Can You Read Du`a from a Paper while Praying?

Question: 118096

I have memorized only a few Du`as. Is it permissible to write some Du`as on a piece of paper and read them, outside of prayer and whilst praying?.

Summary of answer

It is better to recite Du`a from memory during prayer, and the Du`a should be short. If you read Du`a from a piece of paper during the Tashahhud or between the two prostrations, there is nothing wrong with that.

Answer

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah and his family.

Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“There is nothing wrong with reading Du`as from a piece of paper if one has not memorized them, or writing the Du`as on a piece of paper and reading them at times when it is recommended to say Du`a, such as the end of the night, or during the night, or at other times. But if it is possible to memorize them and recite them from the heart and with proper humility and focus, that is better.

With regard to prayer, it is better to recite them from memory, and the Du`as should be short and brief. If they are read from a piece of paper during the Tashahhud, for example, or between the two prostrations, there is nothing wrong with that, but if you memorize the Du`a, that is closer to proper focus. And Allah is the Source of strength.” (Majmu` Fatwas Ibn Baz, 26/136)

For more details, please refer to the following answers: 65924 , 9061 , 108242 , and 81083 .

And Allah knows best.

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