Is it permissible for a shaykh to recite the Qur’an between the Adhan and the Iqamah in the mosque, sometimes delaying the prayer and causing disturbance to the worshippers, while citing Allah’s saying: "And when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy" to justify abandoning the Sunnah prayer?

Reciting the Qur’an at special occasions is an innovation (bid‘ah) for which it is impermissible to take payment. A person reciting aloud in the mosque between the Adhan and Iqamah is inappropriate due to the potential harms it entails, such as disturbing those performing prayer and other reciters. He does not have the freedom to act in such a manner in a public place for Muslims. Similarly, it is not permissible for him to delay the prayer beyond its prescribed time merely for recitation. Listening to the Qur’an is not obligatory outside of prayer. We advise gentleness in counselling this person.