miracle of the Deen of Islam. When the Qur'an is the greatest living miracle and it is through the Qur'an that we receive guidance and blessings, then it is only befitting that we afford the Qur'an the greatest degree of reverence and respect. We should thus wear clean clothes, apply itr and wear a topi at the time of reciting the Qur'an.
2. When one stands to offer Salaah, one should ensure that one's attire and clothing conform to the Sunnah. Thereafter one should perform the Salaah with complete devotion and concentration fulfilling all the postures in the proper manner. In proportion to the quality of the Salaah, one receives reward from Allah Ta'ala. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasaalam) said: “When a person offers his salaah on its prescribed time with proper wudhu, and fulfilling all the postures in the correct manner (i.e. his qiyaam, ruku’ and sajdah) with the desired concentration and devotion, then the salaah rises up in a bright and beautiful form saying to him, ‘May Allah Ta’ala safeguard you as you have safeguarded me.’ On the other hand, if a person does not perform his salaah punctually, nor does he perform a proper wudhu or fulfil his postures in the correct manner, then the salaah rises up in an ugly and dark form and curses him saying, ‘May Allah Ta’ala destroy you as you have destroyed me.’ The salaah then rises to the point where Allah Ta’ala wishes, and thereafter it is folded like a dirty rag and flung on his face.” Hence, when we understand that receiving the full reward of the Salaah is subject to performing the Salaah in accordance to the Sunnah, then the Sunnah manner of performing Salaah is that one performs the Salaah while wearing a topi. The Fuqaha have written that performing Salaah without a topi is makrooh.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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