Is reading the Quran permissible during Tawaf (circumambulation)?
Chapter on Mentioning Hajj and Entering Makkah
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
Reading the Quran during Tawaf is permissible. This opinion is held by 'Ata, Mujahid, Ath-Thawri, Ibn al-Mubarak, Ash-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and the companions of Ar-Ra'y (Hanafi school). The evidence is that 'Aishah reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to recite during his Tawaf: "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire" (Quran 2:201). Furthermore, 'Umar and 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf used to say this in Tawaf, and it is Quran. Additionally, Tawaf is considered a form of prayer, and reading is not disliked in prayer.
Supporting text
It is disliked to read the Quran during Tawaf according to the reported view of Ahmad, which is also narrated from 'Urwah and Al-Hasan, and Imam Malik.