How can parents teach children to treat Quran apps with the same respect as a physical mushaf? 

Parenting Perspective 

Explain That the Sanctity is in the Words 

A child might think that respect is only due to a physical mushaf because it is a special object. Parents can gently clarify this by explaining, ‘It is the words of Allah themselves that are sacred, whether they are on paper or a screen. Our job is to honour those words.’ This helps to shift the child’s focus from the physical object to the divine content. 

Model the Proper Adab 

Parents must demonstrate this respect through their own behaviour. This includes performing wudu before reciting from a Quran app, sitting attentively, and avoiding multitasking. These small but consistent actions are a powerful, practical lesson for children, showing them that the digital format does not in any way lessen the dignity of the Quran. 

Set Clear Family Guidelines 

A family can agree on a set of simple guidelines for using the Quran app, such as no playing games while it is open or never placing the device on the floor. These clear, shared boundaries help children to build habits of reverence while still benefiting from the convenience that technology provides. 

Spiritual Insight 

Honouring the Symbols of Allah 

The Quran teaches that showing honour to the symbols of Allah, which includes His revealed words, is a direct reflection of the piety (taqwa) within a person’s heart. This applies regardless of the format in which we encounter those words. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hajj (22), Verse 32: 

‘ These (are the commandments), and whoever pays tribute to the Symbols of Allah (Almighty) (i.e. all those places and people who are connected with Allah Almighty), then indeed, (such actions are the best depiction of the) piety of the hearts.‘ 

The Quran as an Intercessor 

The prophetic tradition encourages us to honour the Quran, promising that it will come as an intercessor for its companions. This companionship is built on reverence and sincere engagement, whether through a physical book or a digital app. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, 991, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Honour the Quran, for by the One in Whose Hand is my soul, it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions.’ 

Honouring the Quran is Timeless 

By teaching the sanctity of Allah’s words, modelling respectful adab, and setting clear family guidelines, parents can help their children understand that honouring the Quran is a timeless duty. They learn that whether it is in a physical mushaf or in a digital app, the reverence due to it remains the same, safeguarding the family’s love for the noble Quran.