Question

Must we always begin reading the Qur'an with saying: ?  If we are interrupted for example, and return to reading after do we repeat it?  Could you clarify this matter for me?

Answer

There are three categories of stops when reciting the Qur’an:

1.   A testing or teaching stop.  This is when a teacher tells you to stop for any reason, or in a test situation you are asked to stop on a certain word. 

2.  A compelled stop.  This is when something compels you to stop your recitation, for example: sneezing, coughing, forgetting the next word, etc.

3.  A voluntary stop.  This is a stop that you have taken upon your own free will.  This stop is the stop that has rules to go with it as to where it is allowed and where it is not allowed, according to grammar and meaning.

Interruptions may or may not fall into the second category of stop.  Only you can determine whether the interruption was compelled or a voluntary cut off of your recitation.  If it was compelled, then after the temporary interruption, you may resume your recitation with no need for saying the isti’aathah, which is the phrase: .  If the stop is considered voluntary cut off of your recitation, most scholars agree that you should say the isti’aathah again before reciting.  Some scholars say that the isti’aathah is not waajib, but sunnah.  The phrase “voluntary cut off” means you are willingly and voluntarily changing your state from reciting the Qur’an to another state other than that.   And Allah knows best.