Preparation

1. 
    
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   The Kabbah
   Muslims must purify themselves before touching the Quran. At the least, they clean their hands. Islam Online describes a Muslim who cleaned his mouth with a siwak (tooth stick) to make it pure before speaking the sacred phrases. While such purification is not mandated by Shariah, some may wish to take the extra measure. Islam Online suggests a a person preparing to recite the Quran should "dress well as if he is getting prepared for meeting a royal prince." Muslims are required to dress formally, in suits, shirts and ties, or modest dresses. One noted Muslim, Qiblah Abu Al-Aaliyah, used to wear his turban and face the Kabbah (sacred Islamic pilgrimage site), but facing the Kabbah is not required. It is not respectful for non-Muslims to recite the Quran, but they are welcome to read the sacred book.

   Reciting

2. Muslims recite the Quran slowly in Arabic with prayerful attention. As they begin, they seek refuge with Allah by saying, "Audhu billahi min Ash-Shaytan-ir-rajeem" (I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed devil.) Seeking refuge with Allah protects them from attacks on their faith by the Devil as they recite. When they begin to recite, they also say, "Bismi-llah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem" (In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful)." The Quran has 115 surahs (chapters), which can be as short as six lines or as long as dozens of multiline verses.
   Unless necessary, Muslims never speak to others while reciting the Quran. Speaking disrupts the recitation and is disrespectful to the holy book. It is best to recite the Quran in private to avoid interruption. Muslims ask for Allah's grace when reciting a verse of promise. Surah XXIV, verse 55 is an example of a verse of promise: "Allah has promised to those of you who ... do good that He will ... make them rulers in the earth." They seek Allah's protection when reciting a threatening verse. Surah XLV, verse 34 exemplifies a threatening verse: "Today we forsake you as you neglected the meeting of this day of yours and your abode is the fire." They enunciate every letter and word, believing they will be rewarded for each recited letter with ten blessings.

   Finishing

3. When Muslims finish reciting, they say, "Allah says the truth" and "Our Lord! You have said the truth. Your messengers have delivered the message. We testify on all this, O Allah! Make us bear witness of the truth and observe justice in all our dealings." Because it is forbidden to "abandon" the Quran (to interrupt one's recitation in the middle of a surah), they may recite an entire surah and continue into the first five verses of the next. Strictly speaking, one does not abandon the Quran if one stops at the end of a surah. However, Shariah suggests that Muslims recite five verses from the next surah. Shariah distinguishes between where one begins reciting the Quran and where one ends. One may begin with the sixth verse of a surah, but may not stop at the twelfth verse of a twenty-five verse surah.

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To hear Hollywood and the media tell it, American Muslims were the ultimate victims of 9/11. What nonsense.