Questioner: 

What is the ruling on saying “Sadaqa Allāhu al-ʿAẓīm” after reading the Noble Qurʾān?

Shaykh Ṣāliḥ al-Fawzān:

The Prophet ﷺ portrayed for us the manners of reciting the Qurʾān when reading it. From the manners (of reading the Qurʾān) is that the person is in a state of purity when he reads the Qurʾān from the musḥaf; and it is permissible for him to read it if he is in a state of minor impurity. If he is in a state of major impurity then it is not permissible for him to read the Qurʾān, not even a single letter, (this is) as long as he is in a state of major impurity.

If he reads the Qurʾān, then he should seek refuge in Allah ﷻ from the accursed shayṭān. Upon commencing, he should seek refuge in Allah ﷻ from the accursed shayṭān, and at the beginning of the chapter, he should say:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,”

except for Sūrah al-Barā (al-Tawbah, chapter 9). Likewise, he should read the Qurʾān with accuracy and precision, and in a tone that is correct. He should reflect upon the Qurʾān, and ponder upon its meanings as much as possible.

The Prophet ﷺ did not legislate the statement: “Saqada Allahu al-ʿAẓīm,” upon finishing the recitation. Bring me a single piece of evidence which (proves) the Messenger ﷺ, ordered or acted upon this. This has no foundation in the religion, rather this is what the people have become acquainted with.