Is it permissible to recite Surahs while walking?
According to Sunni scholarship, it is permissible to recite Surahs while walking. This is supported by a narration in Sahih al-Bukhari, where it is reported: I saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) reciting while he was on his riding camel or mule as it was moving. He was reciting Surah Al-Fath or part of Surah Al-Fath with a gentle recitation, and he was reciting while facing backwards.
Sahih al-Bukhari 66:71. This indicates that the Prophet ﷺ practiced reciting the Qur'an even during movement, showing the flexibility allowed in the act of recitation.
Similarly, Shia scholarship reflects a similar understanding. Al-Kafi relates a narration where it is stated: If you fear, pray on the mount all the prescribed prayers and others, and when you recite Al-Hamd and a surah, it is more beloved to me, and I do not see any blame on what you have done.
Al-Kafi 4:820. This highlights that reciting portions of the Qur'an while on the move, such as while riding, is accepted and encouraged.
For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
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Sahih al-Bukhari 66:71
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 66, Hadith 71 · Narrated by Abdullah bin Mughafal
I saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) reciting while he was on his riding camel or mule as it was moving. He was reciting Surah Al-Fath or part of Surah Al-Fath with a gentle recitation, and he was reciting while facing backwards.
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Al-Kafi 4:820
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 820
The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said to Fatimah (peace be upon her), "Get up and bring out that scroll." She rose and brought out a scroll containing boiled meat and broth. The Prophet, Ali, Fatimah, Al-Hasan, and Al-Husayn ate from it for thirteen days. Then Umm Ayman saw Husayn with some of it and asked, "Where did you get this?" He said, "We have been eating it for days." Umm Ayman went to Fatimah and told her, "If there is something at Umm Ayman’s, it is for Fatimah and her children, and if it is with Fatimah, Umm Ayman has no share in it." Fatimah gave her some, and Umm Ayman ate from it. When the scroll was finished, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said to her, "Had you not fed it, you and your descendants would have eaten from it until the Hour arises." Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) said, "We have the scroll, and our Qa'im will bring it out in his time." — OR — I asked, "When on the road to Mecca, if we stop to pray in places where Bedouins are, should we pray the prescribed prayers on the ground reciting only Al-Fatiha, or pray on the mount reciting the entire Al-Fatiha and the surah?" He said, "If you fear, pray on the mount all the prescribed prayers and others, and when you recite Al-Hamd and a surah, it is more beloved to me, and I do not see any blame on what you have done."
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