Q 11: I have heard in some episodes of “Nur wa Hidayah” by Shaykh Aly Al-Tantawy that saying “Sadaqa Allah-ul-Azhim” (Allah, the Most Great, has spoken the Truth) after finishing recitation of the Glorious Qur’an is a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion). If this is true, what should one say after finishing recitation? If it is permissible to say that, can a reciter also say “Sadaqa Allah-ul-Azhim wa Sadaqa Rasuluh Al-Karim” (Allah, the Most Great, has spoken the Truth and His honorable Messenger has spoken the truth)? Are these sayings reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him)?

A: Using words such as “Sadaqa Allah-ul-Azhim” to conclude the Qur’an recitation with is a Bid‘ah. This is because it was not authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) ever said them after he finished reciting the Qur’an. Had it been lawful to conclude the recitation with these words, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would have said them after it. Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is authentically reported to have said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it, will have it rejected.” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!