Listening to the Qur'an in public

If you want to listen to the Qur'an but find yourself thinking that people may consider you to be showing off, or that you are listening for the sake of appearance, do not stop listening to the Qur'an because of such misgivings.

What truly matters is your intention. If your intention is to seek the pleasure of Allah and benefit from the guidance of the Qur'an, then the mere fact that others know you are listening does not make your action an act of showing off (riyā').

At the same time, it is very important to observe the respect and etiquette due to the Qur'an. Try to listen to it when you are free so that you can give it your full attention. Likewise, avoid playing the Qur'an aloud in public or social places, as people around you may be occupied with their own activities and unable to listen attentively, which does not befit the respect owed to the Qur'an.

If you wish to listen to the Qur'an in such places, keep the volume very low or use headphones so that you do not disturb others and the respect of the Qur'an is maintained.

Therefore, ignore these baseless misgivings, keep your intention sincere, and continue listening to the Qur'an with peace of mind.